Amish Chicken and Noodles

Amish Chicken and Noodles

Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food that’s been warming hearts and filling bellies for generations!

This Amish Chicken and Noodles recipe transforms simple ingredients into pure magic – tender, fall-apart chicken swimming in rich, golden broth with perfectly cooked egg noodles that soak up every drop of flavor.

The secret lies in the slow-simmered broth that develops incredible depth over hours of gentle cooking, creating a dish that tastes like it came straight from an Amish farmhouse kitchen.

What makes this recipe absolutely irresistible is the way those thick egg noodles absorb the homemade broth, creating the most satisfying, soul-warming meal you can imagine.

The chicken becomes so tender it practically shreds itself, while the aromatic vegetables infuse every spoonful with layers of savory goodness.

This isn’t just dinner – it’s a warm hug in a bowl that’ll have your family asking for seconds before they’ve finished their first serving.

The creamy finish from the butter and cream of chicken soup creates the perfect consistency that’s neither too thick nor too thin, just absolutely perfect for sopping up with fresh bread.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broth

  • 4 pounds whole chicken
  • 4 quarts water
  • ¼ cup chicken broth base
  • 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley

For the Final Dish

  • 12 ounces dried egg noodles
  • 10 ounces cream of chicken soup
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Broth

  1. 1 Add the 4 pounds whole chicken to a large stock pot along with 4 quarts water, ¼ cup chicken broth base, roughly chopped celery, diced onion, and fresh parsley. Using a heavy-bottomed stock pot ensures even heat distribution and prevents scorching during the long simmer time.
  2. 2 Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer and cover with a tight-fitting lid. The key here is maintaining a gentle simmer – vigorous boiling will make the broth cloudy and can make the chicken tough.
  3. 3 Simmer for 2-3 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the water level stays consistent. The longer the chicken simmers, the more flavorful and rich your broth will become. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is falling off the bone and the broth has a beautiful golden color.

Process the Chicken

  1. 4 Carefully remove the whole chicken from the hot broth using tongs or a large slotted spoon – it will be extremely tender and may fall apart, which is exactly what you want. Place it on a cutting board and let it cool for 10-15 minutes until safe to handle.
  2. 5 Remove all the meat from the bones, discarding skin, bones, and any cartilage. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, keeping the pieces fairly uniform for even distribution throughout the noodles.
  3. 6 Strain the hot broth through a fine mesh strainer to remove all the vegetable pieces and any small bone fragments. This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly smooth, restaurant-quality broth.

Cook the Noodles

  1. 7 Return exactly 4 cups of the strained broth to your stock pot and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Save any extra broth for thinning the dish later if needed, or freeze it for future use.
  2. 8 Add the 12 ounces dried egg noodles and shredded chicken to the boiling broth, stir once to prevent sticking, then cover and immediately turn off the heat. This off-heat cooking method prevents the noodles from becoming mushy while allowing them to absorb maximum flavor.
  3. 9 Let the noodles set for exactly 30 minutes, stirring gently every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to avoid breaking the tender noodles.

Finish the Dish

  1. 10 Test the noodles for doneness by tasting a piece – they should be tender but still have a slight bite. If they need more cooking, turn the heat back on medium-low and cook for 1-2 minutes until perfectly tender.
  2. 11 Stir in the 10 ounces cream of chicken soup and 4 tablespoons butter, mixing gently until the butter has completely melted and everything is well combined. The cream of chicken soup adds richness while the butter provides that final touch of luxury.
  3. 12 Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot, or leave covered in the pan where it will stay perfectly warm for up to 30 minutes without any problems.

Recommended Tools (for best results):

  • Large stock pot (6-8 quart capacity) – Essential for accommodating the whole chicken and adequate water for proper simmering
  • Fine mesh strainer – Crucial for achieving perfectly smooth, restaurant-quality broth without any vegetable bits or bone fragments
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – Prevents scratching your pot and won’t break the tender noodles during stirring
  • Instant-read thermometer – Helpful for ensuring the chicken reaches safe internal temperatures during cooking

Helpful Upgrades:

  • Digital kitchen scale – For precise measurement of the chicken broth base and consistent results every time
  • Large slotted spoon or spider strainer – Makes removing the hot chicken from the broth much safer and easier than using tongs
  • Storage containers – Perfect for saving extra broth or storing leftovers in meal-prep portions

Nice-to-Have Options:

  • Immersion blender – Useful if you prefer a slightly thicker broth consistency by blending a small portion
  • Cast iron Dutch oven – Provides superior heat retention and even cooking, though any large pot will work perfectly fine

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation:

  • Replace regular egg noodles with 12 ounces gluten-free egg noodles or rice noodles
  • Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own with gluten-free flour
  • Check that your chicken broth base is certified gluten-free
  • Cooking time may vary slightly, so test noodles frequently for doneness

Dairy-Free Modifications:

  • Substitute the butter with 4 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter alternative
  • Replace cream of chicken soup with dairy-free version or coconut cream mixed with chicken seasoning
  • The dish will be slightly less rich but equally flavorful

Low-Carb Version:

  • Replace egg noodles with spiralized zucchini, cauliflower rice, or shirataki noodles
  • Add the low-carb substitute during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking
  • This reduces carbs from approximately 45g to under 10g per serving

Flavor Variations:

  • Herb-Enhanced: Add fresh thyme, sage, or rosemary during the simmering process
  • Vegetable-Loaded: Include diced carrots, peas, or corn in the final steps
  • Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights:
This hearty dish provides approximately 380 calories per serving with a well-balanced macronutrient profile. Each serving delivers about 28 grams of high-quality protein from the chicken, 35 grams of carbohydrates primarily from the egg noodles, and 12 grams of fat. The homemade broth provides essential electrolytes including sodium and potassium, while the long cooking process breaks down collagen from the chicken bones into beneficial gelatin.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients:
The whole chicken provides complete protein containing all essential amino acids necessary for muscle maintenance and repair. The slow-simmered broth contains natural collagen and gelatin, which support joint health and may improve skin elasticity. Fresh parsley contributes vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants like flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties. The celery and onion add fiber, vitamin C, and beneficial plant compounds that support immune function.

Dietary Considerations:
This recipe is naturally gluten-containing due to the egg noodles and should be avoided by those with celiac disease unless modified. It contains dairy from the butter and cream soup. The dish is relatively high in sodium from the chicken broth base, making it suitable for active individuals but requiring portion awareness for those monitoring sodium intake. Each serving provides about 15% of daily protein needs and significant B-vitamins from the chicken.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

  • Whole chicken4 pounds chicken thighs or drumsticks for richer flavor, or 3 pounds boneless chicken breasts for leaner option
  • Chicken broth base8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (reduce water accordingly)
  • Dried egg noodles → Wide pasta like pappardelle or fettuccine works beautifully
  • Cream of chicken soup1 cup heavy cream mixed with 2 tablespoons flour and chicken seasoning

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

  • Whole chicken3 pounds chicken leg quarters (most economical cut with great flavor)
  • Fresh parsley2 tablespoons dried parsley (use half the amount)
  • Butter → Vegetable oil or margarine for similar richness at lower cost

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

  • Chicken broth base8 bouillon cubes dissolved in the cooking water
  • Cream of chicken soup1 cup milk thickened with 3 tablespoons flour and seasoned with garlic powder and herbs
  • Fresh vegetables2 tablespoons dried onion flakes and 1 tablespoon celery seed

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

  • When using boneless chicken, reduce cooking time to 45-60 minutes to prevent overcooking
  • Store leftover broth in ice cube trays for easy portioning in future recipes

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Modifications:

  • Replace 12 ounces egg noodles with 8 ounces whole wheat noodles to increase fiber and reduce glycemic impact
  • Substitute half the noodles with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash to cut carbs by approximately 50%
  • Use shirataki noodles for an ultra-low-carb version with only 5 grams carbs per serving instead of 35 grams

Portion & Timing Tips:

  • Serve 1 cup portions instead of 1.5 cups to reduce carb load to approximately 25 grams per serving
  • Pair with a large green salad dressed with olive oil to add fiber and healthy fats
  • The high protein content (28 grams per serving) helps stabilize blood sugar naturally
  • Consider serving as a side dish alongside grilled vegetables rather than as the main course

Additional Modifications:

  • Add 2 cups chopped non-starchy vegetables like broccoli or green beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth base to better control sodium intake
  • The natural gelatin from slow-cooked chicken may help with satiety and blood sugar management

Total Carb Reduction: Modified version contains approximately 15-20 grams carbs per serving versus 35 grams in original recipe

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings:
A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the rich, savory flavors without overwhelming the delicate chicken and herbs. For beer lovers, a light wheat beer or pilsner provides refreshing contrast to the creamy richness. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or apple cider for a cozy autumn feel that matches this comfort food perfectly.

Side Dish Recommendations:
Serve alongside honey-buttered cornbread or fresh dinner rolls for sopping up every drop of that incredible broth. A crisp coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing provides refreshing crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness. Roasted green beans with almonds or glazed carrots add color and nutrients while maintaining the homestyle comfort food theme. Mashed butternut squash makes an excellent fall pairing that complements the warming spices.

Complete Meal Ideas:
Start with a simple mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette to awaken the palate. Follow with this hearty chicken and noodles as the main course, then finish with apple crisp or vanilla ice cream for a truly satisfying comfort food experience. For entertaining, add roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and cranberry sauce for a feast that feels both rustic and elegant.

Occasion Suggestions:
Perfect for Sunday family dinners, potluck gatherings, or meal prep Sundays since it reheats beautifully. Ideal for cold weather comfort, post-holiday recovery meals, or anytime you want to fill the house with amazing aromas that say “home.”

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Cooking Tips:
Save time by using a rotisserie chicken – just simmer the bones with vegetables for 1 hour to make quick broth, then add the picked meat during the final steps. For extra-rich flavor, brown the chicken pieces in the pot before adding water, which creates fond that adds incredible depth to your broth. Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as the flavors concentrate during the long cooking process.

Common Mistake Prevention:
Never let the broth boil vigorously during the long simmer – this creates cloudy, greasy broth and tough chicken. Don’t skip the straining step, as vegetable pieces will break down and make the final dish gritty. Avoid overcooking the noodles by testing them frequently during the 30-minute resting period.

Storage and Reheating:
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. The noodles will absorb more liquid as they sit, so add extra broth when reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. For meal prep, store the broth and noodles separately to maintain the best texture.

Make-Ahead Strategies:
Cook the chicken and make the broth up to 2 days ahead, then complete the dish when ready to serve. The flavors actually improve overnight! You can also freeze the seasoned, shredded chicken in the broth for quick weeknight meals.

This Amish Chicken and Noodles recipe represents everything beautiful about traditional comfort food – simple ingredients transformed through patience and care into something truly extraordinary. Every spoonful delivers the kind of satisfaction that only comes from food made with love, creating memories around your dinner table that will last for generations. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this recipe proves that the best meals don’t need fancy ingredients, just time-honored techniques and quality ingredients working together in perfect harmony.

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