There are many benefits of having Amish chicken over, let’s say, free-range chicken, and one of them is the taste. Amish chickens have a superior taste because they are antibiotic and hormone-free and are raised in a stress-free environment.
When buying Amish chicken or Amish chicken breast, you get pure 100% untainted chicken. The term Amish chicken first became popular in the ‘90s, which referred to chicken raised by Amish farmers.
A Religion as Pure as Their Chicken
The Amish descended from the Mennonite religion. They believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible. They also believe that modern technology corrupts and blinds us from god. The world was made by a man who never has and never will do any wrong, so what else do you need? Why distract yourself with all these gadgets?
Mennonites aren’t as strict to their followers. Due to Amish having such tightly held rules, it’s hard to truly understand the dedication they put into everything they do. They make everything on their own such as soaps, shampoos, buggies, clothes, and furniture.
They believe that only what they work hard for is worth having. Not hunting means you become the hunted. This belief reflects all aspects of their lives, such as their chicken. Free of additives and hormones, which shelf bought farm-raised chickens carry, amish chicken is more natural. Without the additives, you are fueling your body with healthy food, rather than unknown steroids that you and your family would be better off without.
Amish Chicken, Healthy Chicken
Young girls are getting their periods at 7-9 years old, and infants are teething at just a few weeks. Adults are having more and more complications at a younger age. Is it because we are putting unknown substances into our bodies?
This is all to have a larger overall product. Personally, I would take a smaller portion over not knowing what my chicken holds. Hormones and steroids are so prevalent in our food that no one bats an eye anymore. They may kill your loved one, yet no one blames them. And instead of switching to healthier items, you just want more, more, more.
People often complain about spending a dollar more at the local grocery store. Well, you get what you pay for. Those farm-raised chickens are so chock full of pills that their legs break due to excessive weight. They can no longer hold their own bodies up. I’m telling you, spend that extra dollar girl!
Pennsylvania Dutch Chicken and Waffles
There’s controversy over whether the Amish were indeed the first people to create this recipe. Pennsylvania boxcar diners were also served this meal often. Some call the meal Pennsylvania Dutch chicken and waffles. Although both meals are made the same, true believers call it Amish chicken and waffles because people have always made it with Amish poultry.
People fight about this recipe belonging to the Pennsylvania Dutch or the Amish, when they actually go hand in hand. Many Amish peoples’ first language is Pennsylvania Dutch because Amish originated in that territory. So, the silliest part of all this is that both are correct. They are the same people all along.
The most crucial part is that Amish chicken and waffles exist! I’m going to do you a favor and write this down. Use this recipe at your next family get-together. The recipe to my grandpa’s Amish chicken and waffles is below.
Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Ingredients:
Chicken Broth:
- 2 whole carrots
- 2 whole onion
- 1 ½ pound of bony chicken
- 1 bay leaf
- Thyme
- ½ tbs. rosemary
- 1 ½ tbs. peppercorn
Chicken and Gravy mixture:
- 3 lbs. of shredded chicken
8 cups of water- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 3 ½ tbs rue (⅔ flour ⅓ oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Waffle
- 1 cup sifted cake flour
- 1 ½ cups of whole milk
- 2 ½ tsp. baking powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large organic eggs
- 5 tbs melted butter
- 1 ½ tsp. Pure vanilla extract
Directions:
A day before making this meal, you will have to make the broth due to the need for chilling.
Broth:
- In a pot put 2” chopped carrots pieces, both onions cut in fourths, and some bony chicken. Fill with 8 cups of water. Put the thyme, rosemary, peppercorn, and bay leaf in.
- Bring to a boil. Boil until chicken reaches a temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Place a mesh strainer over a jar and gently pour broth into jars
- Place jars in the fridge for at least 8 hours to let flavors chill and marinate.
Hey, Hear Me Out?
Use that leftover bony Amish chicken to make some Amish chicken and corn soup. Mmm, delicious! You can always skip making the broth and buy some at the grocery store. I prefer the taste of homemade broth better. Nothing competes with home-cooked goods. I think store-bought broth is too bland, so be prepared to use more seasonings to get it tasting just right.
Chicken and Gravy:
Take Amish chicken breast and place it in a pot. Fill with enough Chicken broth to go ½” over the top of the chicken and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and boil until chicken is 165°F (75°C).- Remove chicken from pot and shred. In a saucepan, pour your oil. Slowly put flour in until you have a paste (also known as rue).
- Using ½tbs at a time stir rue into broth until the desired thickness of gravy. Put shredded chicken back in the pot with gravy — cover and place on warm.
Waffles:
- Turn waffle iron on and let heat up.
- Mix ingredients in a bowl. Don’t overmix. Overmixing will cause a consistency problem in the waffles. There will be some lumps but these will even out when cooked, with no change in taste or texture.
- Pour into the middle of waffle iron filling it ⅔ the way full — Cook with waffle iron’s directions. And now place cooked waffles in the oven to keep warm.
Amish Chicken Recipe
Another great Amish recipe that I hold near and dear is called “Baked Amish chicken.” My mouth is just watering thinking about it. My problem with chicken breast has always been it’s so easy to make dry, simply because the fat content is so low. Let me share this recipe with you. It’s simple and easy, but oh, so good! I promise it’ll be your new go-to. Save this and make it next time you go to bake some chicken.
Ingredients:
- 3 ½llbs. Amish chicken breast with skin and rib meat
- ¾ cup flour
- 2/3tbs paprika
- 1tbs onion powder
- 1tbs garlic powder
- 2tsp salt
- 2tsp pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
- In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to stir till evenly mixed. Dredge chicken in flour
- Grease the baking sheet (with sides). Place chicken on a sheet.
- Cook for one hour; flip at 30min. Take out of the oven, and check chicken to make sure it’s 165°F (75°C). Serve and enjoy.
Great Pairings!
You need to pair the Baked Amish chicken with something that will complement the dish. In my opinion, it pairs nicely with fried potatoes and creamed corn. Although, it would do great with a light veggie.
My family is very starchy. We have potatoes at every meal. You can’t go wrong with anything. This chicken is so tender and juicy you’ll be begging for more until you can’t force down another bite.
Food for Thought
The Amish make exceptionally delicious meals. Meals that have been perfected over generations and which fuel many food lovers such as me. With the use of only organic ingredients, everything is what it seems. No hormones. No steroids and no hidden additives. Just chicken.
Although there are meals that are purely Amish food, any meal can be replaced with wholesome Amish items: Amish chicken and dumplings, Amish chicken parmesan, or my favorite Amish chicken tacos. Amish poultry will always have a place in my heart due to constantly seeing and hearing them across the street growing up. You don’t have to be Amish to respect their lifestyle and enjoy a good ole piece of Amish chicken.
