How to Cook Chicken of The Woods Mushroom

This favorite wild mushroom is growing in popularity for its ease of identification, harvest, and delicious taste. Chicken of the woods mushrooms are a delectable, seasonal treat anyone can cook at home with just a few helpful tips. These tasty mushrooms can have variations in water saturation, texture, and age, which affects the way they are best cooked. This post explains these variations and how to cook chicken of the woods mushroom for a delicious meal.

What Does Chicken of the Woods Look Like?

These wild mushrooms cannot be cultivated, adding to the delight of the find. Because of their bright orange and yellow coloring, and arguably no threatening look a-likes, chicken of the woods is great for beginner foragers. Disclaimer: never eat mushrooms you cannot confidently identify as an edible species. Checking some identification websites may help you make informed choices.

Does Chicken of the Woods Taste Like Chicken?

Many people say chicken of the woods mushrooms are similar to chicken meat in both taste and texture. I’ve also heard they are called “chicken” as they look like a rooster comb. Hmm…I’ll be interested to hear your take in the comments. To me, they have a slightly sweet and mild flavor and a pleasantly firm texture.

Chicken of the Woods Side Effects and Allergic Reactions

As with other foods, a small percentage of people may have a gastrointestinal or allergic reaction to this mushroom. When trying a new wild mushroom, consume a very small piece first to confirm you do not have a reaction. Eating old or raw mushrooms, or those growing on coniferous trees increases risk of adverse reactions.

Health Benefits of Chicken of The Woods Mushrooms

Not only do they taste great, chicken of the woods mushrooms have many great health benefits:

1. Gut health. Components of this mushroom have been demonstrated to have a positive effect on healthy intestinal bacteria and a negative effect on undesirable intestinal bacteria. How delightful.
2. Anti-fungal. Although seemingly ironic, this mushroom suppresses fungal growth and yeast.
3. Protein. Chicken of the woods is high in free amino acids and contains up to 21% protein.
4. Nutrients. This mushroom contains easily digested and absorbable nutrients.
5. High in minerals. Contains potassium, phosphorus and some iron, zinc, and copper (amounts vary, depending where they are harvested).
6. Vitamins and antioxidants. Vitamin C and E, B vitamins, and antioxidants help our bodies reduce inflammation, including antioxidant quercetin.
7. Tartaric and malic acid supports organ health and hedges against chronic disease and auto-immune health conditions
8. Anti-tumor. Extracts from these mushrooms have been used in cancer treatments for their ability to disrupt the cancer cell lines and growth cycles.
9. Neuroprotective effects. Substances contained in this fungus are effective as a neuroprotective agent against diseases associated with the degeneration of the nervous system, for example, Alzeimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
10.  Insulinogenic. This mushroom species can help regulate cellular metabolism.
11. Post partum and gynecological health. Glycyrrhetinic acid (enoxolone) from this mushroom’s extract is used to prevent postpartum complications.
12. Dental prophylaxis. Chicken mushrooms aid in elimination of bacterial biofilms causing tooth decay (source).

How to Cook Chicken of the Woods Mushroom

You can cook chicken of the woods mushrooms a few different ways. Whether sautéed, fried, or baked, I try to make sure they are cooked for at least 10 minutes to be safe. This post explains how to sauté them to buttery perfection.

If mushrooms are very fresh or it is has rained recently, cook as a “dry sauté”. Whereas an older or more dry mushroom will be better with a “wet sauté” to prevent burning. See details below.

First, rinse any dirt off the mushrooms. Trim off any tough pieces, generally by the bottom or where the mushroom was attached to the tree/log.

Next, cut the mushrooms into 1/2 inch strips.

Sauté (wet or dry)
1. For very wet or fresh mushrooms, cook in a dry non-stick pan, or a cast iron pan with a small amount of water or broth (just enough to not stick to the pan) until the moisture evaporates. Then add seasonings and the butter/fat/oil to sauté.
2. For dry or older mushrooms, cover the mushrooms in broth or water and simmer until liquid evaporates. Then add seasonings and butter/fat/oil to sauté.

Lastly, add herbs and seasonings. We enjoy salt, pepper, and fresh or dried garlic, chives, parsley and onion.

Helpful Tools to Make This Recipe:

• cutting board
• chopping knife
• cast iron pan

Chicken of the Woods Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound chicken of the woods mushrooms
• 1/3 cup water or broth
• 3 tablespoons butter (or fat/oil of choice)
• 2 cloves fresh garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chives (optional)
• 1 teaspoon parsley (optional)
• sea salt to taste

Instructions

• Cut mushrooms into ½ inch thick pieces.
• Simmer mushrooms in broth or water for 10 minutes on medium heat in a cast iron skillet or pan. Allow the liquid to reduce.
• Add butter and chopped fresh garlic (and/or other optional seasonings) to the pan and cook until the garlic is fragrant and golden or for 1-2 additional minutes.

Recipe Notes

• For very wet or fresh mushrooms, cook in a dry non-stick pan, or a cast iron pan with a small amount of water or broth (just enough to not stick to the pan) until the moisture evaporates. Then add seasonings and the butter/fat/oil to sauté.
• For dry or older mushrooms, cover the mushrooms in broth or water and simmer until liquid evaporates. Then add seasonings and butter/fat/oil to sauté.

I hope this post helps you with how to cook chicken of the woods mushroom and that you enjoy this decadent, seasonal treat as much as our family does! Please let us know your feedback in the comments.

Resources

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• sea salt
• cutting board
• chopping knife
• cast iron pan

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