There is nothing quite as heartwarming and soul-satisfying as a classic Amish Chicken and Noodles Recipe, a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. This timeless comfort food brings together tender, slow-cooked chicken and silky, egg-rich noodles simmered in a flavorful broth, creating a meal that is both simple and extraordinary. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a dish that reminds you of cherished gatherings, this recipe promises to deliver layers of taste and nostalgia with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Amish Chicken and Noodles Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play an essential role. From the fresh produce that adds vibrant flavor to the rich butter and homemade noodles that create a luscious texture, every component works in harmony to build that classic, comforting taste.
- Whole chicken (approx. 4 pounds): Provides tender meat and flavorful broth after slow simmering.
- Celery ribs (2): Adds a subtle, aromatic freshness to the broth.
- Small onion: Brings a mellow sweetness to the base broth.
- Garlic cloves (3): Infuses a gentle, savory warmth into the broth and noodles.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables.
- Butter (3 tablespoons, browned): Adds a rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture to the dish.
- Dried onion flakes (1 teaspoon): Provides an extra layer of onion flavor with minimal fuss.
- Chicken broth base (1 teaspoon): Elevates the depth of the broth’s flavor complexity.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle, peppery kick to wake up your taste buds.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Reinforces the garlic notes throughout the dish.
- Amish noodles (approx. 12 oz. fresh or dried): Are the silky, tender foundation of the recipe that soak up all the delicious broth.
- Flour (1 tablespoon): Mixed into a slurry, it thickens the broth into a creamy gravy.
- Egg yolk (optional): Adds richness and helps emulsify the gravy for a luscious finish.
- Parsley flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Introduce a delicate herbal brightness for balance and color.
How to Make Amish Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth and Chicken
Start by placing the whole chicken into a large pot and covering it nearly with water. Add the celery ribs, small onion, garlic cloves, and a touch of salt to infuse the broth with savory aroma. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 2 to 4 hours. This slow cooking breaks down the meat and bones, creating a deeply flavorful broth and meltingly tender chicken that’s the heart of this dish.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken and Strain Broth
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, carefully remove the meat from the bones, shredding or chopping it into bite-sized pieces. In the meantime, strain the broth to remove the vegetables and any impurities, leaving you with a clear, golden liquid that will soak into the noodles beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Noodles
If you’re feeling adventurous, make a batch of homemade Amish noodles for the most authentic texture and flavor. Otherwise, high-quality dried Amish egg noodles work just as well. The noodles are a vital part of this recipe, soaking up the broth and butter to create that classic silky mouthfeel everyone loves.
Step 4: Brown the Butter and Add Seasonings
In the now-empty pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat and cook it until it’s beautifully browned with a nutty aroma that fills your kitchen. Quickly stir in the dried onion flakes, chicken broth base, black pepper, and garlic powder, letting these seasonings awaken with the butter and build flavor right from the start.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles in Broth
Add approximately six cups of your strained broth to the pot and bring it all to a rolling boil. Add the noodles a handful at a time, stirring occasionally so they cook evenly and don’t stick. Depending on your noodles’ thickness, cooking may take up to 35 minutes if homemade. Don’t hesitate to add a little extra broth or water if it looks like the noodles are absorbing too much liquid, ensuring a perfectly saucy finish.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy
Mix the flour with a small amount of water to create a smooth slurry, then whisk in the egg yolk if you’re using it for extra richness. Slowly stir this mix into the noodles and broth, allowing it to thicken to a luscious, gravy-like consistency that elegantly coats each strand of noodle, turning every forkful into a creamy delight.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Parsley
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring everything gently to combine and warm the meat through. Sprinkle the parsley flakes over the dish and adjust seasoned salt as needed to pull all the flavors together, achieving that perfect balance that makes this Amish Chicken and Noodles Recipe so memorable.
How to Serve Amish Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A light scatter of fresh parsley or chives on top adds a pop of green and a subtle peppery note that brightens the dish just before serving. For a little extra flair, a small pat of butter melting on the noodles can make it feel even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery homemade waffles. The noodles themselves are so comforting they can stand alone, but these sides bring an extra layer of richness and texture, turning your meal into a truly satisfying experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, serve the Amish Chicken and Noodles Recipe straight from a large, rustic pot where everyone can help themselves, fostering warmth and togetherness. Alternatively, plate it elegantly with garnishes and sides for a cozy dinner party that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Amish Chicken and Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish tastes just as wonderful the next day because the noodles continue absorbing the flavors, creating an even richer experience.
Freezing
Freezing is a great option if you want to enjoy this recipe later. Place it in a freezer-safe container and it will keep its flavor and texture for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the noodles gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the noodles and prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through for that fresh-from-the-pot taste all over again.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought chicken broth instead of cooking a whole chicken?
While store-bought broth can work in a pinch, slow-simmering a whole chicken with vegetables creates a richer, more complex broth that is integral to the authentic flavor profile of the Amish Chicken and Noodles Recipe.
What kind of noodles are best for this recipe?
Homemade Amish egg noodles give the most authentic texture and flavor, but good-quality dried Amish-style egg noodles also work well and save time without sacrificing the dish’s signature silky quality.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
You can create a vegetarian variation by using rich vegetable broth and sautéed mushrooms for depth, but it will naturally lack the classic chicken flavor that defines this Amish favorite.
Why do you brown the butter?
Browned butter adds a nutty, toasty depth of flavor that enhances the noodles and broth, making the dish taste more complex and comforting without extra ingredients.
Can I make the noodles ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the noodles in advance and refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to make the dish, simply add them during the cooking process to soak up the flavorful broth and finish cooking perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing this Amish Chicken and Noodles Recipe with friends or family. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple, soulful cooking that comforts and delights every time. I encourage you to dive into this recipe, savor the process, and enjoy the warm, cozy memories this dish will undoubtedly inspire.
Print
Amish Chicken and Noodles Recipe
This traditional Amish Chicken and Noodles recipe features tender shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful broth with homemade noodles, enriched with browned butter and a luscious gravy-like sauce. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this hearty dish can be served on its own or paired with mashed potatoes or homemade waffles.
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 1 approx. 4 pound whole chicken
- 2 celery ribs
- 1 small onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sauce and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons butter, browned
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes (or finely chopped onion)
- 1 teaspoon chicken broth base (Better than Bouillon)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
- Seasoned salt to taste
Noodles
- 1 batch fresh homemade Amish noodles (or approx. 12 oz. dried Amish egg noodles)
Thickening Slurry
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Water (enough to make a slurry)
- 1 egg yolk (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken broth: Place the whole chicken in a large pot and almost cover it with water. Add celery ribs, small onion, garlic cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 2 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and flavors have infused the broth.
- Shred chicken and strain broth: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred or chop it. Strain the broth to remove the vegetables and any solids, and set both chicken and broth aside.
- Prepare the noodles: While the chicken cooks, prepare a batch of fresh homemade Amish noodles or use about 12 ounces of dried Amish egg noodles according to package instructions.
- Brown the butter and season: In the now empty pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat and cook until it is lightly browned, giving a nutty aroma. Quickly add dried onion flakes, chicken broth base, black pepper, and garlic powder, sautéing briefly to release their flavors.
- Cook noodles in broth: Pour in about 6 cups of the strained chicken broth and bring it to a full boil. Add noodles gradually and cook until tender, stirring occasionally. Cooking time varies depending on noodle thickness; homemade noodles may take up to 35 minutes. Add more broth or water as needed if the noodles absorb too much liquid.
- Make and add slurry: In a small bowl, whisk water slowly into the flour to create a smooth slurry. Add the egg yolk if using and whisk until fully combined. Gradually stir the slurry into the pot with noodles, cooking until the mixture thickens into a gravy-like consistency that coats the noodles.
- Combine chicken and finalize dish: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well to combine everything. Sprinkle parsley flakes and add seasoned salt as needed to enhance the flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy the Amish chicken and noodles on their own or serve it over mashed potatoes or homemade waffles for a complete comforting meal.
Notes
- Simmering the chicken for 2 to 4 hours develops a rich broth and tender meat—longer simmering yields more flavor.
- Homemade Amish noodles provide the best texture and authenticity, but dried Amish egg noodles are a convenient substitute.
- Browned butter adds a deep, nutty flavor crucial to this dish’s characteristic taste.
- The flour and egg yolk slurry thickens the broth into a silky gravy coating the noodles perfectly.
- Add seasoned salt little by little to avoid over-salting; taste before each addition.
- Serving over mashed potatoes or waffles makes for a hearty, traditional Amish meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Amish