Nashville Hot "Chicken"

Chicken of the Woods is a unique mushroom that can only be found in the wild—it’s not one that can be cultivated at home like many other varieties. This mushroom thrives in specific conditions on hardwood trees, making it a special find for foragers. Its meaty texture and rich flavor make it the perfect substitute for chicken in dishes like this. In this recipe, I’ve used Chicken of the Woods to create a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich that’s crispy, spicy, and full of bold flavors.

Fried Chicken of the Woods Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Fried Chicken of the Woods:

1 lb Chicken of the Woods mushrooms (cleaned and sliced)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based alternative)
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Nashville Hot Sauce:

1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
1/4 cup melted butter or plant-based butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Sandwich:

4 brioche buns (or your preferred bun)
Pickles
Coleslaw (optional but recommended for extra crunch)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fried Chicken of the Woods:

In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Dip each slice of Chicken of the Woods mushrooms into the buttermilk, then dredge it in the flour mixture, coating evenly.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated mushrooms for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

2. Make the Nashville Hot Sauce:

In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat until the sugar dissolves and everything is well mixed.

3. Assemble the Sandwich:

Brush the fried Chicken of the Woods generously with the Nashville hot sauce.
Toast your brioche buns, if desired, and add a layer of pickles.
Place the sauced Chicken of the Woods mushrooms on the buns and top with coleslaw, if using.
Close up the sandwich and serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.

This plant-based version of the Nashville hot chicken sandwich brings all the heat and flavor, with Chicken of the Woods mushrooms providing that perfect meaty bite. Whether you’ve foraged these mushrooms yourself or bought them fresh, this recipe is a must-try for any mushroom lover.