If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative to chicken, tofu chicken breast is the perfect solution! This recipe transforms humble tofu into a crispy, golden brown, and savory dish that mimics the texture of chicken breast. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or simply trying to incorporate more meat-free meals into your diet, tofu chicken breast is an easy recipe that will impress even the most skeptical eaters.
Why Choose Tofu as a Chicken Substitute?
Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be marinated, cooked, and flavored in countless ways. It’s a fantastic option for home cooks looking for a meat-like texture without the animal products. Plus, tofu is packed with protein, low in calories, and contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a nutritional powerhouse. I find this recipe a great vegan chicken recipe alternative, but another great option is seitan chicken.
The Ingredients You’ll Need To Make These Tofu Chicken Breasts
Main Ingredients
- Tofu: We’ll use a block of extra firm tofu for this recipe. Make sure to freeze and thaw it for a better texture and to get a more crispy tofu texture. Tofu adds a great protein source.
- Vegan Butter: This helps give the tofu a rich, buttery finish.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic adds bold flavor to the final dish.
Marinade Ingredients
- Olive Oil: For a hint of richness and to help the tofu crisp up.
- Soy Sauce or Tamari: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the tofu.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Enhance the depth of flavor in the tofu.
- Poultry Seasoning: A blend that brings the classic “chicken” flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly spicy kick.
- Vegetable Broth: A key ingredient for infusing moisture and flavor into the tofu.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu
Extra firm tofu is ideal for this recipe. Freezing and thawing the block of tofu creates a texture that’s more meat-like and allows the marinade to soak in better. If you prefer a softer bite, use firm tofu, but avoid silken tofu as it won’t hold its shape.
Vegan Butter
You can substitute vegan butter with neutral oils like vegetable oil or olive oil. However, using vegan butter will give a richer, savory finish.
Seasoning Substitutions
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you don’t have poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning works well as a replacement. For extra flavor, try adding nutritional yeast or swapping paprika with smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Helpful Tools for Tofu Chicken
Knife & Cutting Board
These are essential for slicing the tofu into even, chicken breast-like pieces.
Non-stick Pan
A good non-stick pan will help you cook the tofu evenly and prevent sticking, which is crucial for achieving the perfect golden brown crust.
Mixing Bowl & Whisk
You’ll need these to prepare the marinade, ensuring that all ingredients are well-combined.
Tongs
Tongs make it easier to flip the tofu pieces without breaking them, especially when they are delicate and cooking in the marinade.
How to Make Tofu Chicken Breast
Preparing the Tofu
Start by freezing and thawing your tofu. This simple step transforms the tofu’s texture, giving it a firmer, more meat-like consistency. Press the tofu to remove excess water before cutting.
Cutting the Tofu
Slice the tofu block into three equal slabs.
For a more realistic chicken breast shape, trim the corners and round the edges.
Make small diagonal cuts on top of each tofu piece to help the marinade absorb more thoroughly.
Marinating the Tofu
In a shallow dish, whisk together the vegetable broth, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, soy sauce, and poultry seasoning.
Submerge the tofu pieces in the marinade and let them sit in the fridge for at least an hour, flipping halfway through to ensure even absorption.
Cooking the Tofu
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
Add the tofu and the marinade to the pan, cooking until the liquid reduces.
Once reduced, cook the tofu until it turns golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Add vegan butter and minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute or two, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
Spoon the garlic butter over the tofu pieces before serving.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Tofu Chicken Breast
Freezing Tofu for the Best Texture
Freezing tofu changes its texture, making it chewier and more meat-like. Always freeze your tofu for the best results in this recipe.
Marinade Absorption Tips
Cutting diagonal lines into the tofu helps the marinade penetrate deeper, making every bite flavorful.
Achieving Golden Brown Tofu
Cook the tofu over medium-high heat and ensure your pan is hot before adding the tofu to prevent it from sticking. Use a little oil to help crisp the outside for a golden brown finish.
FAQs
Extra firm tofu is the best choice because it holds its shape and creates the perfect meat-like texture.
Yes! You can bake the marinated tofu at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s golden and crispy.
Absolutely. Cook the tofu at 375°F in an air fryer for 10-12 minutes for a crispy texture without using as much oil.
While tofu doesn’t taste exactly like chicken, when seasoned and cooked properly, it offers a satisfying, savory, and crispy bite that can easily replace chicken in many dishes.
Garlic Butter Tofu Chicken Breast
Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 block extra firm tofu that's been frozen and thawed
- 2 tbsp vegan butter
- 4 cloves minced garlic
Marinade
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp poultry seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup vegetable broth
Instructions
- *Make sure the tofu block has been frozen and thawed. This drastically improves the texture, and also helps the marinade to absorb all the way into the tofu.
Cutting the Tofu
- Cut the tofu in 3 equal slabs lengthwise. Cut them into chicken breast like shapes if desired by cutting off the corners, and rounding the edges. See photos for reference.
- Cut 4 or 5 diagonal lines into the top of each tofu piece.
Marinade
- In a shallow dish, add veggie broth, olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, soy sauce, and poultry seasoning. Whisk to combine.
- Add the cut tofu pieces into the marinade and allow to sit for at least 1 hour in the fridge. Flip them halfway for equal absorption.
Cooking the Tofu
- In a non-stick pan on medium heat, add the tofu pieces and the marinade. Cook until the marinade has reduced.
- Keep cooking the tofu until it is golden brown on each side. About 2-3 mins per side. Add 1 tbsp of oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Once the tofu is golden brown, move it over to one side of the pan to make room for the garlic butter.
- Add in the vegan butter and minced garlic into the same pan and cook for about 1-2 mins stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the garlic butter on top of each piece of tofu, serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Tofu Chicken Breast
Tofu chicken breast is a delicious way to incorporate plant-based meals into your routine without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you pan-fry it, bake it, or use an air fryer, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorite ways to enjoy tofu and is a great way to make vegan chicken breasts. With a simple marinade, easy cooking techniques, and versatile substitutions, tofu chicken breast is an essential recipe for home cooks everywhere. You will love this tofu recipe.
This was amazing! Loved the flavor and the texture was great. I added this tofu chicken breast on a salad this week and was so nice and garlicky 😊
I’m so happy you loved the tofu chicken! That sounds so good on top of a salad i need to try that next time! and yess so garlicy which is my fave haha!
I had a lot of fun making this and carving the tofu into a chicken breast shape lol. But such a great recipe!!
haha thank you!! I thought it was fun too and I’m so glad you loved the recipe!
The garlic flavour was fantastic, I still eat dairy on occasion so I used a lot of real butter and it was super tasty! But working towards more plant based diet slowly.
Thank you so much Carly I agree I love that garlicy flavor! Love that you are trying out more plant based recipes but this one totally works with regular butter if you eat dairy 🙂
This was exactly what I have been looking for thank you for posting this recipe!!
So happy you loved it! thank you so much 🙂