Amish Chicken is a classic, hearty dish that’s simple yet full of flavor. Known for its moist, tender chicken paired with savory seasonings, this recipe is rooted in traditional Amish cooking, focusing on fresh, wholesome ingredients. Amish chicken is often baked with butter, herbs, and spices, creating a deliciously golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. Whether it’s served for a family dinner or as part of a Sunday meal, this dish brings warmth, comfort, and satisfaction to any table.
1. Why You’ll Love Amish Chicken
This dish is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. Here’s why Amish Chicken is a standout:
🍗 Tender and Juicy
The chicken is cooked slowly, ensuring that it remains moist and tender throughout the cooking process.
🧑🍳 Simple Ingredients
With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, Amish chicken is a delicious, no-fuss meal anyone can make.
🍽️ Versatile for Any Occasion
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, holiday feast, or meal prepping for the week, Amish chicken is perfect for any occasion.
🌿 Flavorful Herbs and Seasonings
The chicken is flavored with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, along with garlic and butter, creating an aromatic, savory dish.
2. Ingredients for Amish Chicken
You don’t need fancy ingredients to create Amish Chicken — just fresh, quality ingredients.
🍗 For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), cut into pieces (legs, thighs, breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for color and smoky flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
🍽️ For the Side:
- 1 lemon, halved (for extra freshness and flavor)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
💡 Optional add-ins: Carrots, potatoes, and onions can be added to the pan to roast alongside the chicken for a one-pan meal.
3. How to Make Amish Chicken
With a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, aromatic chicken ready to serve.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature helps ensure the chicken cooks evenly and becomes tender.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- If using a whole chicken, cut it into pieces. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a crispy, golden skin.
- Rub the chicken pieces with olive oil or melted butter. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary, and thyme. Be sure to rub the seasonings under the skin as well for maximum flavor.
3. Roast the Chicken
- Place the seasoned chicken in a large roasting pan or baking dish.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the chicken pieces to keep them moist and enhance the flavor.
- Squeeze the juice from one of the lemon halves over the chicken, then place both lemon halves in the pan for added fragrance.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
4. Rest and Serve
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside your favorite vegetables or sides.
4. Why This Amish Chicken Recipe Works So Well
This dish is all about enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken with simple yet effective seasonings.
🍗 Tender Chicken with Crispy Skin
The chicken is roasted at a moderate temperature, allowing it to cook through while the skin crisps up, giving you that perfect balance of textures.
🧑🍳 Simple Yet Flavorful Seasonings
The combination of garlic, onion powder, paprika, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme infuses the chicken with aromatic, savory flavors that permeate every bite.
🧈 Butter Makes It Better
Drizzling the chicken with melted butter before roasting enhances the flavors, while helping to crisp up the skin and keep the chicken moist inside.
5. Serving Suggestions for Amish Chicken
This comforting dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal:
🥔 Starches:
- Serve with roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or buttery rice to soak up all the delicious chicken juices.
- Cornbread or a slice of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the flavorful gravy or juices.
🥗 Vegetables:
- Roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts complement the richness of the chicken.
- A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
🍋 Sides:
- Lemon wedges are a nice touch to squeeze over the chicken for a bit of bright acidity.
- Pickled vegetables or coleslaw can provide a tangy, crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
6. Storage and Reheating Tips
Amish Chicken is great for leftovers, and with a few tips, you can enjoy it again:
🧊 Storing Leftovers:
- Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
❄️ Freezing:
- You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🔁 Reheating:
- To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through. For the crispiest skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
✅ FAQs – Amish Chicken
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Yes! You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time depending on the cut, but it usually takes around 35–40 minutes for thighs and 25–30 minutes for breasts.
2. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Season the chicken as described and cook on low for 6–7 hours in a slow cooker for tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken.
3. How do I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder on the chicken, or drizzle some hot sauce over the chicken before roasting.
4. Can I add vegetables to the roasting pan?
Absolutely! Add potatoes, carrots, onions, or sweet potatoes to the pan, and roast alongside the chicken for a one-pan meal.
5. Can I use frozen chicken?
While you can use frozen chicken, it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you’re using frozen chicken, extend the roasting time by about 15-20 minutes.
6. What should I serve with Amish chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, green beans, or a simple salad.
7. Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes! You can substitute with olive oil or vegetable oil for a lighter option, though the butter does add a rich flavor.
8. How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
9. How do I keep the chicken skin crispy?
To keep the skin crispy, avoid covering the chicken with foil during the roasting process. If necessary, broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end.
10. Can I use boneless chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts will cook faster, around 20–25 minutes, but you may need to adjust the seasoning to keep the flavors balanced.
Amish Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, it’s a perfect dish for family dinners or special occasions. Want to explore more ways to make this dish or need tips for sides? Let me know! 🍗🥔🌿