Lion’s Mane Chicken Recipe: A Nourishing Dish for Mind and Body

This recipe was conceived of by Real Mushrooms’ resident Medical Herbalist, Lee Carroll.

If you're searching for a hearty meal that delivers both flavor and wellness, look no further. This Lion’s Mane Chicken recipe features a flavorful and nourishing combination of ingredients, including Lion’s Mane mushroom extract, which is often appreciated for its functional culinary use. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this recipe is a wonderful way to bring functional mushrooms into your everyday cooking. Let’s dive in!

In This Article:

• What Makes This Recipe Special?
• Ingredients
• Directions
• Cooking Tips
• A Functional Feast

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a functional mushroom, widely known for its unique flavor and culinary versatility. When you combine its earthy notes with juicy chicken leg pieces, sweet yet slightly tangy orange, and hearty cannellini beans, you get a dish that’s as comforting as it is nourishing.

This recipe blends the robust flavors of fresh thyme and crushed garlic with the bright citrusy hint of orange zest, all of which complement the subtle complexity of Lion’s Mane extract powder. The cannellini beans add an extra touch of creaminess, ensuring this dish is a fulfilling and wholesome meal.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs, preferably organic
• 1 large brown onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, crushed
• 4 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 4 pinches of dried thyme leaves)
• 1 large orange, with 4 pieces of zest sliced off and juiced
• 4 heaped teaspoons of Real Mushrooms Lion’s Mane dry extract
• 1 can organic cannellini beans (white beans), drained (reserve a little liquid)
• 30 mL olive oil (more or less, as desired)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Begin by pushing one sprig of fresh thyme and a little crushed garlic under the skin of each chicken leg. This infuses the chicken with aromatic flavors as it bakes.
2. Layer the Dish: In a baking dish, evenly spread the diced onion and the remaining crushed garlic. Drain the cannellini beans and pour them over the onion-garlic mixture, reserving some of the bean liquid.
3. Position and Zest: Place the chicken pieces evenly on top of the beans. Slide one piece of the orange zest underneath each chicken piece to allow the oils from the zest to infuse the chicken with subtle citrus notes.
4. Mix the Lion’s Mane: In a bowl, mix the Real Mushrooms Lion’s Mane dry extract with the freshly squeezed orange juice. If needed, add a little of the reserved bean liquid to help the extract dissolve fully. Pour this mixture over the chicken and beans.
5. Add Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the entire dish. This will help the chicken and beans achieve a beautiful golden color and texture.
6. Season and Cover: Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the dish to taste. Cover the baking dish with foil to allow the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld together.
7. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Remove the foil towards the end of the cooking time to let the chicken brown and develop a crispy skin.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked and golden, remove it from the oven. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Tips

• Mind the Zest: The orange zest is added for its aromatic oils, not for eating directly. Be sure to remove it before serving or inform your guests of its purpose.
• Cannellini Beans: These beans add a creamy texture to the dish. If desired, you can lightly mash some beans before baking to create a thicker sauce.

For Extra Flavor: Sprinkle a little smoked paprika or cumin over the chicken before baking for an extra depth of flavor.

A Functional Feast

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Chicken is a perfect example of how you can elevate simple ingredients into a functional feast. This dish blends rich flavors with the potential cognitive support of Lion’s Mane, creating a recipe that nourishes both body and mind.

By providing this recipe, you’re not just serving a meal; you’re sharing a story of mindful nourishment through the inclusion of functional mushrooms. Bon appétit!

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• Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits: A Complete Supplement Guide