Name: Chicken of the Woods
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 7 pieces chicken of the woods; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup potato starch ((Or cornstarch)); 2 tbsp flour; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp cumin powder ((Optional; Can be substituted with black pepper.)); ⅜ cup cold water; ½ bag Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Flavored Tortilla Chips ((There're 9¼ oz chips in a bag))

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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!

Jump To:

What is chicken of the woods?
Is chicken of the woods safe to eat?
Mushrooms Similar to Chicken of the Woods
EQUIPMENT
INGREDIENTS
Step-by-step INSTRUCTIONS
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Chicken of the Woods

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

INGREDIENTS

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

Step-by-step INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash and drain 7 pieces of chicken of the woods.

2. Sprinkle ½ tsp of salt over the washed mushrooms. Mix well with your hands. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes.

3. In a bowl, combine the potato starch, flour, salt, cumin powder, and cold water. Whisk well to create a batter.

4. Crush ½ bag of Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Flavored Tortilla Chips with 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 water from the mushrooms and gently squeeze out any remaining moisture.

6. Place the mushroom pieces in the batter and coat them evenly. Take each coated mushroom piece and dredge it in the crushed chips.

7. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line the air fryer basket with parchment liner to 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 at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 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 your favorite dipping sauce (I used Spicy Mayonnaise).

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