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Copycat Vegan Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Crispy, oil-free baked tofu nuggets marinated in dill pickle juice for that classic tangy flavor, served with a homemade vegan honey mustard sauce. Not affiliated with or an exact copy of any specific restaurant's recipe.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Tofu and Marinade:
  • 14 oz extra-firm tofu pressed and cut into nugget-sized pieces
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice
  • Wet Batter:
  • ½ cup unsweetened soy milk
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Coating:
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Honey Mustard Sauce:
  • ¼ cup vegan mayo
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons vegan honey substitute agave, maple syrup, or bee-free honey
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Press tofu for 20 to 30 minutes, then cut into bite-sized nugget pieces.
  2. Submerge tofu in pickle juice and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours.
  3. Whisk together wet batter ingredients until smooth.
  4. Combine panko and seasonings in a separate shallow dish.
  5. Dip tofu pieces in wet batter, then press into the panko coating.
  6. Preheat oven to 425°F or air fryer to 400°F. Arrange nuggets in a single layer, not touching.
  7. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or air fry 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  8. Whisk together all honey mustard sauce ingredients while nuggets cook.
  9. Serve nuggets hot with the honey mustard sauce.

Notes

  • Pressing the tofu thoroughly is essential for both flavor absorption and crispiness.
  • The pickle juice marinade is the key flavor component; don't skip it.
  • A light oil spray before baking improves browning, though it's optional for an oil-free version.
  • Freezes well for up to 2 months.