Whether you’re reducing meat for health reasons, going vegetarian, or simply exploring new foods, the good news is this: vegetarian chicken alternatives have never tasted better. From realistic textures to crispy coatings to juicy, high-protein options, there’s something for everyone—no matter your cooking style or flavor preference.

This guide breaks down 15 of the best vegetarian chicken substitutes, what they taste like, and how to use them in your favorite recipes. Each option is taste-tested and easy to cook, making your plant-based meals exciting—not boring.

Let’s get into it.

What Makes a Good Vegetarian Chicken Substitute?

A great chicken substitute checks at least a few of these boxes:

• High protein (similar to chicken)
• Versatile texture — shreddable, firm, or crispy
• Neutral flavor that absorbs seasoning
• Easy to cook
• Healthy and made from simple ingredients

The options below hit those marks and more.

15 Best Vegetarian Chicken Alternatives (Taste-Tested)

1. Tofu (Extra-Firm or Firm)

Tofu is the OG plant-based chicken alternative for a reason.

Taste & Texture

• Mild flavor
• Easily absorbs marinades
• Can be crispy, chewy, or soft depending on cooking

Best Uses

• Stir-fries
• Baked tofu nuggets
• Grill cubes for salads
• Shredded tofu “chicken” tacos

Why It Works

Tofu becomes wonderfully chewy when pressed and cooked properly. It’s a blank canvas with endless possibilities.

2. Tempeh

A nutty, firm, high-protein option that’s perfect for savory meals.

Taste & Texture

• Earthy flavor
• Solid, meat-like texture
• Great for slicing or cubing

Best Uses

• BBQ tempeh strips
• Chicken-style sandwiches
• Sheet-pan meals
• Skewers and kebabs

Taste-Test Note

Marinating tempeh makes a huge difference—it absorbs flavor quickly.

3. Seitan (Wheat Meat)

If you want the closest texture to real chicken, seitan is unbeatable.

Taste & Texture

• Extremely meaty, chewy, and tender
• Takes on seasoning very well

Best Uses

• Stir-fry chicken strips
• Vegan chicken wings
• Shredded chicken for pasta
• Breaded cutlets

Taste-Test Note

Many restaurants use seitan in place of chicken because the texture is so convincing.

4. Soy Curls

One of the most underrated vegan chicken substitutes.

Taste & Texture

• Shredded chicken texture
• Neutral flavor
• Soft but firm when rehydrated

Best Uses

• Vegan chicken noodle soup
• Fajitas
• Sloppy joes
• Curry bowls

Why They’re Popular

Soy curls are minimally processed and extremely versatile.

5. Jackfruit

The famous pulled-chicken/pulled-pork plant-based star.

Taste & Texture

• Shreddable
• Mild flavor
• Soft but satisfying

Best Uses

• BBQ sandwiches
• Tacos
• Wraps
• Sweet-and-spicy bowls

Taste-Test Note

Not ideal for crispy dishes, but amazing for shredded chicken recipes.

6. Chickpea Cutlets

Homemade, protein-packed, and full of flavor.

Taste & Texture

• Firm and slightly chewy
• Mild chickpea taste that pairs well with spices

Best Uses

• Breaded patties
• Vegan chicken burgers
• Sheet-pan dinners

Why It’s Great

You can make them with pantry ingredients: chickpeas, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.

7. Cauliflower

Surprisingly good in place of chicken—especially when battered.

Taste & Texture

• Tender bite
• Crispy outside when baked or fried
• Mild flavor

Best Uses

• Buffalo cauliflower “wings”
• Chicken-style popcorn bites
• Teriyaki cauliflower

Taste-Test Note

Perfect for snacks and party platters.

8. Mushrooms (King Oyster or Portobello)

Nature’s easiest shredded meat replacement.

Taste & Texture

• Meaty, juicy, umami-rich
• King oysters shred beautifully
• Portobellos work well sliced

Best Uses

• Shredded “chicken” tacos
• Alfredo pasta
• Stir-fries
• Wraps

Taste-Test Note

Mushrooms offer one of the most chicken-like textures in natural produce.

9. Lentil Patties

High-protein, budget-friendly, and versatile.

Taste & Texture

• Firm and slightly crispy
• Savory and filling

Best Uses

• Chicken-style patties
• Sandwiches
• Meal prep bowls
• Salads

Why It Works

Lentils bind well and shape easily, making them excellent for patties.

10. Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets

The most kid-friendly option on the list.

Taste & Texture

• Crispy outside
• Soft, meaty inside
• Very close to real chicken

Best Uses

• Snack plates
• Tacos
• Salads
• Pasta topping

Popular Brands

• Beyond
• Impossible
• Gardein
• MorningStar Farms

11. Vegan Chicken Strips

A go-to for stir-fries and pasta.

Taste & Texture

• Realistic texture
• Seasoned or unseasoned options available

Best Uses

• Wraps
• Pasta dishes
• Grain bowls
• Soups

Taste-Test Note

Works well for quick 10-minute meals.

12. Quorn Meatless Pieces

A unique mycoprotein-based alternative.

Taste & Texture

• Surprisingly close to chicken
• Firm and tender
• Mild flavor

Best Uses

• Curry
• Stir-fry
• Pasta
• Skewers

Why It Stands Out

Mycoprotein has a unique “bite” that many meat-eaters enjoy.

13. Green Pea Protein Chicken

A newer, protein-rich option.

Taste & Texture

• Similar to chicken breast
• Juicy and firm
• Mild flavor that seasons well

Best Uses

• Grilled strips
• Salad toppings
• BBQ skewers

Taste-Test Note

Excellent for high-protein vegetarian meals.

14. Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese)

Not strictly vegan but a delicious vegetarian chicken alternative.

Taste & Texture

• Soft, chewy, creamy
• Holds shape well
• Mild flavor

Best Uses

• Tikka skewers
• Grilled cubes
• Curry bowls
• Wraps and rolls

Taste-Test Note

Paneer soaks up marinade beautifully.

15. Halloumi Cheese

Another vegetarian but not vegan option.

Taste & Texture

• Firm, squeaky texture
• Doesn’t melt
• Crispy outside when grilled or pan-fried

Best Uses

• Halloumi “chicken” bites
• BBQ sandwiches
• Pasta toppers
• Skewers

Why It Works

It has the same satisfaction level as chicken—but with a salty twist.

Tips for Cooking Vegetarian Chicken Alternatives

1. Marinate generously

Nearly all substitutes benefit from strong seasoning.

2. Cook on high heat

Searing or grilling improves texture and flavor.

3. Add sauces

Buffalo, BBQ, teriyaki, garlic butter—everything tastes better sauced.

4. Mix textures

Combine chewy (seitan) with soft (tofu) for variety.

5. Don’t overcook soy-based meats

They can get tough if left on the heat too long.

FAQ: Vegetarian Chicken Alternatives

1. What’s the closest vegetarian option to real chicken?

Seitan and plant-based chicken strips offer the most realistic texture.

2. What’s the healthiest vegetarian chicken substitute?

Tofu, tempeh, jackfruit, and soy curls are minimally processed and nutritious.

3. Are vegetarian chicken alternatives high in protein?

Yes. Options like tofu, tempeh, seitan, peas, lentils, and many store-bought strips are protein-rich.

4. Can I use vegetarian chicken substitutes in any recipe?

Absolutely! Most substitutes work in stir-fries, tacos, pasta, curries, salads, and sandwiches.

5. Are these options vegan?

Most are, except paneer and halloumi (vegetarian but dairy-based).