Experience the heartwarming flavors of home-cooked comfort with this Amish Chicken & Noodles recipe. Featuring tender chicken, comforting egg noodles, and a savory broth, this wholesome dish is a perfect choice for bringing warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table. Whether you’re craving a cozy family meal or seeking solace on chilly evenings, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds whole chicken
- 4 quarts water
- ¼ cup chicken broth base
- 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- ¼ cup parsley
- 12 ounces dried egg noodles
- 10 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the Broth: In a large stockpot, combine the whole chicken, water, chicken broth base, celery, onion, and parsley. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bones. Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer to remove any impurities.
- Cook the Noodles: 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 to the pot, then cover and turn off the heat. Let the noodles sit in the hot broth for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate Soup and Butter: After 30 minutes, check the noodles for doneness. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until tender. Stir in the cream of chicken soup and butter until the butter melts and the soup is well incorporated.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the Amish Chicken & Noodles immediately, or keep warm in the pot until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Hot and Fresh: Amish Chicken & Noodles is best served hot and fresh from the stove. Ladle the steaming dish into bowls and enjoy its comforting warmth immediately.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish each bowl of Amish Chicken & Noodles with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Pair with Bread or Biscuits: Serve the dish alongside crusty bread, dinner rolls, or fluffy biscuits to soak up the delicious broth and complete the meal.
- Refrigerate Leftovers Promptly: If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool slightly before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
- Reheat Gently: When reheating leftovers, do so gently over low to medium heat on the stove or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the noodles and drying out the chicken. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to restore moisture.
- Add Fresh Vegetables: For a nutritious twist, add chopped carrots, peas, or corn to the dish during the cooking process. These vegetables will add color, texture, and additional flavor to the Amish Chicken & Noodles.
- Freeze for Future Meals: If you want to extend the shelf life of the dish, you can freeze portions of Amish Chicken & Noodles in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Serve with a Side Salad: Balance out the hearty flavors of the dish by serving it with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette. The fresh greens provide a refreshing contrast to the savory noodles and chicken.
- Customize with Spices: Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite herbs and spices. Add a pinch of thyme, rosemary, or paprika to enhance the flavor profile and make it your own.
- Portion for Meal Prep: Divide the leftovers into individual meal-sized portions for convenient meal prep. Simply reheat as needed for quick and satisfying lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with vegetable broth and add diced carrots, celery, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version of Amish Chicken & Noodles. Alternatively, use plant-based chicken substitutes or tofu for added protein.
- Beef and Noodles: Swap the chicken for stewing beef or cubed beef chuck to create a hearty beef and noodles dish. Simmer the beef in the broth until tender before adding the noodles for a rich and savory variation.
- Spicy Chicken and Noodles: Add a kick of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the broth. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili powder for an extra spicy twist.
- Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Noodles: Enhance the creaminess of the dish by stirring in a can of cream of mushroom soup along with the cream of chicken soup. Add sliced mushrooms to the broth for a flavorful and comforting variation.
- Herb-Infused Noodles: Infuse the noodles with fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage for added aroma and flavor. Simply tie the herbs in a bundle and simmer them with the broth before adding the noodles.
- Lemon Garlic Chicken and Noodles: Brighten up the dish with a splash of lemon juice and minced garlic for a zesty and aromatic variation. Garnish each serving with fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.
- Asian-Inspired Chicken and Noodles: Add Asian flair by seasoning the broth with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Toss in thinly sliced vegetables like bok choy, carrots, and snow peas for a colorful and nutritious twist.
- Cheesy Chicken and Noodles Casserole: Transform the dish into a comforting casserole by mixing cooked noodles with shredded cheese and diced cooked chicken. Bake in the oven until bubbly and golden for a cheesy and satisfying meal.
- Creamy Chicken Alfredo Noodles: Replace the cream of chicken soup with Alfredo sauce for a rich and creamy variation. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for an indulgent twist on classic chicken and noodles.
- Curried Chicken and Noodles: Add a touch of curry powder or curry paste to the broth for a fragrant and exotic variation. Serve the dish with naan bread or rice for a complete meal with Indian-inspired flavors.
FAQs:
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
- Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a whole chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless chicken breasts cook faster than a whole chicken.
- Can I use homemade chicken broth instead of chicken broth base?
- Absolutely! Homemade chicken broth will enhance the flavor of the dish. Simply use it as a replacement for the chicken broth base and adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Can I use homemade egg noodles instead of dried ones?
- Yes, homemade egg noodles can be used for a fresher and more rustic touch. Prepare the noodles according to your recipe or preference and add them to the broth during the cooking process.
- How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?
- To prevent the noodles from becoming mushy, ensure that the broth is simmering gently and not boiling vigorously when you add the noodles. Also, avoid overcooking the noodles by following the recommended cooking time.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, Amish Chicken & Noodles can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the cooked noodles and chicken in the broth separately to prevent the noodles from absorbing too much liquid.
- What can I use as a substitute for cream of chicken soup?
- If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a homemade version using a roux (butter and flour) and chicken broth. Alternatively, you can use cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
Elevate your comfort food game with this Amish Chicken & Noodles recipe, a soul-soothing dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a truly satisfying meal. With its tender chicken, hearty noodles, and flavorful broth, this recipe embodies the essence of home-cooked goodness and is sure to bring warmth and contentment to your table. Give it a try and experience the comforting flavors of Amish cuisine firsthand.