Vegan Chicken Meatballs

Name: Vegan Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 flax egg; 1 package Impossible Chicken Nuggets ((12 oz)); ½ cup bread crumbs ((panko, regular, or plain)); 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes; 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce ((substitute soy sauce)); 1 tablespoon dehydrated onions; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon vegan yogurt; 1 tablespoon olive oil ((for brushing))

by Marly McMillen

Posted 3/22/25

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These savory vegan chicken meatballs are made with Impossible Chicken Nuggets. They’re perfect for pasta dishes, subs, or as appetizers.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Resting Time 5

Total Time 30

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The first time I experimented with these vegan chicken meatballs, it was a busy weeknight, and I was craving something comforting yet plant-based. Combining the familiar taste of chicken nuggets with the versatility of meatballs led to this delightful recipe. Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen, bringing joy to both vegans and non-vegans alike.

In This Post show

The Recipe That Changed My Weeknight Dinners

I’ve seen a lot of chicken meatballs recipes lately. And I thought, how could I make this convincingly vegan?

That’s why I decided to combine thawed Impossible Chicken Nuggets with ingredients like nutritional yeast and vegan Worcestershire sauce. It creates a rich umami flavor reminiscent of traditional chicken meatballs.

The addition of a flax egg ensures the mixture binds perfectly, resulting in meatballs that are both tender and cohesive. Air frying or baking them gives a delightful crispness on the outside while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.

Ingredients + Substitutions

You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe, including substitution ideas:

Flax Egg: Combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This acts as a binder, replacing traditional eggs.
Impossible Chicken Nuggets: These plant-based nuggets provide a realistic chicken flavor and texture. Thaw them completely before use.
Bread Crumbs: Panko offers a lighter texture, while regular or plain breadcrumbs provide a denser bite. Choose based on your preference.
Nutritional Yeast Flakes: Adds a cheesy, umami flavor. Look for it in the health food section of your grocery store.
Vegan Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the depth of flavor. If unavailable, soy sauce is a good substitute.
Dehydrated Onions: Provides a subtle onion flavor without the moisture of fresh onions.
Garlic Powder: Adds a mild garlic flavor evenly throughout the mixture.
Vegan Yogurt: Introduces moisture and a slight tang, enhancing the meatball’s tenderness.
Olive Oil (for brushing): Helps achieve a golden-brown exterior during cooking.

Looking down on a plate with pasta and vegan meatballs on top.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these vegan chicken meatballs with your favorite side dishes such as:

A fork holds a vegan chicken meatball with plates of the meatballs in the background.

Storage Tips

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake or air fry until warmed through to retain their crispiness.