Chicken of the Woods Tacos with Lime Crema
Vivid orange and yellow Chicken of the Woods bracket fungus on tree bark
Chicken of the Woods bracket fungus growing on the side of a tree trunk
Young Chicken of the Woods specimen with vibrant orange surface and yellow edges
Multiple overlapping Chicken of the Woods shelves in a Dutch forest
Chicken of the woods gets its name honestly. The texture, when cooked right, is remarkably similar to chicken breast. Shredded and seasoned with cumin and chili, it makes some of the best mushroom tacos you'll ever eat. The trick is to use only the tender outer edges; the tough inner portions near the tree are woody and unpleasant.
Ingredients
- 400g chicken of the woods, outer tender edges only, torn into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Quick-pickled red onion (1 red onion, sliced, in lime juice + pinch of salt for 20 min)
- Fresh cilantro, sliced avocado
- Lime crema: 100ml sour cream + juice of half a lime + pinch of salt
Method
- 1
Tear the chicken of the woods into thin, chicken-like strips. Only use the soft, pliable edges. Discard any woody or tough portions.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushroom strips and cook without stirring for 3 minutes to get a good sear. Flip and cook another 2 minutes.
- 3
Add cumin, paprika, chili powder, and lime juice. Toss to coat and cook 1 more minute.
- 4
Warm tortillas in a dry pan or over a gas flame.
- 5
Assemble: tortilla, seasoned mushroom strips, pickled onion, avocado, cilantro, drizzle of lime crema.
Forager's tip
A small number of people have gastrointestinal reactions to chicken of the woods, especially when it grows on eucalyptus or conifers. Eat a small amount first if it's your first time, and always harvest from hardwood trees (oak is best).
What it tastes like
Chicken of the woods genuinely tastes like chicken. Mild, savory, slightly lemony. The texture is what sells it: firm and fibrous, with a pull-apart quality that mimics poultry breast. With cumin and smoked paprika, it's indistinguishable in a taco.
Where to find Chicken of the Woods in the wild
Based on reported sightings worldwide
Widespread across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. One of the most commonly encountered bracket fungi in the Northern Hemisphere. Particularly abundant in eastern North America and throughout western Europe. Full species guide →
Found something in the wild you can't identify? Try Orangutany, it can ID mushrooms from a photo.