Amish Chicken and Noodles

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Amish Chicken and Noodles – A Comforting Homestyle Classic

Amish Chicken and Noodles is the kind of recipe that instantly feels like home. Rooted in traditional Amish cooking, this dish is the epitome of comfort food — tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory broth with hearty homemade noodles. It’s thick, flavorful, and perfect for cool days or whenever you crave a warm, nourishing meal that fills both your stomach and your heart.

Let’s walk through the recipe step by step, from preparing the chicken and broth to rolling out those soft, rustic noodles that make Amish cooking so special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken and Broth:

1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds), or 4–5 bone-in chicken thighs
8 cups of water (or enough to cover the chicken)
1 large onion, peeled and quartered
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, smashed
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional for extra flavor)

For the Noodles:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
½ teaspoon salt
1–2 tablespoons water (as needed)

To Finish:

1 cup of chicken broth (reserved from boiling)
½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for a richer texture)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken in a large pot and pour in enough water to cover it completely. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the pot to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce it to a simmer.

Let it cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Skim off any foam that rises to the top during cooking to keep the broth clear.

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the vegetables and bay leaf, leaving you with a clear, golden broth.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Set the shredded chicken aside for later — this will go back into the pot once the noodles are ready.

Step 3: Make the Homemade Noodles

Homemade noodles are what give this dish its authentic Amish touch. On a clean countertop or in a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Make a well in the center and crack in the eggs. Using a fork, beat the eggs gently, then start incorporating the flour from the sides until a dough begins to form.

If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for 15–20 minutes — this helps relax the gluten and makes it easier to roll.