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Step 1: Make the Chicken Broth
Start by preparing the base of your dish—the homemade chicken broth. In a large stockpot, add the whole chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and about 10 cups of water. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the broth is flavorful.
- Tip: Skim any foam or impurities that rise to the top during the simmering process for a clearer broth.
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the vegetables and any remaining bits of chicken. You’ll now have a clear, delicious homemade chicken broth as the base for your noodles.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
While the broth is simmering, take the opportunity to shred the cooked chicken. Once it’s cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside and discard the bones and skin.
Step 3: Make the Homemade Egg Noodles
Now for the fun part—making your own noodles. These homemade egg noodles are the heart of the dish and will elevate your chicken and noodles to a whole new level of comfort.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, salt, and olive oil. Stir everything together until it begins to form a dough. If the dough feels too dry, add a small amount of water, a teaspoon at a time, until it comes together.
Once the dough has formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until smooth. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes to relax the gluten, which will make rolling the dough easier.
After resting, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into thin strips, about 1/4-inch wide, to create the noodles.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Bring your homemade chicken broth back to a simmer in the large pot. Gently drop the fresh noodles into the simmering broth, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. Let the noodles cook for about 5-8 minutes, or until they float to the top and are tender.
Step 5: Add the Shredded Chicken
Once the noodles are cooked, add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the chicken is evenly distributed. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the chicken and noodles into bowls, and serve hot. You can garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or enjoy it as is—it’s that good!
Why This Dish is Absolutely Divine
- Hearty and Comforting: This chicken and noodles dish is like a warm hug in a bowl. The homemade noodles have a delicate, chewy texture that perfectly complements the rich, savory chicken broth. The tender chicken and aromatic vegetables bring everything together in the most satisfying way.
- Made with Love: One of the things I love about this dish is how much love and care go into every step—from making the broth to rolling the homemade noodles. There’s something deeply special about preparing a meal from scratch, just like my Amish friend taught me.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: While the ingredients are simple and straightforward, the slow simmering of the chicken and the freshly made noodles create an incredibly flavorful and fulfilling dish. There’s no need for fancy spices or additives—the quality of the ingredients speaks for itself.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re feeding your family on a cold winter evening or looking for a dish to serve at a family gathering, Amish-style chicken and noodles is a dish that brings people together. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Variations and Tips
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as peas, corn, or green beans, to the soup to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Make It Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten-free, you can make gluten-free noodles or even skip the noodles and serve the chicken and broth as a comforting soup.
- Boost the Flavor: A little splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or thyme can brighten the flavors and add an extra layer of depth.
Final Thoughts
This Amish-style chicken and noodles dish is a perfect example of how simplicity can create something absolutely divine. The combination of homemade noodles, tender shredded chicken, and rich, flavorful broth makes it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s the kind of recipe that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and reminds you of the power of homemade, heartwarming food.
Now that you’ve learned this recipe from my Amish friend, I hope it brings the same joy and comfort to your table that it has to mine. Enjoy every bite—it’s a dish that’s truly made with love!
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