Best Vegan Chicken Drumsticks | Vegan Drumstick Recipe (2024)

Best Vegan Chicken Drumsticks | Vegan Drumstick Recipe (1)I’m SO excited to finally show you my vegan chicken drumsticks recipe. It’s so tasty and truly is a faux chicken drumstick to trick your friends & family!

You’ve probably seen many medieval movies or Game of Thrones episodes where they eat the stereotypical drumsticks at dinner and I figured I would challenge myself to make my own vegan drumstick! This recipe might seem a little tricky to a beginner cook, but don’t be scared!

I’ve created easy-to-follow instructions! You can also watch me on YouTube show you how to make it!

Give it a shot because you will surprise yourself and people you choose to eat it with. My non-vegan friends were shocked by how much this looked like “the real thing”.

People will be so shocked by how good this vegan chicken replacement is, that they’ll have a “bone” to pick with you for not cooking it earlier. Sorry, couldn’t resist that pun.

Best Vegan Chicken Drumsticks | Vegan Drumstick Recipe (2)Related Recipe: Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Nuggets – Vegan Version

Hey I’m Candice & welcome to The Edgy Veg! I veganize popular food recipes for vegans, plant-based diets, eco-conscious eaters & people who are trying to eat more plants… instead of y’know animals or animals products. Hope you enjoy my tasty recipes!

How To Make: Vegan Chicken Drumsticks

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WHERE TO BEGIN:

If you want to view or print the recipe card, just scroll down for the full list of ingredients & simple instructions on how to make these Vegan Chicken Drumsticks.

Typically, vegan chicken swaps are made of tofu, seitan, cauliflower, or jackfruit. This recipe uses all of my best vegan chicken hacks at once to create the ultimate vegan chicken drumsticks recipe

You can enjoy this recipe with family, use for meal prep, or freeze for future use! I’ve given you two sauce options for this recipe (one for my gluten-free friends!), whether you like your drumsticks saucy or breaded. I’ve given you the best of both worlds! Leave a comment below if you prefer saucy or breaded 🙂

Best Vegan Chicken Drumsticks | Vegan Drumstick Recipe (3)

Some of the most common recipes that people look for are tasty vegan swaps for chicken products. I’ve done lots on this blog, as well as on my YouTube Channel. From my Google #1 Ranked Vegan Chicken Wings, to the fan favorite Vegan KFC Fried Chicken or Vegan Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich.

INGREDIENTS FOR VEGAN CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

For the Vegan Drumsticks:

For Saucy Drumsticks:

For Breaded Drumsticks:

Best Vegan Chicken Drumsticks | Vegan Drumstick Recipe (4)INSTRUCTIONS FOR VEGAN CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

  1. To start making the vegan chicken, in a medium-size pot, whisk together no-chicken broth, nutritional yeast, poultry seasoning, onion powder, and liquid smoke.
  2. Add jackfruit, and bring to a boil. Stirring constantly.
  3. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered for another 10 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated. Remove the pot from heat and set aside.
  5. In a small blender or bowl with a whisk, whip together mung bean starch and silken tofu.
  6. Add water 1 tsp at a time as needed (only if you feel that it is too dry).
  7. Add to the jackfruit mixture 1 tbsp at a time and mix until it starts to come together.
  8. Fill a shallow bowl with warm water and soften the rice paper by soaking each sheet for about 30 seconds. Remove the rice paper from the bowl and place the rice paper on a flat surface and using a sharp knife, cut in half.
  9. Place 2-3 tbsp of the jackfruit mixture onto the rice paper, then if you’re using a faux “bone”, place one ‘bone’ on top. For mine, I prefer to use small bamboo sticks. You can also use sugar cane swizzle sticks, cauliflower stems, or have boneless wings.
  10. Cover the faux “bone” with jackfruit and wrap the rice paper around the jackfruit mixture, leaving the bone exposed (exactly like a chicken wing). Set aside and repeat.

TIP: Make larger bundles if you are mimicking fried “chicken” instead.

NOTE: If you are using cauliflower for ‘bones’: Take your cauliflower and cut off all leaves as close to the stem as you can, whilst making sure to not cut off any of the stem. Cut the whole cauliflower into quarters, slicing from the stem to the florets of the cauliflower – you want to keep the stem attached to the florets as this is what will make your ‘bone’ and also hold onto the mixture of the jackfruit. Cut off the majority of the florets of each cauliflower quarter, so that you get the basic shape of a drumstick. See images for a guide as to how this should look before moving on to the next step.

Best Vegan Chicken Drumsticks | Vegan Drumstick Recipe (5)If you want Saucy Drumsticks (GLUTEN-FREE OPTION)

Whisk together the barbecue and hot sauces in a bowl. Add more of either or both sauces if you’d like your wings extra saucy. Coat each wing in the sauce and cook according to your preferred cooking method.

Air Fryer: Place wings into the air fryer basket and cook at 375F for roughly 10 mins.

OR

Oven: Place wings on a lined baking sheet and broil for 8-12 minutes, turning every 2 minutes until they are lightly charred on all sides.

Toss wings in more sauce and serve.

Best Vegan Chicken Drumsticks | Vegan Drumstick Recipe (6)If you want Breaded Drumsticks

Heat a pot of vegetable oil, filled less than halfway to the top, to 350F.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together aquafaba and hot sauce. In another bowl, combine flour, cajun spice, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, onion powder, and sea salt. Dredge each wing in the flour mixture, then the aquafaba mixture, back into the flour mixture, then into the hot oil.

Fry until golden brown, about 2-4 minutes. Then place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any access oil.

Recipe for Vegan Chicken Drumsticks

4.7 from 20 reviews

Best Vegan Chicken Drumsticks

Prep time

Cook time

Total time

Get ready to devour these delicious vegan chicken drumsticks! This recipe will shock your non-vegan friends and show them vegan food tastes delicious.

Author: The Edgy Veg

Recipe type: Main

Cuisine: American

Serves: 4 Servings

Ingredients

For the Wings:

For Saucy Wings:

For Breaded Wings:

Instructions

  1. In a medium size pot, whisk together no-chicken broth, nutritional yeast, poultry seasoning, onion powder and liquid smoke.
  2. Add jackfruit, and bring to a boil. Stirring stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 10 mins.
  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered for another 10 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated.
  4. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. In a small blender or bowl with a whisk, whip together mung bean starch and silken tofu. Add water 1 tsp at a time as needed (if any). Add to the jackfruit mixture 1 tbsp at a time and mix until it starts to come together.
  6. Fill a shallow bowl with warm water and soften the rice paper by soaking each sheet for about 30 seconds.
  7. Remove from the bowl and place the rice paper on a flat surface and using a sharp knife, cut in half.
  8. Place 2-3 tbsp of the jackfruit mixture onto the rice paper, then if you’re using a “bone”, place one 'bones' on top.
  9. If you are using a cauliflower: Take your cauliflower and cut off all leaves as close to the stem as you can, whilst making sure to not cut off any of the stems. Cut the whole cauliflower into quarters, slicing from the stem to the florets of the cauliflower - you want to keep the stem attached to the florets as this is what will make your 'bone' and also hold onto the flesh of the jackfruit. Cut off the majority of the florets of each cauliflower quarter, so that you get the basic shape of a drumstick. See images for a guide as to how this should look before moving on to the next step.
  10. Cover the bone with jackfruit and wrap the rice paper around the jackfruit flesh, leaving the bone exposed (exactly like a chicken wing). Set aside and repeat.
  11. NOTE: Make larger bundles if mimicking fried chicken.

Option 1: Saucy Wings

  1. Whisk barbecue and hot sauces in a bowl. Add more of either or both sauces if desired. Coat each wing in the sauce and cook according to your preferred cooking method.
  2. (Air Fryer: Place wings into the air fryer basket and cook at 375F for roughly 10 mins. OR Oven: Place wings on a lined baking sheet and broil for 8-12 minutes, turning every 2 minutes until they are lightly charred on all sides.)
  3. Toss wings in more sauce and serve.

Option 2: Breaded Wings

  1. Heat a pot of vegetable oil, filled less than halfway to the top, to 350F.
  2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together aquafaba and hot sauce.
  3. In another bowl, combine flour, cajun spice, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, onion powder, and sea salt.
  4. Dredge each wing in the flour mixture, then the aquafaba mixture, back into the flour mixture, then into the hot oil.
  5. Fry until golden brown, about 2-4 minutes.
  6. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any access oil.

___________

If you make this Vegan Chicken Drumstick recipe, let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It truly helps me & I really appreciate any support! Feel free to share your food creation on social and tag me @edgyveg on your photo so I don’t miss it!

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Best Vegan Chicken Drumsticks | Vegan Drumstick Recipe (8)

For more easy, delicious veganrecipes, check out the links below!

  • Vegan Buffalo Wings
  • Vegan Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich
  • KFC Nashville Hot Fried Chicken using Cauliflower
  • Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
  • Vegan Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Nuggets
  • Buffalo Chicken Caesar Wrap

Best Vegan Chicken Drumsticks | Vegan Drumstick Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a vegan drumstick made of? ›

These awesome vegan drumsticks are made with a savory chicken-like seitan, covered in rice paper (which really does feel and taste like the skin once you roast it), dredged in a crispy batter, and then coated with a super flavorful sauce and roasted to perfection.

Are vegan drumsticks healthy? ›

They are a healthy and tasty plant based protein alternative to traditional wings and are easy to make (no really, I promise!) They have a meat-like texture (including crispy skin) and so delicious that I bet even the meat eaters will love it.

How do you cook frozen vegan drumsticks? ›

Preheat the oven to 400°F (or 200°C). Place the frozen vegan chicken drumsticks on a baking tray, and bake for 30 minutes.

Why are my drumsticks not crispy? ›

Low Temperature: Baking chicken at too low a temperature can result in a lack of crispiness. To achieve crispy chicken skin, bake the chicken at a higher temperature, typically between 375°F to 425°F (190°C to 220°C), depending on the recipe and the size of the chicken pieces.

What are plant-based drumsticks? ›

Drumstick Plant Based/Vegan

The Classic Vanilla Drumstick that you know and love, now Plant Based. A creamy vanilla base, with decadent choc topping and crunchy peanuts, all encased in a crispy wafer cone. Non Dairy Based.

Are there vegan drumsticks? ›

Although these drumstick lollies contain gelatine, it is still entirely possible to get a blast of the past in the form of Drumstick Choos and Drumstick Soft Chew packs. Swizzels updated the ingredients in these in the last few years, removing the gelatin from them and making them vegan friendly.

Who should not eat drumstick? ›

Eating drumsticks in huge amounts may lower blood pressure and slow heart rate due to an abundance of alkaloids. Consuming the bark of drumstick may induce uterine contractions. It is also not advisable to take drumstick with thyroid medication.

Is vegan chicken better for you than real chicken? ›

Vegan chicken is lower in cholesterol, calories, fats, and sodium. Vegan chicken matches up the taste of real chicken because of the substitutes used in preparing it without many health and environmental risks compared to traditional chicken.

Is vegan chicken better than chicken? ›

Similarly, compared to their animal product counterparts, vegan chicken products are indeed healthier. They contain equal amounts of protein to real chicken, higher amounts of fibre, and lower amounts of total fat and saturated fat.

Do you have to thaw drumsticks before cooking? ›

The legs can be safely cooked in the oven from frozen without thawing, although there are some important points to keep in mind -- namely cooking temperature and seasoning.

Can you pan fry frozen chicken drumsticks? ›

Fortunately, we can all take a collective sigh of relief, because the USDA says it is fine to cook chicken from frozen, just keep in mind that the cooking time will be about 50 percent longer. However, chicken should never be cooked from frozen in a slow cooker or microwave.

Can you cook plant based chicken from frozen? ›

Cooking Instructions

For best results pan fry from frozen. PAN: Heat oil in a non-stick pan on a medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 18 minutes, turning regularly.

Is it better to bake drumsticks at 350 or 400? ›

What temperature do you cook chicken drumsticks? We have found that baking chicken drumsticks at 400°F gives the best results for juicy, moist dark meat with crispy skin.

Why does baking soda make chicken skin crispy? ›

Baking soda works similarly to salt, in that it helps draw moisture to the surface of the chicken. This then quickly evaporates, leading to a drier- thinner skin ― that's much more likely to crisp up. Baking soda and salt go great together in a dry brine because of the drying and crispifying (yep) effects they combine.

Should I use cornstarch or flour for crispy chicken? ›

INGREDIENTS TIPS

My not-so-secret tip to the best fried chicken is a combination of FLOUR, CORNSTARCH, and BAKING POWDER. When mixed with the flour, the cornstarch makes the flour coating crispier and gives it that golden brown color!

What is the ingredient in plant-based chicken? ›

Although components vary, certain materials are commonly used in meat and meat-free chicken products. These include water, wheat flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and other spices. The main difference is that plant-based chicken is usually made from soy protein and wheat gluten instead of animal flesh.

What is vegan fried chicken made of? ›

Seitan, in this case. However this really depends on which recipe or product you use. Some recipes use pea protein or soy protein. Alternatively you can simply used clusters of oyster mushrooms, since their texture is naturally so meaty.

Is vegan chicken actually vegan? ›

What is vegan chicken? As the name implies, there are no real chickens involved in the making of vegan chicken. Instead, brands use a number of different plant-based ingredients, like soy, pea protein, and even jackfruit, to recreate the same taste and texture as the real thing.

Are plant-based drumsticks dairy free? ›

Drumstick Plant Based is the perfect summer treat for vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians, those that are dairy free, those that are making more plant-based choices and those that want delicious ice cream.

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