Chicken of the Woods Recipe (2024)

Are you looking for an easy, delicious, and vegan-friendly recipe for Chicken of the Woods?

This unique dish showcases the savory flavors of chicken of the woods mushrooms transformed into crispy meat-like bites using the magic of the air fryer.

With a simple yet flavorful marinade and a crunchy coating made from Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Flavored Tortilla Chips, these mushrooms are sure to impress your taste buds.

Prepare for an unexpected surprise as you reveal to your guests that these mouthwatering treats are, in fact, mushrooms rather than fried chicken nuggets. They won’t be able to tell the difference, neither in appearance nor in taste, unless you disclose the truth.

Now follow this step-by-step guide to achieve the perfectly crispy and mouthwatering results!

What is chicken of the woods?

Chicken of the Woods, scientifically known as Laetiporus, is a type of wild mushroom that is widely recognized for its unique appearance and taste. It is also referred to as “sulfur shelf” due to its bright yellow to orange coloration. This mushroom grows in shelf-like clusters on the trunks or stumps of deciduous trees, such as oak, chestnut, or eucalyptus.

One of the remarkable characteristics of chicken of the woods is its chicken-meat-like texture. It is important to note that only the younger and softer parts of chicken of the woods are typically consumed, as the older and tougher sections can become woody and less palatable.

Is chicken of the woods safe to eat?

While Chicken of the Woods is generally considered safe to eat, it’s important to note that individual reactions to foods can vary. Some people may experience digestive discomfort after consuming Chicken of the Woods or other types of mushrooms. This can include symptoms such as upset stomach, bloating, gas, or diarrhea.

To minimize the risk of digestive discomfort, it is recommended to cook Chicken of the Woods thoroughly. Cooking mushrooms helps to break down their cell walls, making them easier to digest. You can also consume it in a small amount at first to gauge your body’s reaction. If you have known allergies to mushrooms or fungi, it is best to avoid Chicken of the Woods altogether.

Although chicken of the woods is usually not poisonous, as it introduced by The Wild Foodie, “it does sometimes grow on yew trees. This makes them toxic, so stick to fungus found on oaks or sweet chestnuts.”

However, it is essential to correctly identify and gather mushrooms from reliable sources or with the guidance of an experienced forager, as there are similar-looking species that may be toxic.

Mushrooms Similar to Chicken of the Woods

There are a few mushrooms that can often be confused with Chicken of the Woods. It’s important to be aware of these similar-looking mushrooms to avoid any confusion or potential risks. Here are a few examples:

1. False Chicken of the Woods (Stereum ostrea): This mushroom shares a similar shelf-like appearance with Chicken of the Woods but lacks the vibrant coloration. It typically has a flatter and less fleshy texture.

2. Dryad’s Saddle (Cerioporus squamosus): Also known as “Pheasant Back,” this mushroom has a scalloped or “saddle-shaped” cap. While it can resemble Chicken of the Woods in appearance, it has a different texture and flavor.

3. Berkeley’s Polypore (Bondarzewia berkeleyi): This mushroom has a large, white-to-cream-colored cap with a rough, scaly surface. While it may resemble Chicken of the Woods at a glance, its texture and taste differ.

EQUIPMENT

• Air Fryer
• Measuring cups and spoons

INGREDIENTS

• 7pieces ofchicken of the woods
• ½tspof salt
• ½cup ofpotato starch(Or cornstarch)
• 2tbsp offlour
• ¼tspof salt
• ¼tspof cumin powder(Optional; Can be substituted with black pepper.)
• ⅜cupof cold water
• ½bagof Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Flavored Tortilla Chips(There’re 9¼ oz chips in a bag)

Step-by-step INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash and drain7 pieces of chicken of the woods.

2. Sprinkle½ tsp of saltover the washed mushrooms. Mix well with your hands. Let themmarinate for about 15 minutes.

3. In a bowl, combine thepotato starch, flour, salt, cumin powder,andcold water. Whisk well to create a batter.

4. Crush ½ bag ofDoritos Spicy Sweet Chili Flavored Tortilla Chipswith a rolling pin or a food processor. Pour the crushed chips to a large plate.

5. Once the mushrooms have marinated for 15 minutes, they will release a lot of water.Drain the excess waterfrom the mushrooms and gently squeeze out any remaining moisture.

6. Place the mushroom pieces in the batterand coat them evenly. Take each coated mushroom piece anddredge it in the crushed chips.

7. Lightly spray theair fryerbasket withcooking sprayor line the air fryer basket withparchment linerto prevent sticking. Place the coated mushroom pieces in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap.

8. Air fry the mushrooms at375°F (190°C)for about15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the mushrooms turn golden brown and become crispy.

9. Once cooked, transfer the air-fried chicken of the woods mushrooms to a serving plate. Optionally, enjoy with yourfavorite dipping sauce(I usedSpicy Mayonnaise).

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