How to Make Kickin’ Vegan Nuggets with Dinner Roll

Have you ever thought you could enjoy the comforting taste of chicken nuggets and warm, fluffy dinner rolls without any meat or dairy? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, get ready to have your mind blown! This recipe for Kickin’ Vegan Nuggets with Dinner Roll is here to prove that you can have your comfort food and eat it too, completely plant-based and totally delicious.

Why This Recipe Rocks

• Totally Vegan: No meat, no dairy, all flavor!
• Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this combo.
• Comfort Food: Satisfies those cravings for something warm, comforting, and delicious.
• Easy to Make: With a few simple steps, you’ll have a fantastic meal on the table.
• Customizable: Make the nuggets and rolls your own with different seasonings and toppings.

Let’s Talk Vegan Nuggets

Vegan nuggets have come a long way! These aren’t the bland, sad substitutes of the past. Today’s vegan nuggets are made from plant-based proteins like soy, pea protein, or wheat gluten, and they’re designed to mimic the texture and taste of chicken nuggets. The key is in the seasoning and the cooking method, we want them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

And What About Those Dinner Rolls?

Dinner rolls are the perfect side to any meal! The smell of fresh rolls out of the oven is hard to beat. They’re soft, fluffy, and just begging to be slathered with vegan butter or dipped in your favorite sauce. Making them vegan is easier than you might think, and trust me, no one will be able to tell the difference.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

• For the Vegan Nuggets:
  • Vegan Chicken: You can use store-bought or homemade vegan chicken.
  • Batter: A mix of flour, water, and spices creates a flavorful coating.
  • Breadcrumbs: For that crispy, golden-brown crust.
  • Oil: For frying the nuggets to perfection.
• For the Dinner Rolls:
  • Unsweetened Plant Milk: Soy, almond, or oat milk work well.
  • Rapid Rise Yeast: This helps the rolls rise quickly.
  • Granulated Sugar: To feed the yeast and add a touch of sweetness.
  • Vegan Butter: For that rich, buttery flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of our fluffy rolls.
  • Salt: To balance the flavors.

Kickin’ Vegan Nuggets with Dinner Roll Recipe

Part 1: The Kickin’ Vegan Nuggets

Ingredients:

• 1 package (10-12 oz) vegan chicken, store-bought or homemade
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Prep the Vegan Chicken: If using homemade vegan chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. If using store-bought, cut into nugget shapes.
2. Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, water, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Coat the Nuggets: Dip each piece of vegan chicken into the batter, then dredge in breadcrumbs, making sure they are fully coated.

1. Fry the Nuggets: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the nuggets to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
2. Drain and Serve: Remove the nuggets from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Season with a little extra salt, if desired.

Part 2: The Soft & Fluffy Dinner Rolls

Ingredients:

• 2 cups unsweetened soy milk
• 2 tablespoons instant rapid rise yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 8 tablespoons vegan butter, softened
• 5-5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter, for brushing

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: Warm the soy milk in the microwave until lukewarm (not hot). In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 3 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough: Add the softened vegan butter, 4 cups of flour, and salt to the bowl. Mix until the flour is incorporated. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a ball of dough forms that is slightly sticky and soft.
3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Let it Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Rolls: Gently punch down the dough. Pat the dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface and cut into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
6. Second Rise: Place the rolls on a baking sheet, touching each other. Cover with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Remove the towel and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Brush with Butter: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush with melted vegan butter.

Tips for the Best Vegan Nuggets and Rolls

• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When frying the nuggets, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy nuggets.
• Use Fresh Yeast: For the dinner rolls, make sure your yeast is fresh. If the yeast doesn’t foam when mixed with warm milk and sugar, it’s likely expired.
• Get Creative with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings for the nuggets and rolls. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
• Brush with Vegan Butter: Brushing the dinner rolls with melted vegan butter right after they come out of the oven is key to achieving that soft, buttery crust.

Serving Suggestions

These Kickin’ Vegan Nuggets with Dinner Rolls are great on their own, but here are a few ideas to take them to the next level:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve the nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, ketchup, honey mustard (use vegan honey!), or vegan ranch.
• Side Dishes: Pair the nuggets and rolls with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or mac and cheese (vegan, of course!).
• Make it a Sandwich: Use the dinner rolls to make mini nugget sandwiches with your favorite toppings.

Benefits

• Plant-Based Protein: Vegan nuggets provide a good source of plant-based protein.
• Lower in Cholesterol: Vegan meals are naturally lower in cholesterol than meals that contain meat and dairy.
• Fiber-Rich: Many vegan ingredients, like whole wheat flour and vegetables, are high in fiber.

Making it Kid-Friendly

• Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the vegan chicken into fun shapes before coating and frying.
• Mild Flavors: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the batter to make the nuggets milder.
• Dipping Fun: Let kids choose their favorite dipping sauces.

Storage Tips

• Nuggets: Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
• Rolls: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

This recipe for Kickin’ Vegan Nuggets with Dinner Roll is a delicious and fun way to enjoy a classic comfort food combo without any meat or dairy. Whether you’re vegan or not, I hope you give this recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy.I can’t wait to see your creations! Share your photos and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!