Should you be fortunate enough to come upon Chicken of the Woods Recipe mushrooms, you will be in for a true treat! Excellent meat substitute for these vivid wild mushrooms are their meaty texture and mild, somewhat citrusy taste. Simple but quite delicious, sautéed in garlic butter with thyme and a bit of lemon. Present it as a side dish, over pasta, or with rice for a great, earthy dinner.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Amazingly flavorful; thyme, butter, and garlic accentuate the mushrooms’ inherent richness.
- Simple and quick ready in 25 minutes with little preparation!
- Chicken of the Woods is perfect for a plant-based lunch with a firm, juicy texture.
- Flexible; present in many dishes as a side, main course, or meat replacement.
Ingredients:
Here is all you need for perfectly sautéed Chicken of the Woods mushrooms:
- Cleaned and cut into bite-sized bits, Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms
- Olive oil or butter brings richness and accentuates the inherent tastes of the mushrooms.
- Garlic, minced, is the ideal aromatic to add to the taste.
- Classic seasons to improve taste are salt and black pepper.
- Optionally, smoked paprika adds a subdued, smoky depth.
- Dried or fresh thyme is a classic earthy warmth match for mushrooms.
- Lemon Juice accentuates the inherent citrus notes of the mushroom and brightens the meal.
- Add depth and umami richness with vegetable broth or white wine, optional.
- A fresh garnish to wrap up the meal is fresh parsley.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
Cooking Sautéed Chicken of the Woods
The first step is to clear the mushrooms.
Use a damp cloth or brush to clean Chicken of the Woods mushrooms of any dirt gently. Cut them into bite-sized bits.
Second, sauté the mushrooms.
Warm olive oil or butter in a big skillet set over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for five to seven minutes, stirring until they brown and release moisture.
Third step: add seasons and garlic.
Stir in: ✅ Minced garlic ✅ Salt & black pepper ✅ Smoked paprika (if using) ✅ Thyme
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and slightly crispy.
Step 4: Deglaze (Optional)
Pour vegetable broth or white wine and let it simmer for a few minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. This adds extra depth to the flavor.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon & Parsley
Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve hot as a 🍽️ Side dish with grilled meats or roasted veggies 🍚 Topping over rice or quinoa 🍝 Mixed into pasta for a plant-based meal.
For more inspiration on creating hearty, earthy meals, check out this Chicken Liver Sauté Recipe that pairs beautifully with wild mushrooms like Chicken of the Woods.
Pro Tips for the Best Sautéed Mushrooms
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Don’t Mushrooms release moisture as they cook, so give them space for better browning.
- Use Medium Heat : Too high, and they’ll burn; too low, and they’ll become soggy.
- Lemon Juice Enhances Flavor : It helps highlight the natural citrus notes of the mushrooms.
- Add a Splash of Soy Sauce : Mix in ½ teaspoon soy sauce during cooking for an umami boost.
How to Serve
This garlic butter Chicken of the Woods is incredibly versatile! Try serving it:
- As a Side Dish : It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
- Over Pasta : Toss with linguine, olive oil, and Parmesan for a simple meal.
- With Rice or Quinoa : A hearty, plant-based option.
- On Toast : A delicious, savory mushroom toast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers.
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Freeze sautéed Chicken of the Woods mushrooms in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet before serving.
Reheating Stovetop:
- Heat a pan over medium-low heat with olive oil.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
- What does Chicken of the Woods taste like?
It has a meaty texture and mild, slightly citrusy flavor, similar to Chicken or lobster. - Can I use other mushrooms for this recipe?
Yes! Try oyster mushrooms, chanterelles, or shiitakes for a similar texture. - How do I know if Chicken of the Woods is safe to eat?
Ensure it’s fresh, properly identified, and in a clean environment. Avoid any growing on conifers, eucalyptus, or locust trees, as they can cause stomach upset. - Can I use dried Chicken of the Woods mushrooms?
Yes! Rehydrate them in warm water for 30 minutes before cooking.
Conclusion
This garlic butter Chicken of the Woods recipe is a wild mushroom lover’s dream rich, meaty, and packed with earthy flavors! Whether foraging or buying fresh, this is the best way to enjoy these unique mushrooms. 🍄😋
Garlic Butter Chicken of the Woods – A Wild Mushroom Delight
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken of the Woods mushrooms cleaned and sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or white wine optional
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Wipe Chicken of the Woods mushrooms with a damp cloth and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in vegetable broth or white wine (if using) and let it cook down for a few minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve as a side dish, over rice, or with pasta for a delicious meatless meal.