Seitan Chicken: Embracing National Chicken Month with Plant-Based Delights
Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! As the calendar flips to September, it's time to raise a fork and celebrate National Chicken Month. Now, you might be wondering, how do I partake in the festivities at Plant Based Flex while staying true to my plant-powered ideals? Well, get ready to tantalize your taste buds, because I've got the scoop on some amazing homemade plant-based meat alternatives that'll make this month a memorable one. Get ready to try my Seitan Chicken!
Homemade Magic in Your Kitchen:
While the world of plant-based eating is expanding like never before, sometimes it's just more satisfying to roll up your sleeves and whip up something magical in your own kitchen. If you're like me and enjoy a culinary challenge, you'll be thrilled to know that making your very own plant-based chicken alternatives is totally doable.
Imagine crafting tender, juicy chicken substitutes right at home. From tofu twists to creative seitan experiments, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. And let's be honest, there's something incredibly rewarding about savoring a dish that you've put your heart and soul into.
The Plant-Based All-Stars:
Now, if you're not quite ready to don the chef's hat, fear not! The world of plant-based cuisine has seen an explosion of incredible brands offering pre-made chicken alternatives that taste so good, you won't even believe they're not the real deal.
We're talking about names like Beyond Meat, Gardein, Tofurky, and MorningStar Farms – companies that have mastered the art of turning plant-based ingredients into something that'll satisfy even the most devoted carnivore. Whether you're grilling, frying, or sautéing, these brands have got you covered with their range of delicious options.
Introducing My Seitan Chicken Recipe:
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter – my very own Seitan Chicken recipe that's a game-changer. This recipe isn't just a one-trick pony; it's versatile enough to transform into "fried" chicken or even delectable chicken bites. I still remember the first time I whipped up this masterpiece – it was Thanksgiving 2020, and the result was a traditional seitan herb-flavored chicken-like breast that could rival any centerpiece dish.
Here's What You'll Need:
1 1/2 cups vegan vegetable broth
2 tablespoons avocado or coconut oil (I'd recommend avocado oil)
1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten (I love the Anthony’s Goods brand)
1/4 cup coconut or chickpea flour (keep this handy for dough consistency)
1/3 cup nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh poultry herbs (think Sage, Thyme, Parsley, Rosemary)
1/2 teaspoon paprika or Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 to 1 teaspoon sea salt
A few drops of coconut amino acids
Time to Cook:
Start by whisking together the oil and broth in a bowl, then set it aside.
In a bigger bowl, mix up all the dry ingredients except for the amino acids. Make a little hole in the center and pour in the oil and broth mixture.
Give it a good mix until everything's beautifully combined, forming a dough.
Roll up your sleeves and knead the dough for about 3 to 4 minutes. It should be elastic and slightly sticky. Let it chill in the bowl for around 10 minutes.
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and shape them into those classic chicken breast forms. Wrap each piece in foil, leaving a little space for air, and let them hang out in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour.
Get your stovetop steam bath ready. Steam the wrapped seitan chicken dough for roughly 30 minutes. Remember, no water should get into that foil!
Once you're done steaming, let the chicken cool down for about 10 minutes before carefully unwrapping it.
Time to amp up the flavor. Add more seasoning and amino acids. Wrap it back up in foil and pop it in the oven at 350°F, alongside your other delicious sides.
When it's warmed through, slice it up and serve. Alternatively, you can present the whole breast piece on the plate – talk about impressive!
Plus, remember, the leftovers are prime material for some seriously tasty sandwiches.
Nutrition Facts:
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Serving Size: 1 seitan chicken breast (recipe yields 4 servings)
Calories: ~230
Total Fat: ~6g
Saturated Fat: ~1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: ~450mg
Total Carbohydrates: ~15g
Dietary Fiber: ~3g
Total Sugars: ~1g
Added Sugars: 0g
Protein: ~30g
Healthy Benefits of Key Ingredients
Vital Wheat Gluten: A concentrated protein source, vital wheat gluten is rich in amino acids and provides a meaty texture to the seitan. It can support muscle repair and development.
Nutritional Yeast: Packed with B vitamins and protein, nutritional yeast not only enhances the savory flavor of the dish but also offers potential benefits for energy production and immune support.
Fresh Poultry Herbs: Herbs like sage, thyme, parsley, and rosemary provide not only aromatic depth to the recipe but also antioxidants and potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Coconut Amino Acids: A soy sauce alternative, coconut amino acids add a hint of umami while being lower in sodium. They may contribute to balanced blood sugar levels and contain essential amino acids.
Suggested Servings and Recommended Storage:
Suggested Serving:
Enjoy one seitan chicken breast as a main dish, accompanied by your choice of sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Storage:
If you have leftovers, wrap individual seitan chicken breasts in plastic wrap or place them in airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the wrapped seitan chicken breasts for up to 2 months. When reheating, ensure they are fully heated through before serving.
Cooking Tip:
To achieve a crispy exterior, you can pan-fry the seitan chicken slices in a bit of oil until golden brown on each side after the initial steaming.
Enjoy the Journey of Plant-Based Eating:
So, my fellow food adventurers, as we delve into National Chicken Month, let's revel in the flavors and textures of chicken while exploring the incredible world of plant-based alternatives. Whether you're getting crafty in the kitchen with your own creations or discovering the wonders of brands that have mastered the art of meatless meats, there's a whole universe of tastes to explore.
And if you're feeling particularly adventurous, give my Seitan Chicken recipe a whirl. Trust me, it's a kitchen triumph that'll have you patting yourself on the back. So here's to celebrating National Chicken Month in style – all while staying true to our planet-friendly principles. Cheers to you, your taste buds, and the journey of plant-based eating!
Remember, these values and recommendations are meant to be approximate and flexible based on individual dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy your homemade plant-based Seitan Chicken creation and the journey towards healthier, planet-friendly eating!
