An exceptionally popular Amish main course, prized for its hearty, comforting character, is Amish Chicken Pot Pie—the true Pennsylvania Dutch version, packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and homemade square noodles simmered in savory broth. This is not the typical pie-with-crust; instead, it’s a soulful stew, often found at Amish restaurants and family tables throughout Lancaster County and beyond.amishoutletstore+2
The Story Behind Amish Chicken Pot Pie
Amish Chicken Pot Pie, also known locally as “bott boi,” is a legacy dish that reflects the agricultural roots and resourcefulness of Amish cooks. Unlike the flaky pastry variety familiar elsewhere, this dish features soft, chewy homemade noodles swimming in a flavorful, aromatic broth with chunks of chicken, potatoes, carrots, and peas. The dish is beloved for its simple ingredients, nourishing quality, and homey flavor, making it the centerpiece of countless Sunday family dinners and Amish restaurant menus.amish-heritage+1
Why It’s a Restaurant Favorite
This dish stands out in Amish eateries—from Der Dutchman in Ohio to Bird-in-Hand in Pennsylvania—thanks to its wholesome, old-fashioned appeal and the tender noodles that soak up every drop of rich broth. Served alongside applesauce, pickled beets, or freshly baked bread, it’s a comfort food par excellence. Diners order it again and again for its authentic taste of rural tradition and its stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction.ohiomagazine+2
Authentic Amish Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons onion, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 7 cups water
- 3–4 cups chicken broth
- 1½–2 cups potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup green peas (optional)
- 1–2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½–2 tablespoons flour (mixed with water to thicken broth)
Instructions:
- Prepare the noodles: Beat eggs, water, and salt in a bowl. Add flour and mix until a firm ball forms, add flour as needed to prevent stickiness. Cover and rest while preparing the rest.
- Cook vegetables: In a large pot, melt butter, then sauté garlic, onion, and carrots for 2 minutes.
- Simmer broth: Add water and chicken broth to the pot, bring to a boil.
- Make and add noodles: Roll out dough to ⅛ inch thickness and cut into 1-inch squares. Drop noodles into boiling broth, stirring to prevent sticking. Boil for 15–20 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add potatoes, peas, chicken, and seasonings. Boil for another 12–15 minutes.
- Thicken and finish: Mix flour with water to make a paste, stir it into the pot to thicken broth, and cook 1 more minute. Serve hot.
This rustic stew is deeply comforting, perfect for sharing, and keeps well for leftovers.amish-heritage
Editor’s Notes and Serving Suggestions
Amish Chicken Pot Pie is best enjoyed with tangy sides like pickled beets or a simple applesauce. For a restaurant-style touch, pair it with homemade bread or chow chow. Variations abound—some cooks add a dash of sage or a handful of fresh parsley to elevate the flavors. Don’t skip the noodle-making step: homemade “pot pie squares” are crucial for authentic texture!thismomcooks
Check sources
- https://www.amishoutletstore.com/blog/traditional-amish-recipes/
- https://amish-heritage.org/pennsylvania-dutch-chicken-pot-pie/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Pennsylvania/comments/vetnm8/how_many_of_you_grew_up_eating_pennsylvania_dutch/
- https://www.visitamishcountry.com/foods-brews/family-amish-restaurants
- https://www.ohiomagazine.com/food-drink/article/12-restaurants-to-try-in-ohio-s-amish-country
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Columbus/comments/10awqmc/best_amish_country_millersburg_restaurant_or/
- https://amishdoor.com
- https://thismomcooks.com/2023/01/23/old-fashioned-amish-chicken-pot-pie-with-pie-crust/
- https://amish-heritage.org/amish-food-traditional-amish-food-recipes/
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/traditional-amish-recipes/
- https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/old-fashioned-amish-recipes/
- https://www.withablast.net/amish-country-casserole/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT5Wf0Ykzkw
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Old_Recipes/comments/puo3sm/amish_recipes/
- https://www.bellandevans.com/recipe/pennsylvania-dutch-chicken-pot-pie/
- https://www.grecobon.com/2021/05/chicken-pot-pie-pennsylvania-dutch-style/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g50226-i364-k716455-Amish_Restaurants-Columbus_Ohio.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9ZKM5QTEes
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pennsylvania-dutch-chicken-pot-pie/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g50664-i3077-k14601094-Amish_restaurants-Millersburg_Ohio.html