20 Life-Changing Chicken of the Woods Recipes

Chicken of the Woods is one of the most beautiful edible wild mushrooms to exist. This fabled fungus is named that way because its texture and taste are very similar to chicken. This makes it an ideal protein source and alternative to meat for vegans and vegetarians.

If you’ve had Chicken of the Woods and savored every delicate meaty bite, get ready to unlock more secrets of this extraordinary ingredient. There’s so much you can do with this humble fungus, from putting together a simple comfort meal to creating something exotic that looks like bougie culinary art!

Today, we embark on a gastronomic journey filled with wonder and excitement, exploring the captivating realm of Chicken of the Woods recipes!

1. Hashbrowns with Chicken of the Woods Mushroom

Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are great for beginners, particularly because they are easy to find and identify. They are often found in large masses that may weigh up to a hundred pounds.

Hashbrowns with Chicken of the Woods Mushroom is an expedient recipe to put this fungus to the test. I’ve had this dish for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – it’s good to go any time!

This is a low-calorie and no-meat recipe, which is perfect for the vegan lifestyle. I usually use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones, as they are less starchy and add a subtle sweetness I love.

2. Chicken of the Woods Sandwich

What if I told you that you could make a chicken sandwich without chicken? Chicken of the Woods, scientifically known as Laetiporus Sulphureus, is an incredible and unsuspecting substitute for our favorite poultry.

For this Chicken of the Woods Recipe, we coat the mushroom with seasonings and bread crumbs to fry. When making a sandwich, you should always add salt and spices to your taste, so don’t be shy if you feel like adjusting the recipe.

I like my sandwiches extra saucy and layered with lots of fresh salad, but you do you!

3. Chicken of the Woods Burger

Since Chicken of the Woods mushrooms can be used to make a rad sandwich, nothing is stopping us from using them to create a smashing burger!  Not to mention, you can make it with free foraged food.

In this Chicken of the Woods recipe, we incorporate our mushrooms into a burger patty. The patty mix includes several vegan and gluten-free elements that help hold it in shape.

This ultimate vegan burger can beat any meat-based burger in presentation, taste, and texture, so you should definitely try it out. 

4. Sesame Baked Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms

The vibrant orange color of the Chicken of the Woods mushrooms against the golden brown sesame crust is a feast for the eyes and the tummy. 

This baked snack is so meaty and chewy that you cannot even guess that it might not be chicken. Sesame seeds are a vital ingredient in this Chicken of the Woods recipe, as they add a toasty-nutty flavor that complements the earthy mushrooms so well. 

These sesame-baked mushrooms can be enjoyed like nuggets with a sauce, used as fillets in a sandwich or wrap, and tossed over a salad to give it crunchy, meaty goodness. 

5. Buffalo Chicken of the Woods Mushroom Sandwich

If you like your fast food hot and spicy, but preferably without meat, the Buffalo Chicken of the Woods mushroom sandwich has been invented for you. This is one loaded sandwich containing scallions, pickles, creamy dressing, and hot sauce.

To turn this Chicken of the Woods recipe into a complete vegan delight, you may replace the buttermilk with oat milk, use vegetable or coconut oil rather than butter, and swap bleu cheese for ranch dressing.

In case you don’t like your sandwiches too spicy and tangy, you should try the second recipe on the list instead. You can also adjust the recipe to make it less spicy or add a sweet element to balance the tart notes. 

6. Chicken of the Woods Saltimbocca

Saltimbocca is an Italian dish, and the word itself translates to “jump in the mouth”. I’d say it means that the flavors of this dish will shock your tastebuds in a good way.

The traditional Italian dish is made with chicken or veal, but this Chicken of the Woods recipe utilizes the mushroom as the central component. Honestly, you cannot tell the difference because this recipe manages to preserve the essence of the original.

This dish works great as an appetizer if you are planning an extravagant meal for a special occasion. It is quite simple to recreate, despite the fancy name and appearance.  

7. Chicken of the Woods Taquitos

If you are on the lookout to include more plant-based options in your diet, this Chicken of the Woods recipe is a promising alternative to the traditional meat-filled taquitos.

These unique wild mushrooms mimic the tender and fibrous texture of poultry, so you won’t even realize the absence of meat. You have the freedom to showcase your creativity when it comes to garnish and seasoning.

I frequently prepare this dish for house parties and game nights because everyone loves them, and I don’t need to worry about storing leftovers. 

8. Chicken of the Woods Mushroom Risotto Recipe

Chicken of the Woods Risotto represents how the fusion of different cuisines can result in an amazing product. Risotto is a classic Italian dish that consists of starchy short-grained rice cooked in a broth until they reach a desired creamy texture.

Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are mainly found in Europe or North America, so they’re rarely used by the Italians. Traditional risotto does not commonly include ant meat or animal protein, but the addition of wild mushrooms elevates the taste beyond expectations.

This innovative spin on customary risotto also enhances the nutritional value of this dish. Chicken of the Woods is an excellent source of protein and dietary fiber. 

9. Chicken of the Woods Picatta

Have you ever had an Italian Piccata? The word ‘picatta’ actually refers to a way of preparing food in Italy – slices of meat or fish are sautéed in a sauce containing lemon, spices, and butter.

For this Chicken of the Wood recipe, our featured mushroom plays the role of the meat. This Italian-inspired dish has been carefully modified to make it a hundred percent fit for vegans.

You will need to get some vegan cheese and butter to make this, but the rest of the ingredients are basic. This recipe also includes white wine, so if you want to make a non-boozy version, you may use white grape juice or apple cider vinegar as a replacement. 

10. Cream of Chicken of the Woods Mushroom Soup

Cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup are two classics that many of us thoroughly enjoy. Not to sound like Hannah Montana, but what if I told you that you can have the best of both worlds?

Cream of Chicken of the Woods Mushroom Soup lets you experience the bliss of both delicacies without having to add any meat. This soup is luxuriously creamy, comforting, and indulgent, so there’s no way you can say ‘no’ to it.  

Another reason to try this Chicken of the Woods recipe is that it has high nutritional value. It’s an impressive starter for lunch or dinner that shall truly amaze your guests. 

11. Chicken Fried Chicken of the Woods

Whenever I’m famished and can’t decide what to get, fried chicken is the easy way out. It is widely available, true and tried, satisfyingly crunchy, and delightful to the last bite.

However, fried chicken was not an option while I was obsessed with the vegan lifestyle a while ago. The cravings for fried chicken would get out of hand at times, and that’s when I discovered this Chicken of the Woods recipe.

Who knew fried mushrooms could be as tasteful as Kentucky-style fried chicken? This vegan alternative is so good that I still choose to make this rather than ordering fried chicken.

12. Vegan Chicken Of The Woods Fajitas

Foraging for food in the wilderness is such a fun activity to take part in with friends and family. It’s a small yet rewarding adventure. I miss the days when looking for rare plants and fungi was a hobby I could afford to enjoy often.

If you’re lucky enough to have foraging opportunities around you, do not miss or pass. You might come across Chicken of the Woods, and then you can make these amazing vegan fajitas.

My family loves chicken fajita on pizza, pasta, bread, rice, and almost anything that could use a little flavor and spice. Fajitas made out of Chicken of the Woods are just as versatile and scrumptious (no kidding). 

13. Sicilian Chicken of the Woods

If you need a vegan substitute for any of your favored chicken-based foods, the Chicken of the Woods mushrooms is an ingredient that would work with most recipes.

Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are not limited to American cuisine. Sicilian Chicken of the Woods, also known as Laetiporus sulphureus, is a variant species found in Sicily, Italy. The fungi have a dazzling yellow color that adds a distinct brightness to food.

This is yet another Chicken of the Woods recipe that allows a great deal of personalization. You can make it less hot and spicy or take the heat to the next level. Follow your gut and let your creativity show. 

14. Butter Chicken of the Woods

Indian cuisine has an expansive range of rich, spicy, flavorful, and aromatic foods to offer, which is why I revisit it from time to time. You must be familiar with the famous butter chicken that has made waves worldwide.

This Chicken of the Woods recipe is a vegan twist on the traditional Indian butter chicken, so you can bet it will make your tastebuds dance with joy. If you’re on a strict plant-based diet, this one is surely going to become a regular meal.

I feel that the dense and earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs exceptionally well with the creamy, buttery notes of the curry, creating a memorable dining experience.

15. Deep Fried Chicken of the Woods Recipe

If Deep Fried Chicken of the Woods was a person, I’d rate it a solid ten. If you’ve recently turned vegan, you would agree with me a hundred percent.

This Chicken of the Woods recipe is pretty straightforward – you coat pieces of the mushroom in a batter and fry them until golden brown. You can totally have this when you’re craving chicken nuggets or crispy fried chicken.

Chicken of the Woods mushrooms have a distinct flavor that is often described as reminiscent of chicken. When deep-fried, the mushrooms develop a rich umami taste that is both delicious and addictive.

16. Pickled Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms

This Chicken of the Woods recipe is for all my pickler friends out there. Pickling cucumbers is basic, so why not experiment with these gorgeous and vibrant mushrooms for a change? I assure you that you won’t regret it!

Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are ideal for preserving, especially when they’re young. If you’re wondering why, it’s because they get more tough and leathery as they grow in size. The white-pored variety is best, as it possesses higher bug resistance.

Your pickled mushroom jar can be prepared in under 20 minutes, and it’s super handy for use in sandwiches and burgers.  

17. Sautéed Chicken of the Woods

We’ve already pan-fried, baked, deep-fried, simmered, and pickled Chicken of the Woods mushrooms, so let’s try another popular technique, i.e. sauté. When you Sauté food, you greatly reduce the about of grease that goes into the final dish.

Sautéing is a convenient and healthy cooking method that is perfectly suited for cooking edible fungi.  Sautéed Chicken of the Woods is a wonderful side dish that can be paired with almost anything, or you may savor it as a light standalone snack.

I love to add in a bunch of leafy greens and convert this dish into a refreshing and wholesome salad. 

18. Chicken Of The Woods Tacos

Counting down dishes that can use mushrooms as an alternative for chicken, let’s not forget tacos. Fetch your tortillas to make this quick and yummy snack featuring grilled Chicken of the Woods mushrooms.

If you make tacos often, I encourage you to be creative and perhaps improve upon this recipe. This Chicken of the Woods recipe keeps it simple, so someone who rarely uses his or her kitchen can make it too.

I usually like shredded mozzarella, ranch dressing, and salsa sauce on my tacos. Nonetheless, there are unlimited options to choose from when it comes to seasonings, toppings, and dips. 

19. Chicken of the Woods Pasta Sauce

It’s no secret that Chicken of the Woods mushrooms has a distinctive taste that resembles chicken, so it’s more than capable of providing a satisfying savory flavor to your pasta sauce.

The meaty texture of mushrooms adds depth and substance to the sauce, so you won’t feel the need to add chicken or another protein. These wild mushrooms can be prepared in several ways, such as sautéing, grilling, or roasting, allowing you to incorporate and experience diverse flavors in your pasta sauce.

Chicken of the Woods mushrooms is also an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, thereby turning your pasta dish into a nutritious and well-rounded meal.

20. Chicken of the Woods Wild Rice Soup

Chicken of the Woods Wild Rice Soup is a powerhouse of nutrients. Wild rice is high in fiber, protein, and essential minerals, while Chicken of the Woods mushrooms offer vitamins and antioxidants.

This Chicken of the Woods recipe contains wild rice, a native grain of North America. It has a rustic nutty flavor, which makes the soup all the more hearty and wholesome.

Winters at my place are all about heartwarming soups, stews, and gravies, so this is a recipe I truly enjoy making on a frosty evening or afternoon.