Amish Chicken is a simple, wholesome, and flavorful dish known for its tender, juicy chicken and rich, savory sauce. The dish is baked slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. With basic ingredients that most people have on hand, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love Amish Chicken
- Tender and Juicy: Slow baking makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep work, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Amish recipes typically focus on using fresh, simple ingredients, and this dish is no different.
- Comfort Food Classic: It’s a satisfying, home-cooked meal that’s comforting and nostalgic.
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a roasting pan. - Prepare the Chicken
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, coating it evenly on all sides. - Brown the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the floured chicken to the skillet and brown on each side for about 3-4 minutes, until golden. You don’t need to cook the chicken through at this stage—just get a nice brown crust. Once browned, transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish. - Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour this mixture over the browned chicken in the baking dish. - Bake the Chicken
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to let the skin get crispy. - Serve
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the Amish Chicken with the creamy sauce spooned over the top. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Tips for the Best Amish Chicken
- Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe, as the bones help the chicken stay moist while cooking. However, you can use boneless if you prefer, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the chicken before baking adds depth of flavor and helps the skin get crispy in the oven.
- For a Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the broth and cream mixture before pouring it over the chicken.
Variations
- Herbed Amish Chicken: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the sauce for a more herbaceous flavor.
- Spicy Amish Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a little heat.
- Mushroom Cream Sauce: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the same skillet after browning the chicken, then add them to the sauce for extra richness and texture.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, but you’ll need to reduce the baking time to about 35-40 minutes since boneless chicken cooks faster.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time by browning the chicken and assembling it in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. You may need to add an additional 10-15 minutes of baking time if the dish is cold.
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, Amish Chicken freezes well. Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q4: What can I serve with Amish Chicken?
Amish Chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or roasted vegetables. The creamy sauce makes it especially delicious when served over a starchy side that can soak up the flavors.
Amish Chicken is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for a hearty family meal. With its tender chicken and rich, creamy sauce, it’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
