Chicken of the woods mushroom has become quite popular in recent years With its meaty texture and mild, lemony flavor, it’s an excellent plant-based alternative to chicken. However, to enjoy chicken of the woods at its best, it’s important to cook it properly In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about how long to cook chicken of the woods.
Chicken of the woods (Laetiporus sulphureus) is a type of edible mushroom that grows on trees, typically oak. It has a unique appearance, with wavy, fan-shaped caps that are orange or yellow. The texture is fibrous and resembles pulled chicken breast meat when cooked.
Chicken of the woods is delicious sautéed, breaded and fried, or used in any recipe that calls for chicken. It has a mild, lemony taste and pairs well with creamy or tangy sauces
Why Proper Cooking is Essential
Eating raw chicken of the woods can cause stomach upset, so it’s important to cook it thoroughly before eating. The mushroom contains small amounts of toxins that are broken down by heat.
Cooking chicken of the woods also tenderizes the meaty texture and brings out the best flavor. The methods and minimum cooking times vary depending on the recipe.
Recommended Cooking Methods
There are several great options for cooking chicken of the woods:
Sautéing
Thin slices or small pieces of mushroom can be sautéed in butter or oil for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Breading/Frying
Breaded chicken of the woods should be fried for 6-8 minutes per side at 350°F. Make sure the interior reaches 165°F.
Braising
For braised chicken of the woods, brown the mushrooms first, then simmer for 15-20 minutes in broth until fork-tender.
Grilling
Grill chicken of the woods slices or skewers for 2-3 minutes per side. Brush with oil and season as desired.
Roasting
Roast chicken of the woods pieces at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until browned and cooked through. Toss in oil and seasonings.
Checking Doneness
The minimum safe internal temperature for cooked chicken of the woods is 165°F. Check for doneness by piercing the thickest part of the mushroom with a knife. If juices run clear, it’s fully cooked.
The mushroom should have a firm, dense texture when ready. Overcooking can make it rubbery.
Tips for the Best Results
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Pick young, tender chicken of the woods mushrooms. Older specimens get woody and stringy.
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Cut away any tough or dry parts before cooking.
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Avoid overcrowding the pan when sautéing. Cook in batches for even browning.
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Allow breaded chicken of the woods to sit for 5 minutes after frying for the best texture.
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Add liquid to the pan if mushrooms start to stick. A splash of wine, broth, or lemon juice works well.
With the proper prep and cooking times, chicken of the woods can be an amazing plant-based protein. Follow these guidelines on how long to cook it, and enjoy its full flavor and texture.
Ingredients for Buffalo chicken of the woods wings:
1 lb. chicken of the woods (make sure to clean mushroom properly)
1/2 chickpea flour and 1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 &1/2 teaspoons pink salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch of Cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
HOW TO CLEAN CHICKEN OF THE WOODS?
Before the cooking process its important to clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris that may be hiding in the crevices of the mushroom. The easiest way to do this is to use a soft-bristled brush and a damp kitchen towel to gently wipe the mushroom caps and undersides. Be careful not to use too much water, as mushrooms are porous and can absorb water easily. And just like any mushrooms Chicken Mushrooms will soak up water and become soggy and flavorless being no good for anything other than soup.
Sauteed Chicken of the Woods
FAQ
How to know when chicken of the woods is done?
Cook the mushrooms until they are golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes, adding extra oil if the pan gets dry. Place them on a plate with paper towels and pat away excess oil. Sprinkle with a little salt to finish and serve immediately.
What’s the best way to cook chicken of the woods?
Use chicken of the woods mushrooms in recipes for pasta dishes, risotto, rice dishes, soups, stews, and as a topping for meats with plenty of fresh herbs. For a simple preparation that delivers a lot of flavor, try sauteeing these mushrooms in a pan with shallots, garlic, white wine, and sprigs of fresh thyme.
How long to roast chicken of the woods?
Bake or grill at 375-400° F. for 30 minutes, flipping the package at least once. If you want chewy, glazed “Chicken” fingers, bake until parchment is browned and the contents are glazed with a thin, rich syrup.
How long do you cook hen of the woods for?
- Brush any soil off mushrooms; cut mushrooms into 1-inch dice.
- Melt butter with oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. When butter stops sizzling, add mushrooms; sauté until tender, about 4 minutes. Add shallots, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Sauté 2 minutes and serve.