Dutch ovens are quite popular in Amish kitchens. In non-Amish kitchens, Dutch ovens have been a mainstay in the kitchen for generations. I remember my Mom having one when I was growing up. Hers, I think, was an orange-colored one with a matching lid and I can remember plenty of beef stew, soups, and roasts being made in the cast iron Dutch oven.
🍲 The Amish and Dutch Ovens
Dutch ovens, for those who need a refresher, are cast iron pots with tight-fitting lids that can be used for cooking over an open fire or on a stovetop. They are popular among the Amish because they are durable and can be used to cook a variety of foods, including bread, meat, and vegetables.
The Amish also use Dutch ovens to preserve food. For example, they may use a Dutch oven to can fruits and vegetables or to make apple butter. Dutch ovens are also used to make lye soap, which is a traditional soap that is made from wood ash and animal fat.
🍽️ Dutch Ovens and Simplicity
Dutch ovens are popular because, well, they were crock-pots before they were crock pots. You can just throw a bunch of ingredients in, turn it on low, and that is that. I will say that most Amish would use their own homemade noodles for this recipe, but you can do store bought.
This Dutch Oven Chicken Casserole recipe comes from an Amish woman who lives near Shipshewana, Indiana.
Recipe tester Barbara tried it and had this to say:
"It is an excellent beginner recipe for making a sauce from scratch. I added a little onion powder because we like that enhancement. The measurements were spot on as well as the directions. I will make again and add other things, spicing to the sauce."
And the best endorsement of all, Barbara said her husband gave it a thumbs up and said he'd eat this meal again.
📜 Step-By-Step Dutch Oven Chicken Casserole With Easy Sauce
This recipe is typical of many Amish creations, simple and delicious with easily accessible ingredients. You also can add your own touches to this. For instance, potatoes are not in the original recipe, but you could chunk some up and put them in. Carrots would be another nice addition.
If you like the flavor of garlic or other fresh herbs, feel free to measure them out and add them to the mix. Fresh thyme and fresh rosemary are other ingredients that are perfect in this dish. Add black pepper or kosher salt also for additional flavor.
As one pot meals go, this one is so easy. You can have it simmering on your stove top for the day or you can stick it in your oven an bake it. I love the easy sauce that this recipe sort of makes on its own. You don't have to do anything special for this sauce, it's just a hearty addition.
If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and put in the fridge or freezer for storage. Cube the chicken for the best results, but you can use whatever cut of the chicken you have handy. You can take a whole chicken from a rotisserie or a whole roasting chicken and just cut it up, you can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or whatever you have. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. You can add crushed or bread crumbs as a topping as you see in the top photo.
🐔More Amish Chicken Recipes
Chicken is a staple in most Amish and Mennonite homes, here are some favorites!
30-Minute Chicken and Dumplings
Emma Hershberger's Yummy Chicken
🖨️ Full Recipe
Amish Dutch Oven Chicken Casserole With Easy Sauce
Ingredients
- 8 oz. broad egg noodles
- ½ cup butter
- 8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced
- ⅓ cup flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chicken, cubed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
- Lightly oil or spray dutch oven.Cook noodles as directed on package.
- Do not overcook.
- Melt butter in dutch ovenover a full compliment of coals (or accordingly if you are using an electricoven).
- Add mushrooms and cook until lightly browned.
- Stir in flour and cook forseveral minutes.
- Stir in milk, broth, salt and pepper; whisk sauce constantlyuntil thickened. Add noodles, chicken and parsley; stir until well combined.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or untilcasserole is bubbling and cheese has browned. Serves 4-5.
Sher M
Is this pre-cooked chicken?
Kevin Williams
No....not pre-cooked