Amish Chicken and Noodles is a comforting, classic recipe that combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, and thick egg noodles for a satisfying, hearty meal. This dish is well-known for its rich flavors and homemade feel, making it perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. Here’s a step-by-step guide, along with variations, serving tips, and frequently asked questions to make Amish Chicken and Noodles a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken and Broth:
1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds) or 2-3 pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and breasts
12 cups water (enough to cover the chicken in the pot)
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium onion, quartered
3 garlic cloves, smashed
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
For the Noodles:
12 ounces egg noodles (homemade or store-bought Amish egg noodles work well)
2 cups chicken broth (from the pot or canned, if needed)
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for a creamy version)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Place the whole chicken in a large pot and cover it with water (about 12 cups). Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic cloves, bay leaf, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
The vegetables and herbs infuse the broth with a depth of flavor that makes this dish truly special.
Bring the pot to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
Cover the pot and cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. If you’re using bone-in, skin-on pieces instead of a whole chicken, check for doneness after 30-40 minutes.
Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface while the chicken is simmering. This will help keep your broth clear and flavorful.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once it’s cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Set the chicken aside.
Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the vegetables and any remaining solids, reserving the liquid. You should have about 8-10 cups of rich chicken broth. This broth will serve as the base for the noodles.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Return the strained broth to the pot and bring it back to a gentle boil. If you need extra liquid for the noodles, add 1-2 cups of canned or boxed chicken broth to supplement.
Add the egg noodles to the boiling broth. Cook according to the package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes), or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Noodles
Once the noodles are cooked, add the shredded chicken back to the pot, stirring to combine. This step warms the chicken through and allows the flavors to meld.
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If you’re going for a creamier version, add the heavy cream or half-and-half at this point and stir until heated through.
Step 5: Let the Dish Rest and Serve
Let the chicken and noodles sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the noodles to absorb more of the flavorful broth, making the dish even heartier.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. The parsley adds a touch of color and a hint of freshness.
Step 6: Serve
Serve in bowls with a ladle for easy enjoyment. This dish is delicious on its own or paired with a side of crusty bread, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Best Amish Chicken and Noodles
Choosing the Chicken: A whole chicken is ideal because the bones add a rich flavor to the broth, but bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and breasts work well too. You can also use a rotisserie chicken for convenience, but prepare extra chicken broth separately.
Homemade Noodles: For an authentic Amish experience, consider using homemade egg noodles. They’re thick and chewy, adding a unique texture to the dish. You can also find frozen Amish-style noodles in some grocery stores, which are closer to homemade in texture.
Adding Creaminess: The traditional Amish Chicken and Noodles is often brothy, but adding cream or half-and-half gives it a creamy texture. You can adjust this based on your preference.
Boosting Flavor: Adding a teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder or a bouillon cube can intensify the chicken flavor in the broth. Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce in small amounts (1-2 teaspoons) can also deepen the savory notes.
Thickening the Broth: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry, then add it to the broth after the noodles are cooked. Stir and let it simmer until thickened.
Variations
Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Noodles: Add sliced mushrooms along with the shredded chicken for a delicious, earthy twist. Sauté the mushrooms in butter before adding for an extra depth of flavor.
Vegetable Chicken and Noodles: Add extra vegetables like peas, corn, or diced carrots. These can be added while cooking the noodles to ensure they’re tender.
Herbed Chicken and Noodles: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage add a wonderful aroma. Add them during the final steps or as a garnish for a fresh burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
While Amish Chicken and Noodles is comforting and delicious on its own, here are some side options to round out the meal:
Mashed Potatoes: This dish is traditionally served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for an extra layer of comfort.
Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a dinner roll complements the rich broth and adds texture to the meal.
Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for added color and flavor.
Pickles or Pickled Beets: In Amish culture, pickled vegetables often accompany hearty meals to add a pop of tangy flavor.
Amish Chicken and Noodles
Ingredients
- 1 broiler/fryer chicken 3 to 4 pounds
- 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 5 to 6 bay leaves
- 1 package 12 ounces frozen home-style egg noodles
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Minced fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Place chicken in a stockpot; add enough water to cover chicken.
- Stir in bouillon, butter and bay leaves. Slowly bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until chicken is tender, 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
- Remove chicken to a cutting board to cool slightly. Strain broth through a cheesecloth-lined colander.
- Skim off and discard fat. Remove meat from bones and shred or cut into bite-sized pieces; discard bones.
- Return 4 cups broth to pot; save remaining broth for another use.
- Bring to a boil. Stir in noodles. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 12-15 minutes. Stir in chicken, salt and pepper. If desired, garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Amish Chicken and Noodles ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the broth and shred the chicken a day in advance. Store the noodles separately and combine everything before serving to keep the noodles from absorbing too much broth.
Can I freeze Amish Chicken and Noodles?
Absolutely. Allow the dish to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding extra broth if needed.
What if I don’t have a whole chicken?
You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and breasts, which will still give the broth great flavor. Rotisserie chicken also works well for a quicker option; just add extra chicken broth to compensate.
How do I make the noodles homemade?
Mix 2 cups of flour, 2 large eggs, a pinch of salt, and enough water (about 2-3 tablespoons) to form a dough. Knead the dough until smooth, roll it out thin, cut into strips, and let dry before cooking. This adds an authentic Amish touch!
What if the broth reduces too much?
If you find the broth is too thick, simply add extra chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. This dish is meant to be a bit brothy but not too watery, so adjust as needed.
Final Thoughts
Amish Chicken and Noodles is a simple, comforting dish that brings the warmth of traditional home cooking to the table. Its combination of tender chicken, rich broth, and satisfying noodles makes it an instant favorite for chilly evenings, family dinners, or special gatherings. Whether you stick with the classic version or try one of the suggested variations, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!