This oven-baked 4-ingredient Amish-style chicken broth noodle bake is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Inspired by the cozy, simple flavors of Midwestern church potlucks and Amish comfort food, this recipe is pared down so it fits perfectly into a busy weeknight schedule. You literally pour canned chicken broth and three pantry-friendly ingredients over uncooked egg noodles, slide the dish into the oven, and let the noodles soak up all that savory goodness. It is fuss-free, kid-friendly, and tastes like something made from scratch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ⏱️ Zero Boiling Required: You do not need to boil the pasta beforehand! The uncooked noodles cook directly in the baking dish.
- 🥣 Infused with Flavor: Because the egg noodles cook directly in the broth, they absorb an incredible amount of rich, savory flavor.
- 🛒 Ultra-Simple Ingredients: Relies on just four incredibly basic pantry staples.
- 🍗 Easily Customisable: Simple to scale up with leftover chicken, fresh herbs, or a splash of cream.
What You’ll Need
- 12 oz Wide egg noodles: Uncooked.
- 4 cups (32 oz) Chicken broth: Canned, low-sodium if possible.
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter: Cut into small pieces.
- 1 tsp Kosher salt: Reduce this to ½ teaspoon if you are using regular (not low-sodium) broth.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 35–40 minutes | Yield: 4 Servings
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Layer the Dry Ingredients
Spread the uncooked egg noodles evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Keep them in a fairly even layer so they cook at the same rate. Sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over the dry noodles.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Dot the noodles with the small pieces of butter, scattering them as evenly as you can over the top. As the butter melts, it will enrich the broth and coat the noodles.
Step 4: Pour the Broth
Slowly pour the chicken broth over the noodles, making sure to wet as many of them as possible. Use the back of a spoon to gently press down any noodles that are poking up so they are mostly submerged.
Step 5: The Covered Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap in the steam.
💡 Crucial Step: Ensure the foil seal is completely tight! The trapped steam is what softens and cooks the uncooked noodles evenly without drying them out.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Step 6: Uncover and Finish
Carefully remove the foil (watch out for hot steam), stir the noodles gently to redistribute the liquid, and return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, leaving just a little saucy broth at the bottom.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the noodles rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. They will continue to soak up the remaining buttery broth as they sit, becoming extra cozy. Serve warm!💡 Expert Tips for Success
- 🛑 Watch the Salt: If you are using standard, full-sodium chicken broth, start with just ½ teaspoon of kosher salt to keep the finished dish from becoming overly salty.
- 🥛 Make It Creamy: For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- 🥖 Breadcrumb Crunch: To add a delightful texture contrast, sprinkle ½ cup of buttered breadcrumbs over the top of the noodles during the final 10 minutes of baking.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add Protein: Stir in 1 to 2 cups of cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover holiday turkey when you remove the foil to stir the noodles, then continue baking as directed.
- Flavor Boost: Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of onion powder with the salt before pouring on the broth for an extra savory kick.
- Herbed Finish: Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and a handful of chopped fresh parsley right before serving for a pop of freshness.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I serve with these Amish Chicken Broth Noodles?
Serve these tender, buttery noodles in a wide bowl alongside steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots. They are also fantastic with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Warm dinner rolls are a must for dipping into the extra broth!
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of baking. They will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop with a small splash of extra broth or water to restore the saucy texture.
