How to Prepare Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms: A Complete Guide

Chicken of the woods mushrooms are a delicious edible mushroom that can be prepared in many ways Their meaty texture and mild flavor make them an excellent substitute for chicken in recipes Learning how to properly clean, store, and cook these wild mushrooms ensures you get the best results.

Chicken of the woods (Laetiporus sulphureus) is a bright orange or yellow shelf mushroom that grows in overlapping clusters on trees. The caps can reach 10 inches across and several pounds in weight. Young specimens have a soft, suede-like texture while older mushrooms become corky.

Chicken of the woods is called by many names like sulfur shelf and chicken mushroom. It’s one of the easiest wild mushrooms to identify thanks to its unique growth habit and coloring.

These mushrooms have a mild, lemony, chicken-like taste. Their meaty texture when cooked makes them a versatile substitution for chicken or seafood in many dishes.

Identifying Prime Chicken of the Woods Specimens

Look for chicken of the woods growing on hardwood trees and logs. The freshest mushrooms will be bright in color with moist, soft caps. As they age the caps become paler and dry out.

Signs that a chicken of the woods is past its prime

• Dark or faded areas of color
• Dry, crumbly flesh
• Mold, mildew, or bugs on the surface

Avoid any mushrooms growing directly on the ground, as they are likely another species. Only harvest chicken of the woods attached to wood above ground.

Proper Handling and Storage

Collect only the amount of chicken of the woods that you plan to use within 3-5 days. These mushrooms don’t store well long-term due to their high moisture content.

Store fresh chicken of the woods mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator. Don’t wash them until right before cooking. Storing them wet will cause rapid spoilage.

Frozen chicken of the woods keeps for 6-12 months. Many people prefer to cook the mushrooms before freezing to retain the best texture.

Cleaning Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms

Start cleaning chicken of the woods as soon as you get home from foraging. Here are the steps:

• Trim off any tough, woody sections near the base. The outer edges of the caps are the most tender.

• Check the mushrooms closely for dirt, debris, bugs, or slimy spots. Cut away any damaged parts.

• For mushrooms with embedded dirt and twigs, use a paring knife to scrape and cut the debris away.

• Cut each mushroom vertically to expose any hidden insects inside.

• Give clean mushrooms a final wipe down with a damp paper towel or soft brush.

• Pat dry before cooking or storing. Wet mushrooms will spoil faster.

Prepping Chicken of the Woods for Cooking

After cleaning chicken of the woods mushrooms, take a close look at the density and texture:

• The outer edges of the caps are the most tender.

• The bases where the mushroom attaches to wood are usually tough.

• The middle sections are dense and meaty.

Remove any parts that seem fibrous or tough. A knife should cut through cleanly if it’s tender enough to eat.

Cut the mushrooms into the size pieces needed for your recipe. Strips, chunks, and slices are common.

Consider marinating smaller pieces for added flavor. The dense texture takes well to marinades.

Cooking Chicken of the Woods

Chicken of the woods requires thorough cooking. Eating it raw may cause stomach upset in some individuals.

Cook chicken of the woods mushrooms for at least 10 minutes regardless of preparation method. They pair well with butter, oil, garlic, shallots, lemon, and fresh herbs.

Here are some top cooking methods:

• Sauté in butter or oil over medium-high heat until lightly browned. Add aromatics like garlic toward the end.

• Grill after brushing with oil. Cook 4-6 minutes per side.

• Roast on a baking sheet at 375°F for 15-20 minutes after tossing in oil or marinade.

• Pan-fry in shallow oil for a crispy texture. Takes 5-7 minutes per side.

• Batter-fry after coating in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for “chicken” tenders.

• Braise in flavorful liquid like wine, broth, or sauce until fork-tender.

• Bake into casseroles and savory pies in place of chicken.

Chicken of the woods makes a seamless substitute for chicken in pasta dishes, stir-fries, tacos, soups, and more. It absorbs surrounding flavors nicely.

Preserving Chicken of the Woods

Drying: Chicken of the woods can be dehydrated and ground into a seasoning powder. Rehydrating dried pieces does not work well.

Freezing: The best way to preserve these mushrooms long-term. Blanch for a few minutes before freezing to retain texture.

Canning: Chicken of the woods does not can well due to its high water content. Freezing is a better choice.

Pickling: Small pieces can be pickled in vinegar brine for a unique flavor. Makes an interesting burger topping.

Common FAQs

Is chicken of the woods safe to eat?
It is considered safe although some people report minor GI upset. Try a small amount first.

How do I cook frozen chicken of the woods?
You can cook frozen chicken of the woods with no need to thaw first. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I eat chicken of the woods raw?
It’s not recommended. Thorough cooking removes potential allergens and toxic compounds.

What’s the shelf life of fresh chicken of the woods?
About 5-7 days when refrigerated in a paper bag. Don’t wash until ready to cook.

What are the lookalikes I should avoid?
Jack o’ lantern mushrooms and true sulphur shelf mushrooms look similar but are poisonous. Verify identification carefully.

Conclusion

Chicken of the woods is a woodland delicacy with incredible culinary versatility. Follow these tips for identification, storage, preparation, and cooking to enjoy this mushroom safely. Its mild flavor and “chicken-like” texture make it an ideal plant-based protein.