If you are craving a dish that wraps you up in cozy warmth and fills your belly with pure satisfaction, Amish Chicken & Noodles (Thick, Hearty Comfort Meal Over Mashed Potatoes) is exactly what you need. This soul-soothing recipe combines tender, slow-simmered chicken with rich, velvety egg noodles that soak in a deeply flavorful broth, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. When served over fluffy mashed potatoes, it turns into a remarkable comfort meal that feels like a loving hug from the heart of Amish country.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a shining example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Each component plays a vital role, from the luscious chicken broth to the creamy butter, crafting layers of flavor and a perfect, hearty texture.
- 4 pounds whole chicken: Provides rich, tender meat and makes an amazing broth base.
- 4 quarts water: The canvas for creating your flavorful broth.
- ¼ cup chicken broth base: Intensifies the depth of the broth without extra fuss.
- 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped: Adds subtle aromatic freshness to the broth.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings a gentle sweetness and savory foundation.
- ¼ cup parsley: Infuses brightness and a touch of herbal earthiness.
- 12 ounces dried egg noodles: Traditional Amish-style noodles that absorb flavor beautifully.
- 10 ounces cream of chicken soup: Enriches the noodles with creamy indulgence.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Brings luscious silkiness and rounds out the dish perfectly.
How to Make Amish Chicken & Noodles (Thick, Hearty Comfort Meal Over Mashed Potatoes)
Step 1: Build a Flavorful Broth
Start by placing the whole chicken in a large stockpot filled with water, then add the chicken broth base, celery, onion, and parsley. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cover. This slow simmering extracts all the rich flavors and tenderizes the chicken to perfection.
Step 2: Simmer to Perfection
Let the chicken simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours. The longer it simmers, the deeper and more complex your broth will become—this patience pays off with a truly hearty base.
Step 3: Remove and Shred the Chicken
Carefully lift the chicken from the broth and let it cool just enough to handle. Remove the meat from the bones and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces—this tender chicken will be the star of your noodles.
Step 4: Strain the Broth
Pour your broth through a fine mesh strainer to remove the vegetables and bits, leaving a clear, golden liquid that will soak into your noodles amazingly well.
Step 5: Cook the Egg Noodles
Return 4 cups of the strained broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. Add the egg noodles and shredded chicken, cover, and turn off the heat. Let the noodles gently absorb the broth for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, so they cook evenly in this luscious liquid.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Butter
Check the noodles for tenderness. If needed, turn the heat back on briefly until perfectly cooked. Stir in the cream of chicken soup and butter until everything is meltingly smooth and decadent. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where your Amish Chicken & Noodles (Thick, Hearty Comfort Meal Over Mashed Potatoes) reaches pure comfort food glory.
How to Serve Amish Chicken & Noodles (Thick, Hearty Comfort Meal Over Mashed Potatoes)
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few twists of black pepper add just the right pop of color and freshness to balance the richness of this creamy classic.
Side Dishes
While this dish shines on its own, serving it over creamy mashed potatoes takes it to an indulgent new level. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully, adding crispness to round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Amish Chicken & Noodles in individual bowls nestled over a fluffy mound of mashed potatoes, then crown each with a pat of melting butter or a drizzle of gravy. It’s both rustic and elegant, perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Amish Chicken & Noodles store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will soak up more broth, making the dish even heartier the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave out the mashed potatoes if serving together — those freeze separately for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen it up. Stir frequently to keep everything creamy and smooth, just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Using chicken breasts works, but a whole chicken adds much more flavor to the broth due to the bones and skin. If you go this route, consider simmering the chicken longer for richer broth.
What kind of egg noodles are best for this dish?
The traditional Amish style egg noodles in small bags with zip ties are ideal because they hold their texture well and absorb the broth deeply, which is key for the thick, hearty comfort meal over mashed potatoes.
Is it possible to make this recipe quicker?
While the slow simmering is essential for the best flavor, you can use a pressure cooker to reduce the broth cooking time—usually about 30 minutes under pressure will do the trick.
Can I substitute cream of chicken soup with something homemade?
Absolutely. A homemade cream sauce made with butter, flour, and chicken stock can replace the soup for a fresh, preservative-free version, keeping the dish luscious and creamy.
How do I keep the noodles from clumping when they sit?
Stirring the noodles every 10 minutes as they set helps prevent clumping. Adding butter at the end also creates a silky coating that stops them from sticking together.
Final Thoughts
Amish Chicken & Noodles (Thick, Hearty Comfort Meal Over Mashed Potatoes) is pure heart-and-home food, offering layers of warmth and satisfaction in every bite. It’s the kind of meal you want to savor with family or friends on a chilly evening. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and it’s sure to become a beloved classic on your table too!
PrintAmish Chicken & Noodles (Thick, Hearty Comfort Meal Over Mashed Potatoes)
This Amish Chicken & Noodles recipe is a thick, hearty comfort meal featuring tender egg noodles and shredded chicken cooked together in a rich, flavorful broth. Traditionally served over creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a soul-warming dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Amish, American
Ingredients
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 parsley
Noodles and Sauce
- 12 ounces dried egg noodles (preferably Amish style)
- 10 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: Add the whole chicken, water, chicken broth base, chopped celery, diced onion, and parsley to a large stock pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pot.
- Simmer the chicken: Let the chicken simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful the broth will become.
- Remove and shred chicken: Carefully take the chicken out of the broth. Remove the meat from the bones and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Strain the broth: Pour the broth through a fine mesh strainer to remove solids, ensuring a clear and clean broth.
- Boil noodles and chicken: Return 4 cups of the strained broth to the pot and bring it back to a boil. Add the dried egg noodles and shredded chicken, cover, then turn off the heat.
- Let noodles cook: Allow the noodles to soak and cook in the hot broth off the heat for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Check noodle doneness: Test the noodles. If still firm, return the pot to the stovetop and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until tender.
- Add cream and butter: Stir in the cream of chicken soup and butter until the butter melts and everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately over mashed potatoes or keep covered in the pot to stay warm for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use Amish style egg noodles typically found in small bags by specialty brands or online.
- You can find Amish style egg noodles on Amazon or specialty grocery stores.
- Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water.
- This dish is traditionally served over mashed potatoes to soak up the rich gravy.