This Seitan Grilled Chicken with Vegan BBQ Sauce is a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional grilled chicken. Made with vital wheat gluten, this vegan “chicken” boasts a chewy texture and a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce that’s perfect for cookouts, BBQs, or summer meals. It’s a great option for those following vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free diets. Easy to prepare and customizable, this recipe is full of flavor and sure to satisfy. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a hearty, healthier, meat-free meal that everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients
For the Seitan Chicken:
- 2 cups vital wheat gluten
- 1 tablespoon chicken seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
For the Vegan BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Seitan Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix the vital wheat gluten, chicken seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Add the water and vegan Worcestershire sauce, then stir until a dough forms. - Knead and Shape:
Turn the dough out onto a work surface dusted with vital wheat gluten and knead for about 1 minute. Stretch the dough into a large disc, then cut it into chicken cutlet-sized pieces. - Steam the Seitan Chicken:
Lightly grease a steaming basket with oil and place the seitan chicken pieces inside. Avoid overcrowding the basket; steam in batches if necessary. Steam for 30 minutes. - Chill the Seitan Chicken:
Allow the steamed seitan chicken to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up. - Make the Vegan BBQ Sauce:
While the seitan chicken chills, make the BBQ sauce by whisking together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), and vegan Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl until smooth. - Grill the Seitan Chicken:
Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C). Brush each piece of chilled seitan chicken with the vegan BBQ sauce. Grill the “chicken” for 3-5 minutes per side, brushing with more sauce as it cooks. Serve with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Seitan Grilled Chicken with Vegan BBQ Sauce is a perfect plant-based alternative to traditional grilled chicken. With a satisfying, chewy texture and smoky, flavorful BBQ sauce, it’s an irresistible vegan option for grilling season, summer cookouts, or any time you’re craving something hearty and savory. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable, allowing you to adjust the seasoning and BBQ sauce to your personal taste. It’s a delicious, healthier choice that’s sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
- Grill Alternative: If you don’t have a grill, you can easily cook the seitan chicken on a stovetop griddle or in a cast-iron skillet. Just brush the pieces with BBQ sauce and cook over medium heat until lightly charred and crispy on the outside.
- Flavor Boost: Experiment with different spices in the chicken seasoning for a more unique flavor. Smoked paprika, thyme, or lemon zest can add depth to the taste.
- BBQ Sauce Variations: For a tangier sauce, increase the apple cider vinegar. If you prefer a sweeter BBQ sauce, add more brown sugar or molasses. You can also add hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Unfortunately, this recipe uses vital wheat gluten, so it’s not gluten-free. If you need a gluten-free option, look into making a chickpea flour-based “chicken” or try a store-bought vegan chicken substitute.
FAQs
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the seitan chicken and BBQ sauce in advance, store them separately in the fridge, and then grill them when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I freeze the seitan chicken? Absolutely! You can freeze the seitan after steaming and chilling. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.
- Can I bake the seitan instead of steaming it? Yes, you can bake the seitan at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until firm, though steaming gives it a more tender texture.
Serving
Serve this Seitan Grilled Chicken with a side of vegan coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It’s perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, or as a hearty weeknight dinner. Pair it with extra vegan BBQ sauce for dipping and enjoy!
Suggestions
For an extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce. This recipe is also great for meal prepping—make a batch of seitan chicken and BBQ sauce, then store them in the fridge for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Seitan Grilled Chicken with Vegan BBQ Sauce
6
servings10
minutes35
minutesIngredients
For the Seitan Chicken:
2 cups vital wheat gluten
1 tablespoon chicken seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
For the Vegan BBQ Sauce:
1 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon coconut aminos or soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
Directions
- Prepare the Seitan Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix the vital wheat gluten, chicken seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Add the water and vegan Worcestershire sauce, then stir until a dough forms.
- Knead and Shape:
- Turn the dough out onto a work surface dusted with vital wheat gluten and knead for about 1 minute. Stretch the dough into a large disc, then cut it into chicken cutlet-sized pieces.
- Steam the Seitan Chicken:
- Lightly grease a steaming basket with oil and place the seitan chicken pieces inside. Avoid overcrowding the basket; steam in batches if necessary. Steam for 30 minutes.
- Chill the Seitan Chicken:
- Allow the steamed seitan chicken to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
- Make the Vegan BBQ Sauce:
- While the seitan chicken chills, make the BBQ sauce by whisking together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), and vegan Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl until smooth.
- Grill the Seitan Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C). Brush each piece of chilled seitan chicken with the vegan BBQ sauce. Grill the “chicken” for 3-5 minutes per side, brushing with more sauce as it cooks. Serve with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

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