A Guide To Mushrooms That Taste Like Chicken

Mushrooms, whether recreational or culinary, tend to be a polarizing member of the American pantry. While some people obsess over, crave, and demand them, others scream in distaste and disgust. However, regardless of these opinions, one mushroom is so out of this world that it can make mushroom haters reconsider: Chicken of the Woods. To eat a tasty preparation of this mushroom is a mind-blowing experience; your body will be satisfied, and your mouth will be utterly confused. Why? Because it genuinely tastes like chicken. Intrigued? 

Let's start with its biology. First, for vegetarians and vegans, it has no relation to chicken. Laetiporus sulphureus, the species, is sometimes called Crab of the Woods or Sulphur Shelf. However, this should not be confused with Hen of the Woods, another name for a maitake mushroom. 

What does it look like? They are huge, ranging from 3 to 15 inches across. The mushroom grows on dead or mature heartwood, resembling large flowers of coral. The youngest mushrooms range from bright blood-orange to yellow with beige on the underside. Another edible variety, Laetiporus Cincinnatus, has similar physical features but is a paler white color. The most colorful are the best to eat as they are young, plump, and tender. If you cut them into slices, they resemble chicken breast and cooked lobster. When buying, older Chicken of the Woods fade to brown and have a brittle texture. Like most food that has lost color, older mushrooms are neither tasty nor recommended.

What makes these mushrooms so out-of-this-world tasty? The first bite may have you experiencing a lemony, gamey flavor like crab, poultry, and lobster. They are also high in protein, about 14 grams per 100 grams, and contain other nutrients, like fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. The cooked mushrooms have a sinewy texture that pulls apart like white meat, resulting in a soft, juicy, tender chicken thigh-like ingredient with less fat. 

Are you interested in trying these unique mushrooms? You probably want to know where to buy them. Sadly, this is not yet a supermarket go-to. These are wild mushrooms, so you are better off going to a local farmers market or specialty store. You can also contact your local mycological society to find out if there are mushroom foragers in your area (mushroom hunters). There are also all types of mushroom communities on social media. You can also hunt for them if they grow in your area, but be warned, you should learn about mushroom foraging before attempting it at home. This species is reasonably common, so you'll find it widely scattered across the United States. 

As their name and flavor suggest, these mushrooms make a fantastic substitute for chicken in nearly any recipe. Cozy up to a bowl of a classic noodle soup with slivers of this tasty fungus, use it in risotto or pasta, or bake some into a pot pie.