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Sautéed Chicken of the Wood

If you're looking for a dish that combines flavors with a meaty texture, sautéed Chicken of the Woods mushrooms might just be your next favorite recipe. Known for their color and chicken-like texture, these wild mushrooms are a delicacy worth savoring.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 5 oz Chicken of the Woods mushrooms
  • 2 oz shallot 1 small shallot
  • 1 large clove garlic
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme or a small handful of thyme sprigs

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cleaning the Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms

  • Why clean properly? Mushrooms often grow in dirt and may have debris, which needs to be removed for safety and taste.

How to clean:

  • Use a soft brush or a damp paper towel to gently wipe the mushroom caps and undersides.
  • For crevices where dirt might hide, carefully clean with a damp cloth.
  • Avoid soaking mushrooms in water as they absorb water easily, which can alter their texture.
  • If the mushrooms are excessively dirty, dunk them briefly in water and immediately pat them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Step 2: Preparing the Mushrooms

  • Cut the mushrooms into 1-inch wide or 1/2-inch thick pieces. This size ensures even cooking and helps maintain their meaty texture.

Step 3: Cooking the Mushrooms

  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add 1/4 cup water and the sliced mushrooms to the skillet.
  • Cook the mushrooms for 10-25 minutes, depending on their moisture content. Stir occasionally.
  • Why cook thoroughly? Chicken of the Woods mushrooms must be fully cooked to be safe to eat. Cooking softens their texture and brings out their flavor.
  • Once the mushrooms are tender and any remaining water has evaporated, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to the skillet.

Step 4: Sautéing with Aromatics

  • Add the chopped shallots and garlic to the skillet.
  • Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the shallots are soft and the garlic is fragrant.
  • Season the mixture with Kosher salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir well to evenly coat the mushrooms with flavor.

Step 5: Serve

  • The sautéed mushrooms are ready to enjoy as a side dish, on toast, or as part of a main meal. Their meaty texture and savory flavor make them a versatile ingredient.

Notes

Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms: Always use fresh mushrooms and avoid tough or woody pieces. If you’re foraging, ensure you correctly identify the mushrooms to avoid toxic varieties.
Mushrooms: If you can’t find Chicken of the Woods, try King Oyster mushrooms or Portobello mushrooms for a similar texture.
Keyword Chicken of the Woods sauté, Easy mushroom recipe, Sauteed mushrooms