Vegan Shredded Chicken

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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.

🧾 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.

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

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