Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When I think of true comfort food, nothing beats a big, warm bowl of Slow Cooker Amish Chicken and Noodles. This dish is pure nostalgia for me, bringing back memories of cozy family dinners and hearty meals. What I love most is how effortlessly it comes together in the slow cooker, delivering tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles swimming in a rich, savory gravy. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug after a long day.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a cornerstone in my kitchen for so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy. The slow cooker does 90% of the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over hours without much intervention from me. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal but don’t have a lot of time to stand over the stove. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and shreddable, and the noodles soak up all that delicious broth, becoming wonderfully soft and comforting. It’s a complete meal in one pot, hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting slow cooker masterpiece:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of celery soup (or another can of cream of chicken)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (optional, but adds flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (12 oz) bag extra wide egg noodles (Amish or Reames brand are great)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Both chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully here. Thighs tend to be a bit more forgiving and stay moister.
- Cream of Soup: You can mix and match cream of mushroom or even cream of potato soup if you prefer, but cream of chicken and celery give that classic, comforting flavor profile.
- Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness, as the canned soups also contribute sodium. You can always add more salt later if needed.
- Onion and Garlic: While optional, these aromatics truly deepen the flavor. Sauté them briefly on the stovetop before adding to the slow cooker for an even richer taste.
- Noodles: The key to this dish is using extra-wide, hearty egg noodles. Thinner noodles can get mushy. Look for “Amish” or “Reames” brand frozen or dried noodles, if available, for that authentic texture.
- Milk: Added at the end, the milk thins out the sauce slightly and adds extra creaminess. You can use half-and-half for an even richer result.
Steps for the Recipe
Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting with these simple steps:
- Combine Base Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, chicken broth, diced onion (if using), minced garlic (if using), poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shredded.
- Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker.
- Add Noodles: Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce. Add the extra wide egg noodles to the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure all the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
- Finish Cooking: Add the milk to the slow cooker and stir. Cover and continue to cook on high for another 30-45 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Add Noodles Too Early: This is critical! If you add the noodles at the beginning, they will turn to mush. Add them in the last 30-45 minutes for perfect al dente results.
- Submerge Noodles: Make sure all the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid when you add them. If they’re not, they won’t cook evenly.
- Stir Occasionally: Stirring the noodles a few times in the last stage of cooking helps prevent them from clumping together or sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Adjust Thickness: If your sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can try simmering it on the “high” setting with the lid ajar for a bit, or make a quick cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) and stir it in during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Freezing: This dish freezes fairly well, though the noodles might be slightly softer when thawed and reheated.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Slow Cooker Amish Chicken and Noodles is a hearty meal on its own, but it’s wonderful with a few simple sides:
- Green Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice fresh contrast.
- Crusty Bread: Essential for soaking up every last bit of that delicious, creamy sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: A simple side of steamed green beans or broccoli would be perfect.
- Beverage Pairings: A tall glass of iced tea, a light lager, or even a classic ginger ale would pair well with this comforting meal.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Slow Cooker Amish Chicken and Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so the dish might be thicker when reheating. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency. You can also microwave individual portions.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the comforting and easy nature of this slow cooker meal, be sure to check out some of my other favorite hearty recipes:
- For another soul-satisfying bowl, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- If you’re a fan of easy one-pot dinners, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is excellent.
- For comforting flavors with minimal effort, you’ll also love This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
- And for another classic comfort food, you can’t go wrong with my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Amish Chicken and Noodles truly brings the warmth and comfort of a homemade meal right to your table with minimal fuss. It’s a timeless classic that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or simply indulging in some well-deserved coziness. I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your rotation, just as it has in mine!
Give it a try and let me know in the comments below how it turned out for you! What are your go-to slow cooker comfort meals? I’d love to hear your ideas. Happy cooking!
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