Have you ever bit into a mushroom and thought, “Wow, this tastes just like chicken!” I sure have, and let me tell you – it’s not just your imagination playing tricks on you There are actually several mushrooms out there that have an uncanny similarity to our favorite poultry, both in taste and texture!
As someone who loves foraging and experimenting with wild foods, I’ve discovered that certain mushrooms can be absolutely game-changing for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption. These “chicken-y” mushrooms aren’t just delicious alternatives – they’re nutritional powerhouses in their own right!
The Most Famous Chicken-Like Mushroom: Chicken of the Woods
When we talk about mushrooms that taste like chicken, we absolutely have to start with the aptly named Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus species). This isn’t just clever marketing – this mushroom really does have an uncanny resemblance to chicken in both taste and texture!
Chicken of the Woods is probably the most well-known “chicken mushroom” out there and for good reason. Here’s what makes it special
- Appearance: It has a striking, vibrant appearance with bright yellow to orange shelf-like growths
- Texture: When cooked properly, it has a meaty, fibrous texture similar to chicken breast
- Taste: Mild, savory flavor that really does remind most people of chicken
- Habitat: Typically grows on dead or dying trees, particularly oak
- Season: Can be found from late spring through early fall in many regions
What’s really cool about Chicken of the Woods is how it transforms when cooked. The raw mushroom is nothing special, but proper cooking brings out its chicken-like qualities. It’s also extremely easy to identify thanks to its brilliant colors that “illuminate the forests for several months throughout the year,” making it a great choice for beginning foragers.
Many people use this mushroom as a direct substitute for chicken in recipes like “chicken” piccata, nuggets, or even fried “chicken” sandwiches. I’ve personally used it in stir-fries and the results were amazing!
The Elegant Alternative: King Oyster Mushroom
While Chicken of the Woods gets all the glory for its chicken-like qualities, the King Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) deserves just as much attention! This mushroom is a bit different than others in the oyster mushroom family.
The King Oyster has a unique appearance with “a long, bulbous stalk and a very small cap.” What makes it special is that unlike most mushrooms where the stalk is tough and stringy, the King Oyster’s stalk is the prize – tender and meaty when cooked!
Here’s why King Oyster mushrooms are awesome chicken alternatives:
- Texture: When cooked, the stalk has a tender, meaty texture
- Flavor: Rich umami flavor similar to chicken or scallops
- Versatility: Can be sliced, diced, or pulled for different textures
- Availability: Widely available in Asian markets and increasingly in mainstream grocery stores
King Oyster mushrooms are particularly popular in Asian cuisines like Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking. They’re also becoming increasingly popular with vegans because they can be prepared in ways that mimic meat textures incredibly well.
When cooked, the King Oyster’s dormant umami flavors wake up, giving it that meaty quality we love. You can fry them up for a convincing vegan fried “chicken” or pan-fry them to get a crispy outer layer like a steak.
Other Mushrooms with Chicken-Like Qualities
While Chicken of the Woods and King Oyster mushrooms are the stars of the show, several other mushrooms can offer chicken-like qualities in various dishes:
Hen of the Woods (Maitake)
Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa) have a complex, feathery structure that can provide a texture somewhat similar to shredded chicken when cooked. They have a more earthy flavor than chicken, but their texture works wonderfully in many chicken-substitute recipes.
Oyster Mushrooms
Regular oyster mushrooms (various Pleurotus species) don’t taste exactly like chicken, but they have a mild flavor and can absorb marinades really well. When torn into strips and fried or roasted, they can provide a texture similar to shredded chicken.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane mushrooms (Hericium species) have a unique texture that some people compare to crab or lobster, but when prepared in certain ways, they can also stand in for chicken. They tear into pieces that resemble chicken when cooked.
How to Properly Identify Chicken of the Woods
If you’re interested in foraging for Chicken of the Woods, identification is crucial. Fortunately, it’s considered one of the “foolproof four” mushrooms that are relatively easy to identify for beginners. Here’s what to look for:
- Bright colors: Look for shelf-like growths that are bright yellow to orange in color
- No gills: Unlike many mushrooms, Chicken of the Woods doesn’t have gills underneath
- Growth pattern: It grows in overlapping shelves or brackets on trees
- Season: Typically appears from late spring through early fall
- Habitat: Grows on dead or dying trees, especially oak
Important safety note: While Chicken of the Woods is generally considered safe to eat, there are several varieties, and some people may have adverse reactions. Additionally, those growing on certain trees (like eucalyptus) should be avoided. Always cook thoroughly before eating, and if it’s your first time, start with a small amount to check for any adverse reactions.
Cooking Tips for Chicken-Like Mushrooms
Getting the most chicken-like results from these mushrooms depends a lot on how you prepare them:
Chicken of the Woods
- Cook thoroughly! Raw or undercooked Chicken of the Woods can cause digestive upset
- Young, tender specimens work best for cooking
- Slice into strips and sauté with butter and garlic for a simple preparation
- Works great breaded and fried like chicken nuggets
- Can be used in almost any chicken recipe as a direct substitute
King Oyster Mushrooms
- Slice the stalk into rounds for a scallop-like texture
- Shred the stalk with a fork before cooking for a pulled chicken texture
- Marinate before cooking to infuse flavor
- High-heat cooking methods like frying or grilling work particularly well
Why Mushrooms Can Taste Like Chicken
You might be wondering how a fungus can taste like a bird. The answer lies in their chemical composition. Mushrooms, particularly the varieties mentioned above, are rich in glutamates – compounds that create the savory flavor known as umami.
Chicken also has high levels of glutamates, which is why both foods share that savory quality. Additionally, the protein structures in certain mushrooms can create textures similar to meat when cooked properly.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken-Like Mushrooms
One great advantage of using mushrooms as a chicken alternative is their nutritional profile:
- Low in calories: Most mushrooms have significantly fewer calories than chicken
- No cholesterol: Unlike animal products, mushrooms contain no cholesterol
- High in fiber: Provides digestive benefits not found in chicken
- Rich in vitamins: Particularly B vitamins and vitamin D (especially if sun-exposed)
- Mineral content: Good source of selenium, potassium, and copper
Where to Find These Mushrooms
If foraging isn’t your thing (or you’re not confident in your identification skills), you can still enjoy these chicken-like mushrooms:
- Farmer’s markets: Local mushroom growers often sell specialty varieties
- Asian markets: Particularly good for finding King Oyster mushrooms
- Specialty grocery stores: Whole Foods and similar stores often carry various gourmet mushrooms
- Online: Several companies ship fresh or dried specialty mushrooms
- Grow your own: Mushroom growing kits are widely available online
My Personal Experience
I remember the first time I found a massive Chicken of the Woods growing on an old oak tree near my hiking trail. The bright orange color caught my eye from 20 feet away! I took it home, a bit skeptical about the “tastes like chicken” claims, and made a simple stir-fry.
The result literally made my jaw drop – the texture and flavor were remarkably similar to chicken. Since then, I’ve been hooked on finding and cooking with these amazing fungi. The King Oyster has become a staple in my refrigerator too, perfect for those weeknight meals when I want something substantial but meat-free.
Simple Recipe: Chicken of the Woods “Nuggets”
Here’s one of my favorite ways to prepare Chicken of the Woods:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh Chicken of the Woods, cleaned and cut into nugget-sized pieces
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl
- Set up a breading station: seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs
- Dredge mushroom pieces in flour, then egg, then bread crumbs
- Heat oil in a pan to medium-high heat
- Fry nuggets until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side
- Drain on paper towels and serve with your favorite dipping sauce
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or just someone looking to expand your culinary horizons, these chicken-like mushrooms offer amazing possibilities. They’re sustainable, nutritious, and absolutely delicious when prepared properly.
I encourage you to give these fantastic fungi a try – you might be surprised at just how chicken-like they can be! And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider learning more about mushroom identification so you can find your own Chicken of the Woods in the wild. Just remember to always be 100% certain of your identification before eating any wild mushroom!
Have you tried any mushrooms that taste like chicken? What was your experience? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
How to make Fried Oyster Mushrooms
Follow my simple steps to make these delicious fried oyster mushrooms. Here I breakdown how to prepare the batter, coating the mushrooms and frying.
- First, clean oyster mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. For the spice mix, add flour and all the spices, salt and black pepper. Mix together until well combined
- In a second bowl, take ⅓ cup flour from the mixture and add with ¾ cups of water. Whisk together until to achieve a smooth batter consistency
- Dip each mushroom into the wet batter mixture then into the dry batter. Double coat each mushroom back into the wet batter and then back in the flour mixture, making sure the mushrooms are fully coated in flour
- Heat oil in a pot over high heat and carefully drop mushrooms into the oil one at a time in batches. Dont overcrowd the pot, you can fry a few at a time depending on how large your pot is. Let them fry for a few minutes until nice and golden brown Remove and place on paper towels to remove excess oil, then place on a cooling rack to keep crispy until the rest is done. Enjoy with your favourite dipping sauce!
Ingredients to make Fried Oyster Mushrooms
- Oyster mushrooms are the star of the show! They’re so pretty and a delicate mushroom with a subtle taste, which allows them to be seasoned and absorb any flavor you add
- Flour is used for the batter. I’ve used plain all purpose flour to make both the dry and wet batter. Whole-wheat flour can also work. I havent personally tried gluten free flour for this recipe but I think they should be fine too!
- Spices are used to enhance flavour and colour into the beautiful oyster mushrooms. I’ve used a mix of paprika, tumeric, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper
- Oil for frying – make sure to use a neutral oil with a high smoke point when frying food. I’ve used canola oil but some other options are avocado oil, sunflower oil, grape seed oil and even vegetable oil Sauces to dip into:
- Creamy BBQ, mix equal parts of mayonnaise with bbq sauce and a dash of apple cider vinegar
- Sriracha aioli
- Ketchup
- Honey mustard
This MUSHROOM Tastes Like CHICKEN – So I made KFC
FAQ
What mushroom is the closest to chicken?
Oyster mushrooms are meaty and juicy and have a cool pull-apart texture that makes them ideal as a chicken substitute.Jan 5, 2024
What edible mushroom tastes like chicken?
Chicken of the Woods Without a doubt one of the most popular wild mushrooms of all time. The sulphur shelf fungus is a cousin of the Hen of the woods, and is the edible fungi many will know simply because its a mushroom that tastes like chicken.
Which mushrooms taste more like meat?
Which mushrooms taste like meat? Shiitake, portobello, and king oyster mushrooms are known for their meaty taste and texture. Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, offer a smoky flavor, while portobellos provide a beef-like richness, making them popular choices for meat substitution.
Do shiitake mushrooms taste like chicken?
Shiitake mushrooms are renowned for their unique and savory flavor profile. They have a meaty, rich taste with a subtle earthiness and a slightly sweet, smoky undertone. The flavor is often described as umami, which is the fifth taste, alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty.