Chicken of the Woods in Michigan: What to Know

There’s a strange ‘chicken’ found in Michigan’s woods that isn’t a bird, but people love to eat it. You may have spotted one on your property or while hiking without realizing it’s edible.

What Other Birds Are Known As "Chicken of the Woods"?

A chicken is a bird, and you might occasionally spot one wandering through the woods near a farm. But chickens don’t naturally roam Michigan’s forests. Several wild game birds are sometimes nicknamed “chickens of the woods..

Hunters in Michigan often refer to spruce grouse, ruffed grouse, and sharp-tailed grouse as “chicken of the woods.” They’re all considered good eating, although their flavors differ from that of domestic chicken.

Some people refer to turkeys as “chickens of the woods,” while others call them “Thunder Chickens” because of their impressive size. But none of these birds are the chicken of the woods I’m talking about.

There’s a Chicken in Michigan’s Woods, But It’s No Bird

Michigan is home to an edible mushroom called chicken of the woods, which is sometimes confused with hen of the woods. These mushrooms can grow in Michigan’s forests from late spring through fall. They typically grow on living or decaying hardwood trees, such as oak, maple, beech, and cherry.

Chicken of the woods mushrooms are best when they’re young and tender. They have a nice, meaty texture and a flavor that’s surprisingly similar to buttery chicken or even crab. A word of advice for mushroom hunters: Never eat chicken of the woods raw. Be sure to clean them thoroughly and cook them well to help avoid an upset stomach or other digestive issues.

Get our free mobile app

If you’re heading out to hunt for chicken of the woods, make sure you know what you’re looking for before you start picking. Plenty of resources can help you identify and locate these wild mushrooms. Once you’ve found some, check out these chicken of the woods recipes for a few delicious ways to prepare your harvest!