Welcome back, foodies! Today, we’re bringing you a unique and mouthwatering recipe featuring an unexpected ingredient: chicken of the woods mushrooms.
If you’ve never tried these before, get ready for a delightful surprise. Picture tender, juicy mushroom pieces coated in a crispy, golden-brown crust, seasoned to perfection.
This Fried Chicken of The Woods recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.
About Fried Chicken of The Woods Recipe
Indulge in a savory delight with our Fried Chicken of The Woods Recipe! Trim and wash these mushroom marvels, then coat them in seasoned flour, egg, and flour again for a crispy crust. Fry in a hot pan with clarified butter, garlic, and thyme for a golden finish.
In just 10 minutes, savor the crispy exterior and tender interior of these delectable mushrooms. Serve with a squeeze of lemon for a zesty twist. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a unique side dish, this recipe is sure to elevate your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients for Fried Chicken of The Woods Recipe
- 4, 2 oz pieces of young chicken of the woods mushrooms, approximately the size of a small fist
- All-purpose flour, for breading (about 1 cup)
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 generous pinch of sweet paprika
- 1 tiny pinch of cayenne pepper
- 3 eggs, for breading
- 6 tbsp clarified butter or ghee (or a combination of cooking oil and unsalted butter)
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme (optional)
- 1 small clove of garlic, crushed lightly with the back of a knife (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Tools Required
- Heavy sauté or frying pan
- Paper towels
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 2-4
How to Make Fried Chicken of The Woods Recipe
Step-01: Begin by trimming off the tough part where the stem attaches to the tree. Wash the mushrooms thoroughly and pat them dry to help the seasonings adhere better.
Step-02: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with a good pinch of salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust the amount of cayenne to your preference).
Step-03: Coat each piece of chicken of the woods mushroom first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured mushrooms into beaten eggs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Dredge the mushrooms in flour once again, pressing gently to adhere the breading.
Step-04: In a heavy sauté or frying pan, preferably cast iron, heat clarified butter or ghee over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to enhance the flavor. Once the butter/oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the breaded chicken of the woods mushrooms to the pan, along with the crushed garlic and fresh thyme sprigs if using.
Step-05: Fry the mushrooms until they are golden brown and crispy on each side, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. If the pan gets dry, add extra oil as needed. Once cooked, transfer the fried mushrooms to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Sprinkle with a little salt while still hot.
Arrange the crispy Fried Chicken of The Woods on a serving platter and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing citrus kick.
Watch the following video for better understanding
Some Tasty Ways To Customize This Fried Chicken of The Woods
1. Salad Topping: Slice the crispy Fried Chicken of The Woods and use it as a flavorful topping for a fresh green salad. It adds a delicious crunch and umami flavor to your salad bowl.
2. Sandwich Filling: Layer the crispy mushrooms between slices of toasted bread with your favorite sandwich fixings like lettuce, tomato, and mayo for a satisfying vegetarian sandwich.
3. Appetizer Platter: Serve the Fried Chicken of The Woods alongside other appetizers like dipping sauces, cheese, and crackers for a delightful finger food spread at your next gathering.
4. Pasta Dish: Toss the sliced mushrooms with cooked pasta, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese for a simple yet indulgent pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor.
5. Taco Filling: Stuff warm tortillas with sliced Fried Chicken of The Woods, avocado slices, shredded cabbage, and a squeeze of lime juice for a tasty vegetarian taco option.
6. Breakfast Hash: Chop the crispy mushrooms into bite-sized pieces and sauté them with diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers for a hearty and flavorful breakfast hash.
7. Rice Bowl: Serve the Fried Chicken of The Woods over a bed of cooked rice with steamed vegetables and a drizzle of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for a quick and satisfying rice bowl meal.
8. Pizza Topping: Use the sliced mushrooms as a topping for homemade pizza along with your favorite sauce, cheese, and other toppings like onions, bell peppers, and olives.
9. Burger Patty: Form the Fried Chicken of The Woods into patties and serve them on burger buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, and your favorite condiments for a delicious vegetarian burger option.
10. Appetizer Skewers: Thread the crispy mushrooms onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves for colorful and flavorful appetizer skewers that are perfect for entertaining.
Some tips on This Fried Chicken of The Woods Recipe
1. Choose Fresh Mushrooms: Select young chicken of the woods mushrooms that are firm, with vibrant colors and no signs of decay or mold.
2. Proper Cleaning: Thoroughly wash the mushrooms under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy coating.
3. Trim Carefully: Trim off the tough part of the mushroom where the stem attaches to the tree, as this part can be fibrous and chewy.
4. Seasoning the Flour: Season the all-purpose flour generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and a touch of cayenne for a flavorful breading.
5. Double Dredging: To achieve a crispier coating, double-dredge the mushrooms by coating them in flour, then egg, and finally flour again before frying.
6. Hot Oil for Crispiness: Heat the clarified butter or ghee in a heavy sauté pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot and shimmering before adding the breaded mushrooms. This ensures a crispy exterior.
7. Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the mushrooms in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking and soggy breading.
8. Monitor Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the mushrooms while frying, flipping them halfway through cooking to ensure they’re evenly golden brown on both sides.
9. Blot Excess Oil: After frying, transfer the cooked mushrooms to a plate lined with paper towels to blot away any excess oil and keep them crispy.
10. Serve Immediately: Fried foods are best enjoyed immediately after cooking while they’re still hot and crispy. Serve the Fried Chicken of The Woods with lemon wedges for a refreshing touch.
Store and Reheat
To store Fried Chicken of The Woods, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid reheating in the microwave to maintain crispiness.
FAQs on This Fried Chicken of The Woods Recipe
Here are some commonly asked questions and their short answers on this Fried Chicken of The Woods Recipe
1. What is chicken of the woods made of?
Chicken of the woods, scientifically known as Laetiporus spp., is a type of wild mushroom. It is characterized by its vibrant orange or yellow color and tender, meaty texture.
2. What’s the best way to eat chicken of the woods?
Chicken of the woods mushrooms are versatile and can be prepared in various ways. One popular method is to bread and fry them to create a crispy, flavorful dish. They can also be sautéed, grilled, or added to soups and stews for a unique umami flavor.
3. How long does it take to cook chicken of the woods?
The cooking time for chicken of the woods mushrooms depends on the method of preparation. When frying, it typically takes about 4-5 minutes per side for the mushrooms to become golden brown and crispy. Other cooking methods may require different cooking times.
4. Should you boil chicken of the woods before cooking?
Boiling chicken of the woods mushrooms before cooking is not necessary, as they are safe to eat when properly cooked. However, some people prefer to blanch them briefly in boiling water to remove any bitterness or potential toxins. If you choose to do so, blanch them for 1-2 minutes before proceeding with your chosen recipe.
5. Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
While this recipe specifically calls for chicken of the woods mushrooms, you can certainly experiment with other types of mushrooms if you prefer. However, keep in mind that different mushrooms may have varying textures and flavors, which could affect the final outcome of the dish.
6. How can I tell if chicken of the woods mushrooms are fresh?
Fresh chicken of the woods mushrooms should be firm, with a vibrant color and no signs of decay or mold. Avoid mushrooms that appear slimy, discolored, or have a strong unpleasant odor, as these are indications of spoilage.
7. Are chicken of the woods mushrooms safe to eat?
Yes, chicken of the woods mushrooms are generally safe to eat when properly cooked. However, it’s important to properly identify them and ensure they are harvested from a clean, uncontaminated environment to avoid the risk of consuming poisonous mushrooms.
8. Can I freeze Fried Chicken of The Woods for later use?
While Fried Chicken of The Woods is best enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can freeze any leftovers for later consumption. Allow the mushrooms to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for best results.
9. Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning blend for the flour, experiment with different dipping sauces, or add additional herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the dish. You can also try serving the Fried Chicken of The Woods with different side dishes or incorporating it into other recipes.
10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend for breading the mushrooms. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients used, such as seasonings and cooking oils, are gluten-free as well.
There you have it, folks – a delectable Fried Chicken of The Woods recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned mushroom enthusiast or a curious foodie looking to explore new flavors, this dish is a must-try.
So, gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and get ready to indulge in a crispy, flavorful culinary adventure. Enjoy!
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