Top Contenders for the Best Plant-Based Chicken
When searching for the perfect plant-based chicken, shoppers are met with a dizzying array of products. The best choice often comes down to what you're looking for: a realistic replication of traditional chicken, a specific texture for a recipe, or a simpler, whole-food option. We've broken down some of the most popular brands and product types to help you decide.
Gardein
Gardein has long been a staple in the plant-based and vegetarian market, offering a wide range of 'chick'n' products. Their Ultimate Plant-Based Chick'n Nuggets are often cited for their impressively chicken-like taste and texture, especially when air-fried. Reviewers praise their fibrous, meaty interior and crispy, golden-brown exterior that closely mimics fast-food style nuggets. They are made primarily from a blend of soy, wheat, and pea proteins. Gardein also offers unbreaded strips and spicy filets, providing versatility for different recipes like salads, wraps, and sandwiches.
Beyond Chicken
Beyond Meat, famous for its realistic ground beef and patties, also offers several strong plant-based chicken options. The Beyond Chicken Plant-Based Breaded Tenders are known for their authentic chicken flavor and hearty chew, which is derived from faba bean protein and wheat. However, some users have noted a slightly rubbery texture or that the breading can get mushy if not cooked properly, so an air fryer is often recommended. For unbreaded options, Beyond Chicken Pieces are lauded for their nutritional profile, boasting high protein and low saturated fat, making them ideal for stir-fries and fajitas.
Impossible Chicken
Impossible Foods' plant-based chicken nuggets are a strong contender in the market, praised for their ability to perfectly mimic the texture of traditional chicken nuggets. Made with soy protein, Impossible nuggets often earn high marks in blind taste tests for their savory, meaty bite. The company also offers patties, which are celebrated for their juicy interior and ability to stand up in sandwiches. While the texture is impressive, some breaded varieties have received mixed reviews for a somewhat sandy texture or inconsistent flavor. Impossible products are fortified with key nutrients like Vitamin B12 and zinc.
Daring Foods
If you're seeking a less processed, unbreaded chicken alternative, Daring Foods is a top choice. Their Plant Chicken Pieces, made from a simple list of ingredients including soy protein, are known for a remarkably authentic, shreddable chicken-like texture. Daring is available in various flavors like original, lemon and herb, and cajun, making it easy to use in dishes that require versatility, like salads, wraps, and tacos. They cook quickly and are suitable for grilling and searing, offering a clean, simple plant-based protein.
Whole-Food Plant-Based Alternatives
For those who prefer a less processed approach, several whole-food ingredients can replicate chicken in various recipes:
- Oyster Mushrooms: When fried, these provide an exceptionally chicken-like texture, making them ideal for vegan fried chicken.
- Young Jackfruit: The fibrous, stringy texture of unripe jackfruit, often sold in cans, is perfect for shredded chicken applications like BBQ sandwiches or tacos.
- Extra-Firm Tofu: A versatile classic, super-firm tofu can be marinated, grilled, or fried to a pleasantly chewy, chicken-like consistency.
- Soy Curls: Made from dehydrated, texturized whole soybeans, soy curls are a low-fat, high-protein option that excels in stir-fries and fajitas due to their ability to absorb flavor.
Comparison of Top Plant-Based Chicken Brands
| Feature | Beyond Chicken Tenders | Impossible Chicken Nuggets | Gardein Ultimate Nuggets | Daring Plant Chicken Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Authentic chicken flavor, grilling | Most realistic nugget texture | Crispy, fast-food style nuggets | Versatile, unbreaded strips |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Key Ingredients | Faba bean protein, wheat | Soy protein, sunflower oil | Soy, wheat, pea protein | Soy protein concentrate |
| Texture | Tender but can be slightly rubbery | Very meaty, fibrous interior | Fibrous and springy | Juicy, shreddable, fibrous |
| Cooking Method | Oven, air fryer (recommended) | Oven, air fryer, microwave | Oven, air fryer | Pan-fry, grill, braise |
| Notable | Faba bean base offers a soy-free protein | Fortified with Vitamin B12 and zinc | Long-standing brand with variety | Clean ingredients, cooks fast |
Health and Environmental Factors
Beyond just taste and texture, many consumers are turning to plant-based chicken for ethical, health, and environmental reasons. Compared to conventional chicken, plant-based alternatives can have a smaller carbon footprint, require less land and water, and contain no cholesterol. However, it is important to remember that many packaged plant-based products, though healthier in some aspects, are still processed foods. They can be high in sodium and may contain ingredients like vital wheat gluten and various emulsifiers. Choosing a whole-food alternative like mushrooms or jackfruit offers a less processed option, though it may lack some of the intense seasoning or realistic texture of packaged products. Ultimately, the best choice aligns with your dietary goals and lifestyle.
How to Choose Your Plant-Based Chicken
To find your ideal plant-based chicken, consider these steps:
- Determine your recipe: Are you making nuggets, stir-fry, or pulled chicken? This will guide your choice between breaded nuggets, unbreaded strips, or whole-food options like jackfruit.
- Evaluate texture: If you crave a meaty, fibrous texture, Impossible and Gardein are excellent breaded options, while Daring excels for unbreaded applications. For a shredded feel, jackfruit is a natural fit.
- Check ingredients and nutrition: Scan the label for protein sources (soy, wheat, pea), sodium content, and saturated fat levels. If you have allergies or want a less-processed option, consider whole-food alternatives.
- Experiment with cooking methods: An air fryer often produces the crispiest results for breaded products. For unbreaded versions, pan-frying, grilling, or braising can enhance flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Ultimately, there is no single "best" plant-based chicken, as the ideal choice depends on the specific dish and your personal preferences. For a quick and satisfying nugget, Gardein's Ultimate nuggets are a fan favorite for their crispy coating and realistic texture, often fooling even meat-eaters. For versatile, unbreaded pieces that can be shredded, Daring's simple-ingredient approach is hard to beat. Beyond Chicken offers an impressive chicken-like flavor, and whole-food options like oyster mushrooms provide delicious, unprocessed alternatives for specific recipes. By considering your cooking needs and what you value most in a plant-based alternative, you can find the perfect option to enjoy in your favorite meals. For more insights on the plant-based food industry, see the Good Food Institute's resources.
Quick-Fire Guide to Cooking Plant-Based Chicken
- Nuggets: Gardein Ultimate Nuggets or Impossible Nuggets are excellent. Cook in an air fryer for maximum crispiness.
- Stir-Fry: Beyond Chicken Pieces or Daring Plant Chicken Strips work well as they absorb flavors easily.
- Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: Canned young jackfruit's stringy texture is the perfect base for BBQ or buffalo-style sandwiches.
- Fried 'Chicken' Fillets: For a less processed option, oyster mushrooms create a remarkably meaty texture when fried.
- Grilling: Super-firm tofu, marinated and grilled, offers a great smoky, chewy texture.
