Looking for a plant-based meat substitute that mimics the texture of shredded chicken? This vegan shredded chicken recipe is made using only one ingredient – mushrooms. It is 100% plant-based and perfectly replicates the texture of chicken.
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It can be difficult to find a good vegan shredded chicken substitute, but this recipe is a great solution. It is a great way to add variety to your vegan meals and is also a healthy option.
For more delicious recipes that mic classic meat-based dishes, try my Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese, Vegan Eggplant Meatballs Spaghetti, or Vegan Burger Patties.
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❤️ Why you’ll love it
I absolutely love how mushrooms can be used to make vegan shredded “chicken” that is so close to the real thing. It is a simple, affordable, and delicious alternative to using processed meat substitutes.
The oyster mushrooms used in this recipe are a pantry staple for me. They have a tough, spongy texture that is perfect for replicating the texture of chicken. Plus, they have a quite neutral flavor that allows them to soak up any seasoning or marinade you add, just like regular chicken.
Using mushrooms in this way is a great example of how plant-based cooking can be creative and versatile.
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🧾 Key ingredients
This vegan shredded chicken recipe calls for simple, plant-based ingredients that are easily accessible. You may even have most of these in your kitchen already.
Oyster mushrooms are the star of this dish. When shredded, they have a remarkably similar texture to pulled chicken. It is important to note that regular oyster mushrooms, not the king variety, work best for this recipe.
Homemade buffalo sauce adds a spicy, tangy flavor that is characteristic of buffalo chicken dishes. The combination of Frank’s Red Hot, cashew nuts (or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option), and a variety of seasonings lends this sauce its classic flavor.
🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
🥘 Equipment
For this vegan shredded chicken recipe, a high-speed blender is essential. It allows you to quickly and easily make the homemade buffalo sauce, which is a key component of this dish.
👩🍳 Instructions
Preparing the ingredients
STEP 1
Start by gently washing your king oyster mushrooms to remove any dirt. You can use a colander or a sieve for this. Once washed, dry the mushrooms with a paper towel or a clean kitchen cloth. There is no need to peel the mushrooms.
STEP 2
Next, cut the mushrooms into two parts: the stem and the cap. The cap will be used to make the shredded chicken, so focus on this part. Use your hands to tear the cap into small shreds. You can use the horizontal gills or lamellae of the mushrooms as a guide for this. If the stem is soft enough, you can also shred it.
STEP 3
Transfer the shredded mushrooms to a large bowl. Here you will add your favorite marinade and spice mix. Gently toss the mushrooms in this mixture, ensuring that they are thoroughly coated. A spatula works well for this.
Making the vegan shredded chicken
STEP 1
Preheat your oven to 425 Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating, prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
STEP 2
Spread the marinated shredded mushrooms in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This will help them cook evenly and become crispy.
STEP 3
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the mushrooms for about 20 minutes. Once they are crispy and slightly brown, they are ready to be used as vegan shredded chicken in your favorite recipes.
💡 Expert tip
The key to achieving the perfect vegan shredded chicken texture with oyster mushrooms is the shredding. When shredding the mushrooms, pay attention to the texture. Ensure that the strips are thin and uneven, following the natural lines of the mushroom, this will help them resemble shredded chicken
🔄 Variations
If you are a fan of bold flavors, consider adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika to the buffalo sauce. This will give your vegan shredded chicken a smoky twist that is perfect for wraps, sandwiches, or salads.
If you prefer a milder version of this recipe, try using barbecue sauce instead of the buffalo sauce. It will give the shredded mushrooms a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, which is perfect for topping a vegan pizza or stuffing into a baked sweet potato.
🥣 Serving ideas
This vegan shredded chicken is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. I love using it in my favorite Mexican dishes. It is a great addition to vegan fajitas, and it pairs perfectly with a homemade spice mix.
You can also use it to make some delicious sliders. Try making BBQ chicken sliders using a homemade vegan BBQ sauce. You can also make buffalo chicken sliders and serve them with a side of coleslaw for a perfect meal.
It is also a great addition to your favorite Mexican dishes. You can add it to your tacos, enchiladas, or even a bowl of chili for a hearty, comforting meal. It also goes well with a copycat Chipotle veggie bowl or a vegan burrito.
❄️ Storing tips
Storing and reheating this vegan shredded chicken dish is easy, and the best part is that the flavors only get better over time.
To store, allow the dish to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtightly sealed container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days.
I do not recommend freezing this dish. The oyster mushrooms have a high water content, and when they are frozen and then thaw, they can become mushy and lose their meaty texture.
To reheat, simply place the dish in a pan on the stovetop and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. I recommend stirring the dish every 30 seconds to ensure that it heats evenly.
🤔 FAQs
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, this recipe can be spicy, depending on the amount of buffalo sauce you use. If you prefer a milder version, you can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your preference.
Do I have to use a blender for the buffalo sauce?
Yes, to achieve the right consistency, the buffalo sauce needs to be blended until smooth. If you do not have a blender, you can use a food processor, but a blender is the best option.
How do I know when the mushrooms are done?
The mushrooms should be tender and slightly crispy around the edges when they are done. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from burning.
More vegan mushroom recipes
You can browse through our Vegan Gluten-free Mushroom Recipes or check out
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Vegan Shredded Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
Vegan shredded “chicken”
- 14 oz Oyster mushrooms not king oyster, but regular
- ¼ cup Homemade Buffalo Sauce see ingredients below
Homemade Buffalo Sauce (other marinade ides in the Notes below)
- ½ cup Frank’s Red Hot
- ¼ cup Veggie broth
- ¼ cup Cashew nuts use sunflower seeds for nut-free
- 1 Tbsp White wine vinegar
- ¼ tsp Garlic powder
- ¼ tsp Onion powder
- 2 tsp Maple syrup
- 1 tsp Soy sauce or tamari
Instructions
Homemade Buffalo Sauce
- Add all sauce ingredients in a blender and blend them until smooth.
Making vegan shredded chicken
- Gently wash any dirt off of them by using a colander or a sieve. Dry them with a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth. Do not peel them.
- Then cut each of them into two parts 1) stem and 2) cap. Tear the cap into small shreds with your hands. The horizontal gills/lamellae of the mushrooms will be your guide. If the stem is soft enough you can shred them as well. The goal is to have thin strips of mushrooms that are uneven and not cut clean.
- Take a large bowl and add the mushroom strips. Use your favorite marinade and spice mix and gently cover them thoroughly using a spatula. (Marinade and serving suggestions in the Notes and above the recipe.)
- Pre-heat oven to 425 Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) and baked them for 20 minutes. Use it in your favorite recipe.
Notes
- make vegan portobello fajitas using a homemade spice mix
- make bbq chicken sliders using homemade vegan bbq sauce with coleslaw
- add it to this vegan buffalo chicken dip or make buffalo chicken sliders
- add it to this copycat chipotle veggie bowl or this copycat chipotle vegan burrito
- wrap it in a tortilla and make cream cheese pinwheels
- make perfect vegan gyros or vegan philly cheesesteak
- add it to taco, enchilada, or vegan chili with beans
- top your pizza with it
- add it to your favorite salads, like caesar
- make vegan chicken tamales
- top your baked potatoes
Nicki
Do you know how long this stays fresh? And can it be frozen? Hoping to make a bunch to get us through various recipes this holiday season.
Nandor
I would store them in the fridge for 3-4 days. As time goes on, they will lose their crispiness. Before serving, you can either reheat them under the boiler or pan-fry them for 1-2 minutes if you want the same crispy texture. It can be frozen, but the same thing goes here as well. They will be soft after they are thaw.