Amish Chicken and Noodles

This classic Amish chicken and noodles turns simple ingredients into heartwarming bliss!

Tender shredded chicken melds with thick egg noodles in a rich and savory veggie-infused broth.

It’s the kind of homemade comfort that speaks to your soul. 

This dish is perfect for chilly nights when the family craves something warm, cozy, and satisfying. 

Why You'll Love This Amish Chicken and Noodles

Time-Tested: This traditional Amish dish has been around for generations. So you know you’re in for a delicious meal. 

Family-Friendly: Kids and adults will both devour this dish, picky eaters included!

Easy Comfort: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and major comfort: that's what Amish chicken and noodles are all about! 

Budget-Friendly: This noodle dish is a cost-effective meal that can feed a large family on the cheap.

Ingredients

• Amish-Style Egg Noodles: An absolute must! These thick, hearty, chewy noodles hold up well in the broth.
  
• Whole Chicken: Use a whole, uncooked chicken. Chicken thighs also work.
  
• Chicken Broth: The foundation for this dish.
  
• Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery Stalks: Classic aromatics and vegetables create the flavorful broth.
  
• Bay Leaf: It adds subtle depth and earthiness to the broth. One leaf is all you need!
  
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings enhance all the flavors.
  
• Dried Thyme and Dried Parsley: For flavoring the broth.
  
• Fresh Parsley: It adds a burst of freshness to complement the comforting flavors.

How to Make Amish Chicken and Noodles

Sometimes, the most humble ingredients make the most satisfying meals. That’s Amish chicken and noodles!

With a few basic staples and a pot, anyone can make this easy dinner.

1. Cook. In a large pot, cover the whole chicken with chicken broth. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes.

2. Strain. Remove the chicken and strain the broth.

3. Shred. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. 

4. Simmer. Return the broth to the pot with extra veggies, and bring to a gentle simmer. Add thyme and parsley. Add the egg noodles and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.

5. Add. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir.

6. Serve. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Amish Chicken and Noodles

What makes this dish special is its simplicity. A handful of quality ingredients creates something truly incredible.

But to make it even more memorable, follow these tips.

• Try thighs! Use chicken thighs if you don't want to cook a whole chicken. They're flavorful and tender.
  
• Swap out the noodles. Amish-style egg noodles are traditional, but you can use other wide egg noodles. Or, you can even cut spaghetti or fettuccine noodles.

• Thicken it up. For a thicker dish, let the noodles rest for 30 minutes after cooking. They’ll continue to absorb liquid and thicken the dish naturally. Stir every 10 minutes.
  
• Mix it up. Add frozen peas and carrots, use cream of chicken soup, stir in some heavy cream, or add Tony's Creole seasoning for a twist.
  
• Amp up the comfort factor. Amish chicken and noodles are traditionally served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. How comforting is that?!

How to Store

Don’t let those leftovers go to waste! Here’s how to keep them fresh:

To Store: Place cooled leftovers in an air-tight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. 

To Freeze: Transfer cooled leftovers to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. The noodles may become slightly softer when thawed, but the dish will still taste delicious.

To Reheat: Warm in a pot over medium heat, adding extra chicken broth or water as needed to reach desired consistency. Microwave individual portions until heated through, stirring halfway through.