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Preparation
- Cook the Chicken: If you’re using bone-in chicken, start by cooking it in a large pot with enough water to cover it. Add a pinch of salt and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 40 minutes or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces, and set it aside. If you’re using boneless chicken, simply cube it and cook it in a bit of oil or butter until browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, peel and chop your potatoes, carrots, and onion. In a large pot, sauté the onions in butter for about 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add in the diced carrots and potatoes, sautéing for another 3 minutes.
- Make the Broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot with the vegetables. Bring it to a simmer and cook until the carrots and potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the flour with a little bit of milk to make a slurry. Gradually add this mixture to the simmering broth to help thicken it. Stir continuously to avoid lumps, and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the milk or cream, stirring to combine. This will make the sauce creamy and rich, turning the dish into a comforting, velvety delight. Add in the garlic powder, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Chicken and Peas: Add the shredded chicken and frozen peas into the pot, stirring them in gently. Let everything simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the peas to heat through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is fully cooked and the sauce is rich and creamy, your dish is ready to serve! Ladle the chicken and vegetable mixture into bowls, making sure to get plenty of that delicious sauce in each serving.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty and filling on its own, but you can take it up a notch with a few simple additions:
- Fresh bread or rolls: Serve with a warm loaf of Amish-style bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
- A side salad: Pair with a crisp green salad, drizzled with a light vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the dish.
- Mashed potatoes: If you want to go full comfort food, serve this dish over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
Why This Dish is Divine
What makes this dish truly special is the way it brings together simple ingredients to create something extraordinary. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, hearty vegetables, and fresh peas is nothing short of comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel at home, whether you’re sitting at the dinner table with your family or enjoying it alone after a long day.
Learning this recipe from my Amish friend has been a true gift, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. It’s a perfect example of how food can transcend borders, traditions, and time, connecting us all through the shared experience of enjoying a lovingly prepared meal.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dish that’s simple to make, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this Amish-inspired chicken and vegetable recipe is your answer. The creamy, savory base, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables will warm you from the inside out, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. Give it a try, and let the divine flavors of this recipe become a staple in your kitchen as well.