This vegan chicken sandwich features a delicious combination of vegan chicken strips made with marinated oyster mushrooms, tikka masala sauce, and fresh greens. It is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
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It is not easy to find a vegan sandwich that is both healthy and delicious. But with this recipe, you can enjoy classic chicken sandwich flavors without any animal products.
If you are looking for more delicious vegan recipes, you should check out my vegan fried chicken, vegan chicken patties, and vegan shredded chicken.
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❤️ Why you’ll love it
I love how this recipe transforms humble oyster mushrooms into a flavorful, filling, and juicy vegan “chicken” sandwich. The key is the marinade which not only adds a delicious, aromatic flavor but also gives the mushrooms a chewy, meaty texture that is truly satisfying.
Plus, the use of oyster mushrooms is a stroke of genius. Their tender, shreddy texture is perfect for mimicking the look and feel of pulled chicken or pork. It is a simple, family-friendly recipe that is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner
The tikka masala sauce takes the flavor to the next level. It is creamy, rich, and packed with warm, aromatic spices that complement the mushrooms beautifully. The result is a sandwich that is absolutely delicious.
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🧾 Key ingredients
This vegan chicken sandwich is a delicious and simple recipe that you can make using easy-to-find ingredients. Most of these can be found in your local grocery store, and some might already be in your pantry.
Oyster mushrooms are the star of this sandwich. When marinated and cooked with the right spices, they take on a surprisingly meaty texture, making them the perfect vegan alternative to chicken.
Spices are the key to giving the mushrooms their delicious, “chicken-like” flavor. Tikka masala, ground cumin seeds, turmeric, and cayenne pepper come together to provide a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors.
Vegan tikka masala sauce is the perfect finishing touch for this sandwich. It adds a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the spices and the freshness of the lettuce.
🛒 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 chicken sandwich recipe, the most important piece of equipment you will need is a good quality sheet pan. I cannot stress enough how crucial it is to roast the oyster mushrooms to perfection, and a reliable sheet pan will ensure they cook evenly and come out just right.
👩🍳 Instructions
Preparing the ingredients
STEP 1
Start by preparing the mushrooms. Cut off the end of their stem and tear them into small shreds with your hands.
STEP 2
In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the marinade. This includes tikka masala spice blend, cumin, turmeric, salt, cayenne pepper, and vegetable oil. You can use sunflower oil.
Making the vegan chicken
STEP 1
Place the shredded mushrooms in a large mixing bowl and add the marinade to it. Make sure the marinade coats every piece of the mushroom evenly.
STEP 2
Spread the marinated vegan chicken strips in one layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
STEP 3
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the mushrooms for about 20-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the pieces.
STEP 4
While the mushrooms are baking, prepare the vegan tikka masala sauce. When the sauce is ready, add the roasted oyster mushrooms to it while it is still hot.
STEP 5
Cut a sub bun in half to make a sandwich. Add chopped lettuce leaves, arugula, or any salad greens of your choice to the sandwich.
STEP 6
Finally, scoop a generous layer of the mushroom strips in tikka masala sauce on top of the greens. Your vegan chicken sandwich is ready to enjoy.
💡 Expert tip
The key to this recipe is the texture of the oyster mushrooms. When tearing the mushrooms, try to shred them into thin, narrow pieces. This will not only resemble the look of real chicken strips but also allow the marinade to penetrate the mushrooms thoroughly, giving them a rich, flavorful profile.
🔄 Variations
If you are not a big fan of mushrooms, don’t worry! You can easily swap them out for tofu. It will still soak up all the delicious flavors of the tikka masala sauce, and the texture will be a nice contrast to the soft bun and crunchy lettuce.
Try using cauliflower for a lighter version of this sandwich. It will add a nice crunch and absorb the flavors of the sauce, just like the mushrooms.
If you are looking for a more protein-packed option, why not give chickpeas a try? They are a great source of plant-based protein and will add a nice texture to the sandwich. Plus, they are mild in flavor, so they will take on the flavors of the tikka masala sauce beautifully.
🥣 Serving ideas
This vegan chicken sandwich is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It is perfect for a quick and easy lunch, and it can also be a great option for a family dinner.
I love serving this sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad. The flavors of the tikka masala and the mushrooms complement the sweetness of the sweet potatoes, and the crunch of the fries adds a nice texture contrast to the sandwich.
If you are looking for a more substantial meal, consider serving this sandwich with a side of roasted vegetables. I particularly like it with some roasted cauliflower or broccoli.
You can also make a delicious wrap using the same ingredients. Simply spread some of the tikka masala sauce on a large tortilla, add the marinated mushrooms, some fresh lettuce, and any other vegetables you like. Roll it up, and you have a tasty and satisfying meal that you can enjoy on the go.
❄️ Storing tips
Storing and reheating this vegan chicken sandwich is easy and it won’t compromise the flavor or texture.
To store, allow the components to cool completely. Once cooled, you can store the mushroom filling and the buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
I do not recommend freezing the assembled sandwich as the texture of the mushrooms and the sauce may change upon thaw.
No need to reheat. You can serve them cold just like any other sandwich. If you did store them separately, you could reheat the sauce part in a frying pan or the microwave before assembling your sandwich.
🤔 FAQs
Yes, you can. While oyster mushrooms are the best for this vegan chicken sandwich, you can also use king oyster mushroomsor enoki mushrooms. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type and size of the mushrooms.
Yes, it is highly recommended. Oyster mushrooms tend to release a lot of water when they are cooked. Using parchment paper will prevent them from getting too soggy and help them to become crispy.
If you don’t have a sandwich bun, you can use bread, a tortilla, or even lettuce wraps. The filling of this sandwich is so delicious that it will be great with any type of bread.
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Juicy Vegan Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
- 14 oz Oyster mushrooms
- 4 Tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tsp Tikka masala
- ½ tsp Ground cumin seeds
- ½ tsp Turmeric
- ¼ tsp Cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp Salt
Other
- 2 servings Vegan Tikka Masala
- 4 leaves Lettuce
- 4 Sandwich bun
Instructions
- Cut the end of their stem and tear them into small shreds with your hands.
- Take a small bowl and mix the ingredients for the marinade: tikka masala spice blend, cumin, turmeric, salt, cayenne pepper, and vegetable oil (we prefer to use sunflower oil).
- Take a large mixing bowl and add shredded mushrooms and marinade. Mix them gently but well. Make sure the marinade coats every piece evenly.
- Place parchment paper on a sheet pan and spread the marinated vegan chicken strips in one layer.
- Preheat the oven to 400 Fahrenheit (ca. 204 °C) and bake them for approx. 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the pieces.
- Prepare our vegan tikka masala sauce and add roasted oyster mushrooms while it is still hot.
- Cut a sub bun in half to make a sandwich.
- Add chopped lettuce leaves, arugula, or any salad greens you like.
- Scoop a generous layer of mushroom strips in tikka masala sauce on top. Enjoy!
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