Vegan Cajun Chicken Pieces

Transform weeknight dinners with this bold and flavorful Vegan Cajun Chicken Pieces recipe, a plant-based spin on a Southern classic. Crafted from tender young jackfruit, this dish boasts a meaty, pulled texture that’s perfectly seasoned with a smoky and spicy Cajun marinade, featuring paprika, garlic, and a touch of maple syrup for subtle sweetness. Quick to prepare and bursting with savory zest, the jackfruit is pan-seared to golden perfection, creating crispy edges that rival traditional chicken. Whether served as a protein-packed sandwich filling, atop a vibrant salad, or paired with your favorite sides, this vegan dish is versatile, gluten-free-friendly, and irresistibly satisfying. Perfect for anyone craving a hearty, plant-forward meal with a kick!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cans (14 oz each) Young jackfruit (in brine, drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce (or tamari for Gluten-Free version)
• 1 tablespoon Maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit thoroughly to remove the brine. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2

In a large bowl, shred the jackfruit pieces using your hands or a fork until they resemble the texture of pulled chicken.

Step 3

Add olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, maple syrup, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the shredded jackfruit. Mix well to ensure the jackfruit is completely coated with the marinade.

Step 4

Let the jackfruit marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor.

Step 5

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated jackfruit to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until the jackfruit is golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer more heat, add additional Cajun seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Remove from heat and serve your Vegan Cajun Chicken Pieces hot as a sandwich filling, over salads, or as a main dish with your side of choice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(163.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	383.2

Total Fat 28.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5420.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 28.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.8g	0%
Total Sugars 14.7g
Protein 3.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 32.4mg	0%
Iron 1.6mg	0%
Potassium 349.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.1%

Protein: 3.6%

Carbs: 29.4%