I have to editorialize by stating that I'm a big fan of soy chicken substitutes! As such, I love all these recipes, so they are in no particular order. Mock chicken can be wonderfully sneaky, as it lends itself well to satisfying - sometimes even fooling- the staunchest meat-eaters. From deep-fried soy chicken nuggets to soothing and traditional vegetarian "chicken" soup, going vegetarian doesn't have to mean giving up some of your favorite dishes.
Made with vegetarian chicken-style deli slices, this soy chicken salad recipe, pictured, is full of flavor and looks gorgeous served on a bed of crisp green lettuce. Or, make into a sandwich by serving on toasted bread or a soft roll. Most vegetarian deli slices are made with a combination of soy and wheat gluten.
A lower fat version of the deep-fried seitan recipe above, soy chicken nuggets are relatively low in fat and healthy enough to eat every day. Kid-friendly tofu nuggets are reminiscent of chicken nuggets and can be dipped in ketchup, barbecue sauce or ranch dressing. About.com readers have rated this recipe five stars.
I know I said I love all of these picks equally, but truth be told, deep-fried Southern-style vegetarian "chicken" nuggets are out-of-this-world good. Even the staunchest meat-eaters will approve of this recipe. Just be sure to maintain a medium-hot oil temperature, otherwise your nuggets will be burnt and brown instead of crispy and golden brown. This recipe has been rated five stars by readers.
Making vegetarian buffalo wings can be prepared much the same way as with real chicken. The chicken substitute, seitan, is coated with spices, fried, then coated once more with spicy hot sauce. These vegetarian buffalo wings are nice and greasy, just like the real thing, so serve with plenty of napkins!
You've heard of Chinese kung pao chicken, but have you ever tried kung pao tofu? Use traditional Chinese ingredients to make a kung pao tofu with all the flavors of kung pao chicken.
This recipe is simmered to create a full-flavored and satisfying broth. As nostalgia-inducing as the real thing. This vegetarian soy chicken soup recipe is low in fat and still great for curing colds!
If you like vegetarian chicken substitutes, this is the link to try, with dozens more ways to prepare vegetarian soy chicken, including vegetarian chicken teriyaki, sweet and sour vegetarian chicken and lots more.
