Description: A comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, rich broth, and perfectly cooked noodles, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This recipe is a modern take on a classic Amish staple, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a foundation for your dish, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly while absorbing all the flavors from the broth and seasonings throughout the slow cooking process. It’s crucial to start with the chicken at the base to ensure it cooks evenly and stays incredibly tender.
Step 2: Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is almost covered. Add the cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. These ingredients create a flavorful cooking liquid that will infuse the chicken with savory notes as it slowly simmers. The combination of broth and cream of chicken soup creates a creamy, comforting base, while the garlic and onion powder add depth and complexity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other seasonings like paprika or thyme to customize the flavor profile.
Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded. The slow cooking method allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while developing deep, rich flavors. The long cooking time ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly moist and succulent, falling apart with just the touch of a fork. This step is key to achieving the melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this dish so appealing.
Step 4: Shred the chicken using two forks, directly in the slow cooker. This step distributes the chicken throughout the dish, allowing each serving to have tender chunks of meat in every bite. Shredding the chicken right in the slow cooker makes the process easy and convenient. The shredded chicken will also absorb even more of the flavorful broth, enhancing the overall taste.
Step 5: Stir in the egg noodles, butter, and heavy cream. The addition of butter and cream transforms the broth into a silky, rich sauce that coats the noodles and chicken beautifully. The butter adds richness and helps to thicken the sauce, while the heavy cream contributes to the creamy texture. This step is what truly elevates the dish from a simple chicken and noodle soup to a decadent and satisfying meal.
Step 6: Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked to al dente. The noodles will absorb some of the flavorful broth while cooking to the perfect texture. Keep an eye on the noodles during this stage, as they can become mushy if overcooked. The goal is to have them tender but still slightly firm to the bite.
Step 7: Stir in the frozen peas, if using, and let them warm through for about 5 minutes. The peas add a pop of color, texture, and subtle sweetness that complements the savory elements of the dish. The addition of peas is optional but highly recommended, as they provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and noodles.
Step 8: Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, then serve warm. This final taste adjustment ensures your dish has the perfect balance of flavors before serving. Taste the dish and add salt and pepper to your liking. You may also want to add a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Slow Cooker Amish Chicken and Noodles recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Simply dump in the ingredients, set the timer, and come home to a delicious, home-cooked meal.
- Comfort Food Classic: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, offering a warm and satisfying combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love this recipe, making it a great option for family dinners. It’s also easy to customize to suit different preferences and dietary needs.
- Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers can be easily frozen for a quick and convenient meal in the future.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a deeply savory and satisfying dish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
- Top with fresh parsley or chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
- If you don’t have condensed cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with a homemade version or another creamy soup.
- To prevent the noodles from becoming mushy, add them during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking time.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or white beans.
- You can also add other vegetables to the dish, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes.
- If you want to add herbs, try thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, plus 30-40 minutes for noodles Total Time: Approximately 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 30-40g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Amish Chicken and Noodles recipe is a simple yet satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, creamy sauce, and comforting noodles, it is sure to become a family favorite. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal!
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5
- Flavor: 5/5
- Kid-Friendly: 5/5
- Overall: 5/5
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of noodle?
- Yes, you can definitely experiment with different types of noodles. While egg noodles are traditional for this dish, you could also use rotini, penne, or even gluten-free noodles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different noodles will have different cooking times. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
- Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
- Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop, but it will require some adjustments. Brown the chicken in a large pot or Dutch oven, then add the broth, cream of chicken soup, and seasonings. Bring to a simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through. Shred the chicken, then add the noodles, butter, and cream. Cook until the noodles are tender. The stovetop method will be faster than the slow cooker, but the chicken may not be as tender.
- How can I make this recipe healthier?
- There are several ways to make this recipe healthier. You can use low-sodium chicken broth, reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, and skim milk instead of heavy cream. You can also add more vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or spinach. Using whole-wheat noodles will also add more fiber to the dish.
- Can I freeze this recipe?
- Yes, this recipe freezes well. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. The noodles may become a bit softer after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious.
- What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
- If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking. You can also remove some of the liquid from the slow cooker and simmer it on the stovetop until it reduces and thickens. Then, return the thickened liquid to the slow cooker.
