There is something genuinely heartwarming about gathering around a table for a meal that feels like a big, cozy hug — and the Amish Farmhouse Feast Recipe delivers exactly that. This classic spread, featuring a perfectly roasted chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, tender green beans, and rich homemade gravy, strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and comfort. Every bite is steeped in tradition and love, making it an ideal centerpiece for a family Sunday dinner or any special occasion where hearty, down-to-earth flavors reign supreme.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Amish Farmhouse Feast Recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. These essential staples turn into a meal that feels luxurious without requiring fancy or hard-to-find items.
- Whole chicken (about 4 pounds): The star of the meal, roasting yields tender, juicy meat with crispy skin.
- Butter (softened): Adds richness throughout, from basting the chicken to finishing the sides.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the flavors naturally.
- Dried thyme and paprika: Provide aromatic warmth and a beautiful color to the chicken.
- Onion and garlic cloves: Stuffed inside the chicken for an infusion of savory depth.
- Russet potatoes: Perfect for creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes with a buttery finish.
- Whole milk: Ensures the mashed potatoes are smooth and comforting.
- Egg noodles: Tender, buttery noodles add texture and a touch of herbal freshness from parsley.
- Fresh green beans: Bright, crisp-tender greens bring balance and color to the plate.
- Chicken broth and flour: The foundation for luscious gravy that ties everything together.
How to Make Amish Farmhouse Feast Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently rub the whole chicken with softened butter, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika so every bite is bursting with flavor. Stuff the chicken cavity with quartered onion and smashed garlic cloves to impart savory aromas as it roasts. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and let it cook for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting occasionally to keep the skin glossy and moist. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, so be sure to check with a meat thermometer. When it’s out of the oven, give it time to rest—the juices will redistribute, making every slice juicy and tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While the chicken roasts, peel and cube your russet potatoes. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and mash them with butter and whole milk for that velvety, creamy texture we all crave. Season to taste with salt and pepper. The key to perfect mashed potatoes here is striking the right balance between fluffy and buttery without becoming gluey.
Step 3: Cook the Buttered Noodles
Next up are the egg noodles. Cook them according to package instructions until tender but still holding their shape. Drain well, then toss immediately with butter, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. This simple step elevates the noodles into a fragrant, buttery side that perfectly complements the richer parts of the meal.
Step 4: Steam the Green Beans
For a bright green contrast, steam or boil fresh trimmed green beans until they’re crisp-tender—about 4 to 5 minutes. Toss them with butter, a half teaspoon of salt, and a dash of black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness without overpowering. These green beans add a fresh, vibrant element that balances the hearty richness of the other sides.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
After the chicken is roasted, use the pan drippings to create a luscious gravy. In the roasting pan over medium heat, whisk in flour until it absorbs the fat and becomes a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer until thickened, then season with salt and pepper to taste. This gravy is the finishing touch that brings all the flavors of the Amish Farmhouse Feast Recipe together in harmony.
How to Serve Amish Farmhouse Feast Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the buttered noodles or mashed potatoes adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note. For the chicken, consider a few sprigs of thyme on the platter to highlight the aromatic seasoning used in roasting. A pat of butter melting slowly on the steamed green beans also adds that extra touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This Amish Farmhouse Feast Recipe stands strong on its own, but if you want to complete your spread, think about adding warm homemade rolls or a crisp apple pie for dessert. The sweetness of apple pie perfectly contrasts the savory meal, while fresh rolls invite everyone to soak up the delightful gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the carved chicken on a large wooden platter surrounded by the mashed potatoes, noodles, and green beans for a beautiful, rustic presentation. Consider baking the mashed potatoes in a casserole dish for a more communal feel. For a charming farmhouse vibe, use simple white or earthenware dishes and fresh herbs as décor on the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Amish Farmhouse Feast Recipe, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken stays juicy, and the sides keep their flavor nicely for up to 3 days, making for delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the individual components separately—roast chicken pieces, mashed potatoes, and buttered noodles freeze well and maintain their texture when thawed. Green beans are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if blanched properly beforehand. Store everything in freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a low oven or covered skillet to preserve moisture. Mashed potatoes and noodles warm up beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a pat of butter or splash of milk to refresh their creamy texture. For green beans, quick steaming or microwaving retains their crispness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of poultry for this recipe?
Absolutely! While a whole chicken is traditional and perfect for this Amish Farmhouse Feast Recipe, a turkey breast or Cornish hens could also work well, but adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to the gravy?
Yes! You can create a delicious vegetarian gravy using vegetable broth and a roux made with butter and flour, flavored with soy sauce or mushrooms for that savory depth found in the original pan drippings.
Can I prepare this meal for a larger group?
Definitely. Simply scale up the ingredients proportionally. A larger roasting pan and extended cooking times for the chicken are all you need to serve more hungry guests happily.
What is the best way to ensure the chicken stays moist?
Rubbing softened butter under and over the skin, regular basting during roasting, and allowing the chicken to rest after cooking all help keep the meat tender and juicy in this Amish Farmhouse Feast Recipe.
Are there any recommended wine pairings with this dish?
A light to medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a Pinot Noir complements the rich, savory flavors without overpowering the subtle herbs and buttery sides.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly special about the Amish Farmhouse Feast Recipe that goes beyond taste — it’s a celebration of simple, honest cooking and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. From the golden roast chicken to the creamy mashed potatoes and buttery noodles, every component is crafted with care and warmth. I encourage you to try this recipe, gather your family or friends, and savor a meal that feels like a comforting story told over generations.
Print
Amish Farmhouse Feast Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Amish, American
Description
This classic Amish Farmhouse Feast features a perfectly roasted whole chicken seasoned with herbs and paprika, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles with fresh parsley, tender green beans, and rich homemade gravy made from pan drippings. A comforting and hearty meal ideal for Sunday dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Roast Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 onion (quartered)
- 2 garlic cloves (smashed)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Buttered Noodles:
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
For the Green Beans:
- 1 pound fresh green beans (trimmed)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons pan drippings
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Rub the whole chicken thoroughly with softened butter, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the quartered onion and smashed garlic cloves. Place the chicken breast side up in a roasting pan. Roast in the oven for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken occasionally with pan juices to keep it moist. Once cooked, remove from oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.
- Mashed Potatoes: While the chicken is roasting, place peeled and cubed russet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them until smooth and creamy, adding the butter and whole milk. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and stir until well combined.
- Buttered Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot or a serving bowl. Toss the noodles with butter, chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt until the butter is melted and noodles are evenly coated.
- Green Beans: Steam or boil the fresh trimmed green beans for about 4–5 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Drain if boiled. Toss the warm beans with butter, salt, and black pepper for seasoning.
- Gravy: After removing the chicken from the roasting pan, place the pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Whisk the flour into the pan drippings, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Gradually add the chicken broth while whisking until the gravy is smooth. Let it simmer until it thickens to the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- This Amish-style meal is ideal for weekend family dinners or special holiday occasions.
- Feel free to complement the feast with classic sides like homemade rolls or apple pie for dessert.
- Resting the chicken after roasting allows juices to redistribute, enhancing moisture and flavor.
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor if available instead of dried thyme.
