Amish Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Amish Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a hearty dish; it’s a timeless comfort food that has been passed down through generations of Amish families. Known for its simplicity, nourishing qualities, and rich, homemade flavors, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings, when you want something that soothes the soul and fills you up without overwhelming your taste buds.

What sets Amish Chicken Noodle Soup apart from other chicken soups is the balance of tender chicken, perfectly seasoned broth, and handmade noodles, which are often used instead of store-bought varieties. The recipe captures the essence of slow-cooked comfort, using basic yet flavorful ingredients that make each spoonful feel like a warm embrace. Whether you’re making it from scratch or trying a version with pre-made noodles, the result is the same: a bowl of wholesome goodness that’s sure to lift your spirits.

Let’s dive right into how you can recreate this classic at home!

Amish Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This recipe takes you through the steps of crafting an authentic Amish Chicken Noodle Soup that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a sick day, or a potluck gathering. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity-there’s nothing fancy here, just a warm, comforting bowl of goodness.

Ingredients Needed

Before you jump into the cooking process, it’s important to gather the following ingredients. Nothing too exotic here, just good old-fashioned kitchen staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

For The Soup Base

• Whole Chicken (3-4 pounds) – The heart and soul of the soup, giving the broth its depth and flavor. A whole chicken works best because it provides a mixture of tender meat and flavorful bones, which make the broth rich and hearty.
• Carrots (3-4 medium) – These add sweetness and color to the soup. Plus, they break down just enough to provide a subtle flavor that infuses the broth.
• Celery Stalks (3-4) – Celery’s earthy, slightly bitter flavor complements the sweetness of the carrots and helps balance the soup’s overall taste.
• Onion (1 large) – A must for any soup base, adding depth and a savory sweetness to the broth.
• Garlic (3 cloves) – A little garlic can go a long way in flavoring the soup, offering an aromatic, savory layer to the dish.
• Bay Leaves (2) – Bay leaves give the broth a complex, herbal note that enhances the chicken flavor.
• Thyme (1 teaspoon) – This herb is quintessential in a chicken soup, offering a mild, earthy fragrance that works well with the other vegetables.
• Peppercorns (1 teaspoon) – Whole peppercorns add a light, warming spice to the soup without overpowering it.
• Salt (to taste) – To bring out all the natural flavors in the ingredients.

For The Noodles

• Homemade Noodles (about 2 cups) – If you want the true Amish experience, make your own! Amish-style noodles are typically thick, wide, and slightly chewy, absorbing the broth beautifully. You can also use egg noodles as an easier alternative.

Cooking Instructions

Making Amish Chicken Noodle Soup is more of an art than a science, so take your time and enjoy the process. Follow these steps to achieve a rich and flavorful result:

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • Begin by placing your whole chicken in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cover it with about 12 cups of cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.

2. Add Vegetables & Spices

   • Once the chicken is boiling and the scum has been removed, add in the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, peppercorns, and a pinch of salt. Bring everything back to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours. This allows the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld together.

3. Shred The Chicken

   • After an hour or so, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bones, discarding the bones and skin. Set the shredded chicken aside.

4. Add The Noodles

   • Bring the broth back to a boil, then add your homemade noodles or store-bought egg noodles. Cook the noodles in the broth for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re tender. Be sure not to overcook them.

5. Combine And Adjust

   • Add the shredded chicken back into the pot, stir everything together, and taste for seasoning. Add more salt or pepper if necessary. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving has a good mix of chicken, vegetables, and noodles. Serve hot, and enjoy with some crusty bread or crackers on the side!

Ingredient Insights

The ingredients in Amish Chicken Noodle Soup are not just functional; each one brings something special to the table:

• Whole Chicken: Using a whole chicken instead of just chicken breasts or thighs adds a richness to the broth that’s simply unmatched. The bones and skin release collagen and fat, creating a smooth, velvety texture that you can’t get with boneless cuts.
• Carrots & Celery: These two vegetables provide a balance of sweetness (carrots) and earthiness (celery), both of which are crucial for layering flavor. As they cook, they soften and give the broth body without being too overwhelming.
• Herbs & Spices: Bay leaves and thyme work together to infuse the broth with a delicate, aromatic taste that’s both familiar and comforting. Peppercorns add just a hint of spice, not enough to take center stage, but just enough to warm the palate.
• Homemade Noodles: When you make your own noodles, you get that chewy, satisfying texture that store-bought varieties often lack. Plus, they absorb the flavors of the broth, making each bite a perfect combination of savory goodness.

Expert Tips

If you want to take your Amish Chicken Noodle Soup to the next level, here are a few tips from the pros:

• Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in chicken, particularly the thighs and wings, adds an extra level of flavor and richness to your soup. The marrow from the bones will enrich the broth even further.
• Make the Soup in Advance: Like many soups, Amish Chicken Noodle Soup tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead of time, and let the flavors develop overnight in the fridge.
• Strain the Broth: For an ultra-clear, clean-tasting broth, strain the soup after simmering the chicken and vegetables. This will remove any leftover bits of vegetable or chicken skin that might cloud the broth.
• Serve with Fresh Parsley: Garnish the soup with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. It adds a bit of brightness to the otherwise rich and hearty dish.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe stays true to the classic Amish roots, there are plenty of ways to make it your own:

• Add Corn: A cup of sweet corn kernels, either fresh or frozen, can add a touch of sweetness and extra texture.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the broth while it’s simmering.
• Use Turkey Instead of Chicken: If you’ve got leftover turkey after the holidays, this is a great recipe to repurpose that bird. It works just as well as chicken.
• Add Spinach or Kale: For some extra greens, throw in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt into the broth and add both color and nutrients.

Final Words

Amish Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food: simple, wholesome, and satisfying. Its layers of flavors come from everyday ingredients, but when combined, they create something truly magical. Whether you’re making it for the first time or it’s a regular on your dinner table, this soup is sure to bring comfort to both your body and soul.