Chicken of the woods is a type of wild mushroom that has been gaining popularity due to its distinct flavor and texture. These mushrooms usually grow on trees or logs in the late summer and early fall months. It is most commonly used in many culinary dishes, such as sautés.
In this article, I’ll share my chicken of the woods recipe, how to make it at home, and answers to some frequently asked questions. Moreover, you will find nutrition information and tips to help make your dish successful. So, let’s get started!
What is Chicken of the woods?
Chicken of the woods, also known as Laetiporus, is a type of mushroom found growing on or near the base of dead or dying hardwood trees. It is most commonly found on oak trees but can also be found on cherry and beech trees.
It has a unique texture and flavor that some say resembles chicken, making it an excellent choice for beginner foragers.
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms can range in size from 2 to 10 inches in diameter and grow in broad fan-shaped clusters. They are parasitic and saprobic on living and dead oaks, causing a reddish-brown cubical heart rot.
It is highly sought after due to its unique flavor and texture. It’s great for adding to stews as a vegetarian “meat” substitute, although it’s best eaten when young as older specimens can become tough and bitter. Additionally, there are no real lookalikes for this mushroom, making it easy to identify even for novice foragers.
What does it taste like?
Chicken of the Woods has a unique taste, with some saying it resembles chicken. It has an earthy flavor and a slightly chewy texture. The mushrooms can be eaten raw or cooked, although they have been known to cause gastrointestinal distress if not properly cooked.
It is often compared to lobster in texture and flavor, making it a great vegetarian alternative to seafood dishes.
How to make Chicken of the woods?
To make a delicious Chicken of the woods dish, you will need the following ingredients:
You can also checkout the following dinner Recipe :
- Chicken Hui Hui Recipe
- stuffed chicken recipe from Ruth Chris
- Rose Maria Chicken from Carrabba’s recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound tender Chicken of the Woods cleaned and sliced into 1/2′ strips
- 3 cloves garlic sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 shallots sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Directions
Step 1
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots, stirring to combine, and cook until softened about 1 minute.
Step 2
Add the Chicken of the Woods slices and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until browned on both sides.
Step 3
Turn the heat down to low and add the white wine, lemon juice, and parsley. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or a salad.
Tips
- If you can’t find fresh Chicken of the Woods, don’t worry – it is often available canned in many grocers and online stores.
- Be sure to clean your mushrooms before cooking with them as they can contain dirt and other particles that could harm you if ingested.
- The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your mushroom slices, so be sure to check for doneness before serving.
Equipment
- Large pan
- Stove
Ingredients
- 1 pound tender Chicken of the Woods cleaned and sliced into 1/2′ strips
- 3 cloves garlic sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 shallots sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots, stirring to combine, and cook until softened about 1 minute.
- Add the Chicken of the Woods slices and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until browned on both sides.
- Turn the heat down to low and add the white wine, lemon juice, and parsley. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or a salad.
Video
Notes
- If you can’t find fresh Chicken of the Woods, don’t worry – it is often available canned in many grocers and online stores.
- Be sure to clean your mushrooms before cooking with them as they can contain dirt and other particles that could harm you if ingested.
- The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your mushroom slices, so be sure to check for doneness before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
• Protein: 25 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Carbs: 11 g
• Calories: 220 kcal
What to serve with Chicken of the woods?
Chicken of the Woods pairs well with various side dishes, from mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables to a fresh salad. You can also serve it with creamy sauces or garlic bread on the side for an extra flavor boost.
How to store leftover Chicken of the woods?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The mushrooms can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Also, make sure to thoroughly reheat the mushrooms before eating.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before eating any type of mushroom. Even though chicken of the woods is safe to eat and highly nutritious, it can cause gastrointestinal distress if not cooked properly. It’s best for pregnant women to avoid consuming this mushroom unless otherwise advised by their doctor.
Can you eat chicken of the woods raw?
It is not recommended to eat chicken of the woods raw, as it can cause gastrointestinal distress. If you choose to consume raw Chicken of the Woods, thoroughly clean them first and be aware that consuming raw mushrooms can put you at risk for food poisoning. It is best to cook this mushroom before eating it.
FAQs
Is Chicken of the Woods safe to eat?
Yes, provided that it is properly cooked and prepared. Always clean your mushrooms before cooking, as they can contain dirt and other particles that could harm you if ingested.
Does Chicken of the Woods have a lot of nutritional value?
Yes, Chicken of the Woods is very nutritious and is a great source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is also low in calories and fat.
Is Chicken of the Woods expensive?
No, Chicken of the Woods is usually very affordable and can be found in many grocery stores.
Wrapping Up
Chicken of the Woods is a delicious, nutritious mushroom that is perfect for adding to your favorite dishes. It has a mild flavor pairs well with many different ingredients and side dishes. You can easily create an amazing meal with this mushroom with just a few simple steps and ingredients.
Be sure to follow safe food handling practices when preparing Chicken of the Woods and always clean mushrooms before cooking with them.
Please share this recipe with your friends and family if you enjoyed it!
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more