Amish Chicken & Noodles Recipe
There’s something undeniably special about a steaming bowl of Amish Chicken & Noodles. This recipe captures the spirit of cozy kitchens, slow-simmered flavors, and the kind of comfort food that wraps you in warmth from the inside out. With tender chicken, a rich homemade broth, and hearty Amish-style noodles, every bite promises nostalgia and satisfaction. Whether you’re new to this beloved classic or it’s a staple in your family, Amish Chicken & Noodles is a dish that delivers both tradition and heartiness in every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Amish Chicken & Noodles lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor, from the deep richness of the homemade broth to the satisfying chew of the egg noodles. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Whole chicken (about 4 pounds), cut into pieces: Using a whole chicken adds incredible depth to the broth and ensures every bite of meat is tender and flavorful.
- Water (10 cups): The base for your homemade broth, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Onion (1 large, chopped): Adds sweetness and body to the broth, creating that classic comforting aroma.
- Celery stalks (2, chopped): Brings a subtle earthy note and a touch of green freshness.
- Carrots (2, chopped): Lends natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Bay leaves (2): Infuse the broth with a gentle herbal flavor that rounds everything out.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds a hint of woodsy aroma, complementing the chicken perfectly.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the dish a gentle kick and depth.
- Amish-style egg noodles (12 ounces): These chewy, hearty noodles are the star of the show—if you can’t find them, wide egg noodles work too.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): A splash of richness that makes the broth silky and creamy.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a final touch of lusciousness to the finished dish.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): A sprinkle of green for brightness and a fresh finish.
How to Make Amish Chicken & Noodles
Step 1: Build the Broth
Start by placing your chicken pieces into a large stockpot and covering them with 10 cups of water. Toss in the chopped onion, celery, carrots, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away, uncovered, for about an hour, so the chicken becomes irresistibly tender and the broth develops its comforting, savory depth.
Step 2: Strain and Shred
Once your chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve, discarding the vegetables and bay leaves. This step leaves you with a beautifully clear, golden broth. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat and discard the skin and bones.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Pour the strained broth back into the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the Amish-style egg noodles and cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re perfectly tender and have soaked up some of that savory broth flavor. Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking.
Step 4: Finish with Creaminess
Add the shredded chicken back to the pot. Stir in the whole milk and unsalted butter, letting everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes. The milk and butter will make the broth extra creamy and delicious, turning Amish Chicken & Noodles into the ultimate comfort food. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the Amish Chicken & Noodles into big bowls while it’s still piping hot. If you like, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Now, all that’s left is to dig in and savor every cozy bite!
How to Serve Amish Chicken & Noodles

Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is a classic way to finish Amish Chicken & Noodles, adding a burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness. For a little extra flair, you can also add a crack of black pepper or even a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides like buttery dinner rolls, a crisp green salad, or even a side of steamed green beans. If you’re feeding a crowd, a platter of roasted root vegetables makes for a lovely, rustic table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, ladle Amish Chicken & Noodles into bread bowls for an extra-cozy presentation. Or, serve it family-style in a big, deep serving dish, inviting everyone to help themselves. Individual crocks or soup mugs also make a charming touch for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Amish Chicken & Noodles to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers a real treat for lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
Amish Chicken & Noodles freezes surprisingly well. Let the dish cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the noodles might soften a bit upon thawing, but the comfort factor remains strong.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Amish Chicken & Noodles on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! While a whole chicken gives the broth extra richness, boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work in a pinch. Just remember, you might lose a bit of that deep, homemade flavor, so consider adding a little extra chicken broth for depth.
What if I can’t find Amish-style egg noodles?
No worries! Wide egg noodles or even homemade noodles are a great substitute. The most important thing is to use a noodle with enough substance to soak up that luscious broth without falling apart.
Can I make Amish Chicken & Noodles in advance?
Definitely! In fact, the flavors only get better after a day in the fridge. Just store the finished dish in an airtight container, then gently reheat on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can swap out the whole milk and butter for your favorite non-dairy alternatives. Unsweetened almond milk and vegan butter will keep the broth creamy without the dairy.
How do I make the broth even richer?
For an extra-luxurious broth, refrigerate it overnight and skim off any fat before reheating and adding the noodles. This little trick intensifies the flavor and gives you a silky, restaurant-quality finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a big bowl of comfort, Amish Chicken & Noodles is the answer. Try it just once and you’ll see why it’s a treasured recipe—perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo. I hope you’ll give this cozy classic a spot in your regular rotation and make it your own!
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Amish Chicken & Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This classic Amish Chicken & Noodles recipe is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables and herbs, combined with soft Amish-style egg noodles and finished with creamy milk and butter. Perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), cut into pieces
- 10 cups water
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Noodles and Finishing
- 12 ounces Amish-style egg noodles
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: Place the chicken pieces in a large stockpot and cover with water. Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 1 hour until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Strain and Shred: Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer, discarding the cooked vegetables and bay leaves. Shred the cooled chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones.
- Cook the Noodles: Return the strained broth to the pot and bring it back to a simmer. Add the Amish-style egg noodles and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are tender but not mushy.
- Combine and Finish: Stir the shredded chicken, whole milk, and unsalted butter into the pot. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the Amish Chicken & Noodles into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting homemade meal.
Notes
- For richer flavor, refrigerate the broth overnight and skim off the fat before reheating and adding the noodles.
- You can substitute homemade noodles or any wide egg noodles if Amish-style noodles are unavailable.
- Make sure to shred the chicken finely to ensure even distribution throughout the dish.
- Adjust seasoning to taste after adding milk and butter for the perfect balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg