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These vegan chicken drumsticks are a fun and impressive plant based recipe that closely mimics the look and texture of traditional drumsticks.
While the process has a few steps, it is beginner friendly and well worth the effort. They make a great centerpiece for parties, family dinners, or anyone looking to surprise guests with a creative meat free dish.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Drumsticks
- 3 cups no chicken broth
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tsp poultry seasoning
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 20 drops liquid smoke
- 4 (20 oz) cans young green jackfruit, seeds and tough core removed
- 4 tbsp mung bean starch or tapioca starch
- 2 tbsp silken tofu
- 2 tsp water, as needed
- 24 round rice paper sheets
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Saucy Drumsticks
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot sauce
For Breaded Drumsticks
- Aquafaba from 1 can of chickpeas
- 3 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp sea salt
Instructions
- In a medium pot, whisk together the no chicken broth, nutritional yeast, poultry seasoning, onion powder, and liquid smoke.
- Add the jackfruit and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes.
- Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for another 10 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Remove from the heat.
- In a small blender or bowl, mix the mung bean starch, silken tofu, and water until smooth. Add the mixture to the jackfruit one tablespoon at a time, mixing until it holds together.
- Soak each rice paper sheet in warm water for about 30 seconds until softened. Cut each sheet in half.
- Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the jackfruit mixture onto a rice paper half. If using a vegan "bone" or a prepared cauliflower stem, place it on top.
- Shape the remaining jackfruit around the bone and wrap tightly with the rice paper, leaving the bone exposed. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Optional Cauliflower Bone
To create a natural looking drumstick bone, trim the leaves from a cauliflower while keeping the stems attached. Cut the cauliflower into quarters through the stem, then trim away most of the florets to create a drumstick shape. The stem acts as the exposed "bone."
Option 1: Saucy Drumsticks
- Mix the BBQ sauce and hot sauce in a bowl.
- Coat each drumstick with the sauce.
- Cook using one of these methods:
- Air fryer: 375°F for about 10 minutes.
- Oven: Broil for 8 to 12 minutes, turning every 2 minutes until lightly charred.
- Toss with additional sauce before serving.
Option 2: Breaded Drumsticks
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep pot, filling it less than halfway.
- Whisk together the aquafaba and hot sauce.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, onion powder, and sea salt.
- Coat each drumstick in the flour mixture, then the aquafaba mixture, then the flour mixture again.
- Fry for 2 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
