Prepare the Mushrooms: Clean the Chicken of the Woods mushrooms thoroughly and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Incorporate the garlic and onion, cooking them until they become aromatic and translucent.
Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to release their moisture and develop a golden-brown color.
Season: Sprinkle smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper over the mushrooms. Stir well to combine.
Deglaze (Optional): Pour in vegetable broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.