Chicken of the Woods Soup Recipe

Chicken of the Woods Soup Recipe is made with fresh chicken of the woods mushrooms, celery, onion, garlic, white wine, vegetable or chicken stock, kale, zucchini, seasoning, cream, cornstarch, water, and parsley. This hearty Chicken of the Woods Soup recipe creates a comforting and nutritious dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.

Chicken of the Woods Soup Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) butter, bacon fat, or oil
• 8 oz (225g) fresh chicken of the woods mushrooms, cleaned, trimmed, and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or 4 garlic scapes, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine
• 3 cups (750ml) vegetable, mushroom, or chicken stock
• 1 bunch kale, de-stemmed and chopped
• 1 green or yellow zucchini, cut into half or quarter moons
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (1g) black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon (1g) dried thyme leaves or 4 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves only
• 1/2 cup (125ml) heavy or whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon (10g) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) water
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Chicken of the Woods Soup Instructions

1. Heat butter, bacon fat, or oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add mushrooms, celery, and onions. Sauté for about 6 minutes until vegetables are softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Pour white wine into the pot, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Cook until the wine has mostly evaporated.
4. Add vegetable, mushroom, or chicken stock along with kale. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in zucchini, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
6. Reduce heat to medium. Add heavy cream.
7. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the soup to thicken.
8. Add chopped parsley and continue cooking until the soup reaches a chowder-like consistency.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Recipe Tips

• Enhance Mushroom Flavor: For a richer mushroom flavor, consider sautéing the chicken of the woods mushrooms separately in a hot pan until they are golden brown and slightly caramelized before adding them to the soup. This step can intensify their natural umami taste.
• Layering Flavors with Wine: When adding the white wine to deglaze the pot, allow it to simmer until most of the alcohol has evaporated. This not only adds depth to the soup but also enhances the overall aroma.
• Creamy Texture Tip: To achieve a velvety texture without adding heavy cream, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the cream. This method thickens the soup naturally and creates a luxurious mouthfeel.

How To Store Chicken of the Woods Soup

Refrigerate: Once the Chicken of the Woods Soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the pot with a lid or plastic wrap. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: For longer storage, allow the soup to cool completely. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to leave some room for expansion. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove until warmed through.

How To Reheat Leftover Chicken of the Woods Soup Recipe

On the Stove: Transfer the leftover soup to a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until hot all the way through.

In The Microwave: Place a portion of the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through.

What To Serve Chicken of the Woods Soup Recipe

Chicken of the Woods Soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, a fresh green salad, and steamed vegetables. It also can be served alongside rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, and a cheese platter for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chicken of the woods mushroom, and where can I find it?

Chicken of the woods mushroom (Laetiporus spp.) is a type of edible wild mushroom known for its chicken-like texture and taste. You can often find it growing on hardwood trees, particularly oak, during late spring to early autumn. It’s important to correctly identify it as some varieties are toxic.

Can I substitute chicken of the woods mushrooms with other mushrooms?

Yes, if you can’t find chicken of the woods mushrooms, you can substitute with other mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or even button mushrooms. The flavor and texture will vary slightly, but the soup will still be delicious.

How do I clean and prepare chicken of the woods mushrooms?

Clean the mushrooms by gently brushing off any dirt or debris with a soft brush or cloth. Trim away any tough parts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Avoid washing them in water as they can absorb too much moisture.

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