Have you ever stumbled upon a bright orange growth on a tree while walking through the woods and wondered if it was edible? Chances are, you might have discovered the culinary treasure known as chicken of the woods mushroom! As someone who’s gone from mushroom skeptic to full-on fungi enthusiast I’m excited to share everything I know about these remarkable wild mushrooms.
Chicken of the woods mushrooms (Laetiporus sulphureus or Laetiporus cincinnatus) are gaining popularity among foragers, chefs, and home cooks alike – and for good reason! With their distinctive appearance and meaty texture that’s eerily similar to chicken, these mushrooms offer a unique culinary experience that’s worth exploring.
What Exactly Is Chicken of the Woods?
Chicken of the woods is a wild mushroom that grows in bright orange or yellow shelf-like formations on trees There are actually two main species
- Laetiporus sulphureus – has a yellowish underside and is sometimes called “Sulfur Shelf”
- Laetiporus cincinnatus – has a creamy colored underside
These eye-catching mushrooms grow in overlapping layers that resemble feathers or roof shingles. They’re typically found on hardwood trees, particularly oak, though you should avoid any growing on conifer trees as these may cause stomach upset.
The size can range from 2 to 10 inches in diameter, and they’re relatively easy to spot due to their bright coloration. As they mature, the vibrant orange or yellow color often fades to pale cantaloupe or white.
Why Is It Called “Chicken of the Woods”?
The name isn’t just clever marketing! When cooked properly, these mushrooms have a texture remarkably similar to chicken breast meat. Many people describe the flavor as mild and lemony with a meaty texture that makes it an excellent substitute for chicken in many recipes. Some even say it can taste similar to crab or lobster.
This combination of chicken-like texture and mild citrusy flavor makes chicken of the woods a star ingredient for vegetarian and vegan dishes where you want that satisfying meaty experience.
Foraging vs. Buying
Foraging Tips
If you’re lucky enough to find chicken of the woods while foraging, here are some important safety considerations:
- Be 100% certain of identification (use field guides or consult with experts)
- Avoid specimens growing on conifer trees
- Collect only young, tender specimens
- Remember that a small portion of people may have allergic reactions
- Take spore prints to confirm ID if you have doubts (should be white)
Where to Buy
Not up for foraging? No problem! You might find chicken of the woods at:
- Farmers markets (check with vendors who sell foraged mushrooms)
- Specialty food stores and gourmet markets
- Health food stores
- Online specialty food retailers
Cleaning and Preparing Chicken of the Woods
Before cooking, you’ll need to properly clean and prepare your mushrooms:
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Inspect carefully: Cut away any tough, woody, or dry portions. The freshest parts near the edges are best for cooking.
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Clean gently: Use a soft brush or damp towel to wipe away dirt. Avoid soaking in water as mushrooms are porous and will absorb moisture, becoming soggy and flavorless.
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Slice appropriately: Cut into bite-sized pieces for most recipes, or leave in larger pieces for grilling.
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Use promptly: For best flavor and texture, cook within 2-3 days of harvesting or purchasing.
Cooking Methods for Chicken of the Woods
Sautéing
This is probably the most popular and straightforward method:
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat
- Add mushroom pieces in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!)
- Let cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until browned
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs like thyme
- Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until cooked through
Roasting
Great for concentrating flavors and getting crispy edges:
- Toss mushroom pieces with oil or melted butter
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs
- Roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through
Grilling
Perfect for summer cookouts:
- Toss whole caps or large pieces in oil and seasonings
- Grill over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side
- Watch closely to prevent burning
Breading and Baking
For crispy “chicken” nuggets or tenders:
- Coat pieces in breadcrumbs, panko, or cornmeal
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until crispy
Braising and Stewing
For tender, juicy results:
- Sear mushrooms first for flavor
- Simmer gently in broth or wine for 15-20 minutes
Delicious Recipe Ideas
BBQ Chicken of the Woods
This recipe from Innichka Chef is absolutely mouthwatering:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken of the woods mushrooms, cleaned
- 2 tablespoons Worcester sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or plain kefir
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
- Mix together kefir, BBQ sauce, Worcester sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Cut mushrooms into strips (about the size of chicken tenderloins).
- Combine mushrooms with the sauce mixture, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Grill for a few minutes on each side, just like chicken.
- Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Buffalo “Chicken” Wings
Another fantastic recipe that mimics a classic favorite:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken of the woods mushrooms, cleaned
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour mixed with 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Buffalo sauce (1/2 cup hot sauce + 1/2 cup melted butter or olive oil)
- Ranch dressing and celery sticks for serving
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cut mushrooms into “wing” sized pieces.
- Mix chickpea flour, water, and seasonings to form a paste.
- Coat mushroom pieces in the paste mixture.
- Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Flip pieces and bake another 15 minutes until crispy.
- Meanwhile, make buffalo sauce by whisking hot sauce and butter/oil.
- Coat mushrooms in buffalo sauce and return to oven for 15 more minutes.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
More Simple Ideas
- Add to pasta dishes with garlic, lemon, and herbs
- Use in risotto or mushroom stew
- Make tempura-battered mushroom “chicken” tenders
- Add to sandwiches, tacos, or pizza after cooking
- Substitute for chicken in stir-fries, curries, or fajitas
Storage Tips
To keep your chicken of the woods fresh:
- Store in the refrigerator in a paper bag (not plastic!) for 7-10 days
- For longer storage, freeze either raw or cooked in airtight containers for up to 3 months
- You can also dry them for storage of 6-12 months (rehydrate before cooking)
- Try pickling or marinating for preservation
Chicken of the Woods vs. Hen of the Woods
Don’t confuse these two similarly named but very different mushrooms!
| Characteristic | Chicken of the Woods | Hen of the Woods (Maitake) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Bright orange/yellow shelves | Grayish-brown, resembles lettuce |
| Texture when cooked | Chicken-like | More traditional mushroom |
| Flavor | Mild, lemony, chicken-like | Strong, earthy mushroom flavor |
| Common use | Meat substitute | Flavor enhancer |
If you’re shopping and unsure, just ask the grocer or farmer for guidance!
Health Benefits
Chicken of the woods isn’t just delicious – it’s good for you too! These mushrooms have:
- Antioxidant properties
- Antibacterial properties
- Potential anticancer benefits
- Ability to help regulate metabolism and digestive processes
Final Thoughts
The meaty texture and mild flavor make them incredibly versatile in the kitchen, and they’re a particular boon for vegetarians and vegans looking for satisfying meat alternatives.
We’ve personally fallen in love with the BBQ and buffalo recipes – they’re so convincing that even dedicated meat-eaters might be fooled! Next time you see these distinctive fungi at your market (or on a tree!), don’t hesitate to bring some home and experiment.
Have you tried cooking with chicken of the woods mushrooms? What’s your favorite way to prepare them? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
ABOUT OUR LAST TRIP TO THE WOODS
Every morning me and my children do some kind of activity, because its summer and keeping them busy is my goal. The morning after the rain, I surprised the kids with the news that we were going to the woods to look for mushrooms. The search for mushrooms expands our world and leads us down new paths of pleasure. Finding them allows us to retreat into private obsession. Anyone who has climbed Everest or collected butterflies knows what it means to search for wild mushrooms. Its simply exciting.
Well our last trip to the woods went average and we found a little bit of chanterelles, as we always do this time of the year. Then as we started to go back to the car, I spotted a bright orange bush. It was CHICKEN OF THE WOODS, a beautiful bright color just asking to be picked up!
Look at my sons eyes and how happy he is to see this monster fungi. Check the video too!
Where Can I Buy Chicken of the Woods Locally?
If youre looking to buy Chicken of the Woods locally, there are several places you can check:
- Many farmers markets have vendors selling foraged mushrooms, including Chicken of the Woods. Check with your local market to see if they have any mushroom vendors or foragers. We are so lucky to have a few of them at our Port Royal farmers market.
- Specialty food stores often carry hard-to-find ingredients like Chicken of the Woods. Check with your local health food store or gourmet food market to see if they have it in stock.
- If youre unable to find Chicken of the Woods locally, you can always buy it online.
Foraging and Cooking Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms
FAQ
What’s the best way to eat chicken of the woods?
Dry sauteed chicken of the woods
These are often the finest mushrooms to eat, and are extra soft and tender. To dry saute them, cut the mushrooms into pieces and heat them in a non-stick pan until the water releases. After the water has evaporated, you season the mushrooms with salt and add your fat to the pan.
How long does chicken of the woods take to cook?
Are there any poisonous look alikes to chicken of the woods?
Is chicken of the woods mushroom good to eat?
Yes, chicken of the woods ( Laetiporus species) is edible and is a popular, easy-to-identify wild mushroom with a meaty, chicken-like texture when cooked. However, foraging for any wild mushroom requires absolute certainty in identification, and some people may experience digestive issues from this mushroom. It’s best to consume it when young and tender, as older specimens can become dry and mealy, and foraged mushrooms should be avoided if they are growing on poisonous trees like yew.