My grandmother brought this recipe from Lancaster County in 1962. She said it was the only dish that could make my grandfather cry

This slow cooker 4-ingredient Amish chicken pot pie is my streamlined version of the dish my grandmother brought with her from Lancaster County in 1962. She always said it was the only thing that could make my grandfather cry, mostly because it tasted like home after long days in the fields. Traditional Amish chicken pot pie is more of a hearty stew with thick square noodles than a baked pie, and this recipe keeps that spirit alive while using just four main ingredients and a slow cooker. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something deeply comforting, with tender chicken, soft potatoes, and those signature wide noodles in a creamy golden broth.

Serve this Amish chicken pot pie straight from the slow cooker into warm bowls, with plenty of broth and noodles in each serving. A simple green side salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed green beans helps balance the richness. If you’d like bread on the table, try soft dinner rolls or a slice of crusty country bread for dipping into the broth. For a traditional farmhouse feel, finish the meal with something simple and homey like applesauce or sliced fresh apples with sharp cheddar cheese.

Servings: 6

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

Layer the potatoes in the slow cooker: Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks. Place them in an even layer on the bottom of a 5- to 7-quart slow cooker. This gives the potatoes enough time and direct heat to become very tender without falling apart completely.

Add the chicken: Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) on top of the potatoes in a single layer. There is no need to cut the chicken first; it will shred easily after slow cooking. If using both dark and white meat, arrange them evenly so they cook at the same rate.

Pour in the broth: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and potatoes. The liquid should mostly cover the chicken and potatoes; if your slow cooker is wider and things are not quite covered, you can top up with a little water or extra broth so everything is just barely submerged.

Cook until the chicken is very tender: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with two forks and the potatoes are soft when pierced with a knife. Avoid lifting the lid frequently, as that releases heat and can lengthen the cooking time.

Shred the chicken: When the chicken is tender, use tongs to transfer the pieces to a cutting board or large plate. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any visible fat. Return the shredded chicken and any juices on the board back into the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine with the potatoes and broth.

Add the noodles: Stir the mixture in the slow cooker so the chicken and potatoes are distributed evenly in the broth. Add the Amish-style egg noodles on top, pressing them down gently with a spoon so they are mostly submerged in the hot liquid. The noodles will absorb broth as they cook, thickening the mixture into a rich, stew-like consistency.

Cook until the noodles are tender: Cover the slow cooker again and cook on HIGH for 20 to 35 minutes, stirring once or twice if possible, until the noodles are tender but not mushy. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your noodles and how hot your slow cooker runs. The broth should turn creamy and slightly thick from the starch released by the potatoes and noodles.

Adjust consistency and serve: If the mixture seems too thick, stir in a splash of hot water or additional warm broth until it reaches your preferred soup-stew consistency. Taste and, if desired, season lightly with salt and black pepper to your liking (optional and not counted among the four base ingredients). Ladle the chicken, potatoes, and noodles into warm bowls, making sure each serving has plenty of broth, and serve hot while steam is still rising from the pot.

To stay true to the four-ingredient spirit, any additions are optional, but there are several ways to adjust this to your kitchen and tastes. For more traditional Lancaster County flavor, use a mix of bone-in split chicken breasts and thighs; just be sure to remove the skin before cooking to avoid excess grease, and carefully discard all bones when shredding for food safety. You can also stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of frozen peas or diced carrots during the last 10 minutes of cooking with the noodles for extra color and sweetness. If you prefer a creamier texture, add 1/2 to 1 cup of whole milk or half-and-half at the end of cooking and warm gently without boiling. For seasoning, Amish cooks often keep it simple: a teaspoon of salt, a few grinds of black pepper, and optionally a pinch of dried thyme or parsley are all you need. If you can’t find Amish-style pot pie noodles, use the widest egg noodles you can find and reduce their cook time slightly to avoid overcooking. Food safety tips: Always thaw chicken in the refrigerator, not on the counter, and avoid using frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker because it can stay too long at unsafe temperatures. Make sure the chicken reaches at least 165°F in the center before shredding. Cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate within 2 hours; they will keep safely for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot, adding a splash of broth or water if the noodles have absorbed too much liquid.