Learned this dish from my Amish friend, and it’s absolutely divine.

Instructions for Amish-Inspired Chicken and Vegetable Stew

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

2. Sauté the Onion, Carrots, and Celery: In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and the onions become translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Cook for another minute, letting the spices bloom and infuse the vegetables.

Step 3: Create the Broth

4. Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

5. Make the Roux: In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it’s golden and fragrant.
6. Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking to combine. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
7. Combine the Creamy Roux with the Broth: Gradually add the cream mixture to the simmering broth and vegetables, stirring until everything is well incorporated. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Final Touches

8. Add the Chicken and Peas: Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Simmer the stew for another 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

9. Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls, and if you’d like, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top can also add an extra layer of flavor.

Why This Amish Dish is So Special

What makes this dish so divine is its ability to blend simple, everyday ingredients into something comforting and fulfilling. It’s a hearty stew that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you want something that feels like a hug in a bowl.

This dish also embodies the essence of Amish cooking—where the focus is on real, unprocessed food made with care and attention to detail. Each bite of this stew delivers a savory combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy broth that’s rich without being overwhelming.

Customizations and Variations

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as corn, green beans, or potatoes to make this stew even heartier.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for some spice.
• Swap the Chicken: While chicken is the go-to protein for this recipe, you can easily swap it out for turkey, pork, or even beef for a different flavor profile.
• Make it a Casserole: If you prefer something a little more substantial, you can turn this stew into a casserole by transferring it to a baking dish, topping it with breadcrumbs, and baking it until golden brown.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is not only incredibly easy to make, but it also provides a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked vegetables come together to create a meal that feels both homey and elegant.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner for friends, this Amish-inspired dish will impress everyone at the table. It’s hearty enough for a main course but simple enough to make any night feel special.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in my kitchen. Learned this dish from my Amish friend, and I can honestly say it’s one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Enjoy!