Amish Chicken & Noodles Recipe
If you are looking for a warm, comforting dish that tastes like a big, cozy hug, look no further than this Amish Chicken & Noodles Recipe. It brings together tender shredded chicken, silky egg noodles, and a flavorful broth that’s seasoned just right to make you feel right at home. This wholesome dish has a rich history in Amish cooking and is incredibly simple to whip up, making it a perfect family-friendly supper you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully straightforward yet essential to bring out the classic flavors and textures of this Amish Chicken & Noodles Recipe. Each component plays a role in creating that perfect balance of rich, savory broth and tender noodles that melt in your mouth.
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs give extra juiciness, but breasts keep it lean—both work wonderfully.
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a comforting, flavorful base without overwhelming saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds a lovely richness and depth to the broth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with gentle warmth and aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory backbone so every bite is delicious.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that rounds out the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a hint of herbal earthiness traditional to Amish cooking.
- 12 oz Amish-style egg noodles (or wide egg noodles): Their broad, tender texture soaks up the broth like a dream.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional): Lends extra creaminess for a luscious finish if you want a richer dish.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the plate with fresh color and a subtle herb flavor.
How to Make Amish Chicken & Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Simmer the Chicken and Broth
Start by combining the chicken thighs or breasts with the chicken broth, butter, and all the seasonings in a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes. This slow simmering process gently cooks the chicken until it is incredibly tender and infused with all those wonderful flavors from the broth and spices.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
After the chicken is fully cooked and tender, carefully remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. This shredding step is key to the dish’s comforting texture, allowing each bite to be filled with juicy, tender chicken that melts into the creamy broth once you combine everything back together.
Step 3: Cook the Egg Noodles
Once shredded, return the chicken to the pot and bring the broth back up to a gentle boil. Stir in the Amish-style egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. These wide egg noodles provide the perfect tender chew while soaking up that flavorful chicken broth.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Seasoning
If you want your Amish Chicken & Noodles Recipe to have an even richer texture, stir in the half cup of heavy cream now. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt and pepper if necessary. Let the whole pot rest for about 5 minutes to allow those flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
How to Serve Amish Chicken & Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the warm, savory flavors perfectly. You can also add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper on top for a little extra spice and aroma before serving.
Side Dishes
This hearty Amish Chicken & Noodles Recipe stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some steamed seasonal vegetables. Soft dinner rolls or crusty bread are also great for sopping up every last bit of that comforting broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming family-style presentation, serve the Amish Chicken & Noodles Recipe in a large rustic bowl right at the center of the table, letting everyone help themselves. Or, for a cozy weeknight dinner, plate individual portions garnished with parsley and a lemon wedge for a slight zing to brighten the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, and you’ll find that the noodles soak up more broth over time, becoming even heartier with every reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze Amish Chicken & Noodles Recipe, though the noodles might soften slightly after thawing. If planning to freeze, consider undercooking the noodles a bit before freezing to preserve their texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the noodles have thickened too much. Warm it slowly to maintain that silky, tender texture that makes this dish so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Amish Chicken & Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are more tender and juicy, chicken breasts work just fine and create a slightly leaner version of the dish. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so the breasts don’t dry out.
Is it necessary to use Amish-style egg noodles?
Amish-style egg noodles are ideal because of their wide, tender texture that soaks up the broth perfectly, but you can substitute with any wide egg noodles or even pappardelle pasta if needed.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply skip the heavy cream or substitute it with a non-dairy alternative to keep this recipe dairy-free without compromising much on creaminess.
How can I make the broth thicker?
The broth naturally thickens as it sits due to the starches in the noodles. If you want it thicker right away, try simmering it a bit longer uncovered or add a small slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I use bone-in chicken for more flavor?
Definitely! Using bone-in, skin-on chicken will boost the broth’s flavor significantly. Just remember to remove the bones before shredding the meat and returning it to the pot.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Chicken & Noodles Recipe is truly one of those soul-satisfying dishes that brings both comfort and delight to your dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a cozy meal on a chilly evening, this recipe is sure to become a cherished classic in your own kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy every tender, flavorful bite!
Print
Amish Chicken & Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Amish Chicken & Noodles is a comforting, old-fashioned dish featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in flavorful broth with egg noodles, seasoned with garlic, onion, and thyme. Optional heavy cream adds richness, making it a hearty main course perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken & Broth
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Noodles & Finishing
- 12 oz Amish-style egg noodles (or wide egg noodles)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken, chicken broth, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot to mix with the broth.
- Cook Noodles: Bring the broth back to a low boil and stir in the egg noodles. Cook according to the package instructions, approximately 8–10 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
- Add Cream & Season: Stir in the heavy cream if using, and taste the broth. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Rest & Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- The dish thickens as it sits; add extra broth to loosen it if necessary.
- For deeper flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken and remove bones before shredding.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a comforting meal prep option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
