Why This Recipe Is an Absolute Keeper
Before we dive into the method, here’s why this Amish Chicken and Noodles will become a staple in your kitchen:
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Simple ingredients. Chicken, broth, butter, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, egg noodles, and cream. That’s it!
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Set it and forget it. The slow cooker does all the work.
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Ready in minutes. Ten minutes of prep, then walk away.
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Amish simplicity. Humble ingredients, big flavor.
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Incredibly tender. The slow cooking makes the chicken melt-in-your-mouth tender.
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Rich, savory broth. The seasonings and butter create a deeply flavorful liquid.
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Hearty, satisfying noodles. They soak up all the delicious broth.
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Crowd-pleasing. Kids and adults alike devour this.
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Budget-friendly. Simple, affordable ingredients.
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Minimal cleanup. One slow cooker.
The Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients that come together beautifully.
For the Chicken & Broth:
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1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – For tender, juicy chicken.
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6 cups low-sodium chicken broth – For the savory base.
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1 cup water – To thin the broth to the perfect consistency.
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter – For richness and depth.
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1 teaspoon poultry seasoning – For herbal, savory flavor.
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¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) – Balances the flavors.
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½ teaspoon black pepper – For warmth.
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½ teaspoon garlic powder – For savory depth.
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½ teaspoon onion powder – For warmth.
For the Noodles:
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8–10 ounces thick egg noodles or homestyle egg noodles – For hearty, satisfying noodles.
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1 cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional for richness) – For a velvety finish.
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1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water (optional for thickening) – For a thicker sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add to Slow Cooker
Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour in the broth and water. Add butter, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Pro Tip: Use a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker for the best results.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
Pro Tip: Don’t lift the lid! Every time you open the slow cooker, you lose heat and add cooking time.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
Pro Tip: Shred the chicken in the slow cooker so it soaks up all that delicious broth.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Stir in the egg noodles. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, stirring once halfway, until noodles are soft and thickened.
Pro Tip: Stir once halfway through to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Stir in cream or milk if using. For a thicker consistency, mix cornstarch with water and stir in; cook 5–10 minutes longer until glossy and rich.
Pro Tip: The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the broth into a rich, glossy sauce.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Pro Tip: Serve with crusty bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.
How to Serve It Like a Pro
This Amish Chicken and Noodles is delicious on its own, but a few simple sides make it a complete meal:
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With crusty bread – For soaking up the broth.
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With a simple green salad – Balances the richness.
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With roasted vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli.
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With green beans – Fresh and crisp.
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With mashed potatoes – Double comfort.
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With a glass of white wine – Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
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With a glass of sweet tea – The Amish way.
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With a side of applesauce – A classic Amish pairing.
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With a sprinkle of fresh parsley – For a pop of color.
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With a slice of cornbread – Southern comfort.
Variations & Swaps (Because Life Happens)
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are some easy ways to make it your own:
Make It with Different Proteins
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Chicken thighs – Boneless, skinless thighs stay extra juicy.
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Turkey breast – A leaner alternative.
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Pork chops – Boneless pork chops work beautifully.
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Sausage – Italian or breakfast sausage adds a different flavor.
Make It with Different Noodles
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Thick egg noodles – The classic choice.
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Homestyle egg noodles – Hearty and satisfying.
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Pasta – Rotini, penne, or farfalle work beautifully.
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Gluten-free noodles – For dietary needs.
Make It with Add-Ins
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Carrots – Diced for sweetness.
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Celery – Diced for crunch and flavor.
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Onions – Diced for savory depth.
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Mushrooms – Sliced for earthy depth.
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Peas – Stir in during the last 10 minutes.
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Fresh herbs – Thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
Make It Spicier
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Add cayenne – A pinch for heat.
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Add red pepper flakes – A pinch for warmth.
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Add jalapeños – Minced for fresh heat.
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Add hot sauce – A few dashes for kick.
Make It in the Instant Pot
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Add all ingredients except the noodles and cream to the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, then natural release. Stir in the noodles and cream and cook on sauté until tender.
Pro Tips for the Best Amish Chicken and Noodles
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Use boneless, skinless chicken. It cooks evenly and shreds beautifully.
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Season the broth well. The seasonings are what make this dish flavorful.
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Don’t lift the lid. Keep that heat and moisture inside.
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Shred the chicken in the slow cooker. It soaks up all that delicious broth.
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Add noodles at the end. They cook quickly and absorb the broth.
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Stir once halfway. Prevents the noodles from sticking.
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Finish with cream. For a velvety, luxurious texture.
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Thicken with cornstarch. For a richer, glossier sauce.
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Serve with a starch. Bread or mashed potatoes soak up the broth.
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Make extra. It disappears fast!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes. Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but you’ll need to add 1-2 hours to the cooking time. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes. Thick egg noodles, homestyle egg noodles, or pasta all work beautifully.
Can I make this without cream?
Yes. Omit the cream for a lighter version, or use whole milk instead.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. This dish tastes even better the next day. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Freeze cooled chicken and noodles in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Why is my dish too thin?
The chicken may have released too much liquid. Use the cornstarch slurry to thicken it, or let it cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes.
Why are my noodles mushy?
You may have overcooked them. Cook the noodles for 20-30 minutes, until tender but not mushy.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, celery, onions, or mushrooms all work beautifully.
Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes. Add all ingredients except the noodles and cream to the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, then natural release. Stir in the noodles and cream and cook on sauté until tender.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a larger slow cooker and adjust cooking time slightly.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
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Store cooled chicken and noodles in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freezer
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Freeze cooled chicken and noodles in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
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Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips
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Microwave: Quick and easy. Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
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Stovetop: Reheat in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
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Slow Cooker: Reheat on LOW for 1-2 hours, until hot.
Make-Ahead Tips
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Prep Ahead: Chop the vegetables and measure the ingredients up to 24 hours in advance.
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Assemble Ahead: Layer everything except the noodles in the slow cooker crock, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Start cooking in the morning. Add the noodles at the end.
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Freeze Ahead: Freeze cooked chicken and noodles for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
The Beauty of Simple, Hearty, Comforting Amish Chicken and Noodles
There’s something deeply satisfying about a recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. This Slow Cooker Amish Chicken and Noodles is the kind of meal that makes people happy—the kind that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
It’s not fancy. It’s not complicated. But it is reliable, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely delicious. And isn’t that what great comfort food is all about?
So keep chicken, chicken broth, butter, seasonings, egg noodles, and cream in your kitchen. And when you need a simple, impressive meal that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, you’ll know exactly what to make.
Final Verdict
Rating: 5 out of 5
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: Approximately 3-7 hours
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Cleanup: Minimal (one slow cooker)
Leftover potential: Excellent — tastes even better the next day
Best for: Busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, holiday dinners, and anytime you need a hands-off meal
