Shredded chicken breast, chicken broth, cornstarch, salt, pepper, waffles.

The first time I heard the words Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe, I pictured crispy fried chicken, golden waffles, syrup dripping everywhere, and maybe a brunch plate big enough to require a nap afterward. You too? But then I learned that the Amish-style version is completely different. It’s not the sweet-and-salty Southern-style chicken and waffles most people think of. This one is savory, cozy, and covered in thick chicken gravy. And honestly, once you get past the surprise, it makes so much sense.

This Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like it came from a practical kitchen, not a trendy brunch menu. You take shredded cooked chicken, simmer it in chicken broth thickened with cornstarch, season it simply with salt and pepper, and spoon it over warm waffles. That’s it. No frying. No syrup. No dramatic stack of food trying to become famous on social media. Just warm chicken gravy over waffles, and somehow it feels like exactly what dinner needed.

I remember trying Amish chicken and waffles for the first time and being a little unsure. My brain kept saying, Where is the crunch? Where is the maple syrup? What are we doing here? But then I took a bite. The waffle soaked up the gravy, the shredded chicken made it hearty, and suddenly it tasted like chicken pot pie filling found a much easier place to land. Not fancy, but very satisfying. Like something you’d eat at a family supper where nobody is worried about plating things with tweezers.

What I like most about this savory chicken and waffles recipe is that it’s quick without feeling lazy. There’s a difference, you know? Some fast meals taste like you gave up. This one tastes like you made a smart choice. If you have leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, you’re already halfway there. The gravy comes together in minutes, the waffles can be homemade or toasted from frozen, and dinner is on the table in about 25 minutes. That’s a gift on a weeknight.

And the waffles? They’re not just sitting there looking cute. Those little squares catch the gravy like tiny edible pockets. Very useful. Very underappreciated. I used to think waffles were mostly for butter and syrup, but this Amish chicken gravy over waffles situation changed my mind a little. Maybe waffles have range. Maybe we’ve been limiting them all along.

Why you’ll Love this Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe?

You’ll love this Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe because it’s simple, fast, filling, and very comforting. It uses just a few basic ingredients: shredded cooked chicken breast, chicken broth or stock, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Then you serve that warm chicken gravy over waffles, bread, or mashed potatoes. It’s not complicated, but it has that old-fashioned dinner-table feeling that makes everyone settle down for a minute.

One of the best things about this Amish chicken and waffles recipe is how quickly it comes together. You only need about 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, which means dinner can be ready in around 25 minutes. That is very helpful on the kind of night when people are hungry, the kitchen is already a little chaotic, and someone asks what’s for dinner while standing directly in front of the fridge. Sound familiar?

This recipe is also a great way to use leftover chicken. Baked chicken, poached chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover turkey can work. Since the meat is already cooked, you’re really just making the gravy and warming the chicken through. It feels efficient in a very satisfying way, like finding money in a coat pocket or remembering you already washed the rice cooker. Small victory, but I’ll take it.

The gravy is another reason this Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe works so well. Instead of making a roux with flour and butter, you thicken the broth with cornstarch mixed with water. It’s fast, smooth, and easy. I know “cornstarch slurry” sounds slightly technical and maybe not very appetizing, but it’s just cornstarch stirred with water so it doesn’t clump. Nothing scary. Just a tiny kitchen trick doing useful work.

I also like how flexible this savory Amish chicken recipe is. Waffles are the classic base, but the chicken gravy is also delicious over bread, toast, biscuits, noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Some days I want the waffle version because it feels a little special. Other days, mashed potatoes win because they are mashed potatoes and they know their job. Do you agree?

Ingredient Notes

The ingredient list for this Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe is short, so every ingredient matters. The cooked chicken makes the meal hearty, the broth becomes the gravy base, the cornstarch thickens everything, and the salt and pepper bring the flavor together. Then the waffles hold the gravy and make the whole dish feel like something cozy and a little unexpected.

• Shredded cooked chicken breast: The chicken is the heart of this Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe. Cooked chicken breast works well because it shreds easily and has a mild flavor that blends nicely with the gravy. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, poached chicken, baked chicken, or even leftover turkey if that’s what you have. Just make sure the chicken is already fully cooked before it goes into the gravy. This is not the recipe where raw chicken gets cooked from scratch.
• Chicken broth or stock: Chicken broth or stock creates the base of the gravy. Stock usually tastes a little richer, while broth is lighter and easy to use. Since this Amish chicken gravy has only a few ingredients, use broth that actually tastes good. Low-sodium broth is a nice option because you can control the salt at the end instead of realizing too late that the gravy is trying to become the ocean.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch thickens the broth into gravy. The key is to mix it with a small amount of water before adding it to the boiling broth. If you add dry cornstarch straight into hot liquid, it can clump, and then you’re chasing little starch lumps around the pot. Not ideal. Mixing it first keeps the gravy smooth.
• Water: A small amount of water is used to dissolve the cornstarch. Cold or room-temperature water works best. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, obviously, but it does help the cornstarch blend evenly into the broth.
• Salt: Salt brings out the flavor of the chicken and broth. Add it after the gravy thickens and after the chicken is added, because some broths are already salty. Taste first, then season. It’s one of those small steps that saves dinner.
• Pepper: Pepper adds gentle warmth and savory flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is lovely if you have it, but regular ground pepper works fine too. This dish is simple and forgiving, which I appreciate.
• Waffles: Waffles are the traditional base for this Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe. Plain waffles work best because the topping is savory chicken gravy, not syrup. The waffle pockets catch the gravy beautifully, which feels like a design feature we should have appreciated sooner.
• Bread or mashed potatoes: The recipe also works over bread or mashed potatoes. Bread gives it a hot chicken sandwich feeling, while mashed potatoes make it extra hearty and cozy. If waffles feel too unexpected for your table, mashed potatoes are a very safe and delicious landing place.

How to Make Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe?

Making this Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe is quick and very doable. You’ll bring the chicken broth to a boil, mix cornstarch with water, stir that mixture into the broth, add shredded cooked chicken, season everything, and serve it over warm waffles. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t ask for much but still gives you a filling, comforting meal. I love when dinner behaves like that.

Step 1: Bring the Chicken Broth to a Boil

Start by pouring the chicken broth or stock into a saucepan or pot. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. This broth is going to become your gravy, so this is where the flavor begins. If your broth tastes a little plain, don’t panic. The chicken, salt, and pepper will help, and you can always add extra seasoning later if you want.

Step 2: Mix the Cornstarch with Water

In a small bowl, stir the cornstarch with a small amount of water until it becomes smooth and thick. This keeps the cornstarch from clumping when it hits the hot broth. It’s a tiny step, but it matters. Smooth gravy makes this Amish chicken and waffles dinner feel much more comforting. Lumpy gravy has a way of ruining the mood, doesn’t it?

Step 3: Stir the Cornstarch Mixture into the Broth

Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the boiling broth while stirring constantly. The broth should start to thicken pretty quickly. Keep stirring so the gravy stays smooth. If it thickens faster than expected, lower the heat a little and keep going. Gravy can be a little dramatic, but it calms down with stirring.

Step 4: Reduce the Heat

Once the gravy begins to thicken, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. You don’t want it boiling wildly at this point. A gentle simmer helps the gravy thicken evenly and keeps it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This is a simple recipe, but gentle heat still matters.

Step 5: Add the Cooked Chicken

Add the shredded cooked chicken breast to the thickened broth. Stir until the chicken is coated in gravy and evenly distributed. Since the chicken is already cooked, you only need to heat it through. This is what makes the recipe so quick. It feels like cheating a little, but in a useful, weeknight-dinner kind of way.

Step 6: Stir Until the Gravy Thickens and the Chicken Is Hot

Continue stirring until the gravy is thick and the chicken is heated through. The finished gravy should be spoonable and rich enough to sit on top of the waffles without running off immediately. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or water. If it seems too thin, simmer it a little longer while stirring. Nothing too fussy.

Step 7: Season with Salt and Pepper

Taste the gravy and season it with salt and pepper. Go slowly with the salt, especially if your broth is already seasoned. The goal is savory and comforting, not salty enough to make everyone reach for a gallon of water. Add pepper to taste for a little warmth.

Step 8: Warm the Waffles

While the chicken gravy finishes, warm the waffles. You can use homemade waffles, frozen waffles, or leftover waffles. I like them toasted or freshly cooked so they hold up better under the gravy. Soft waffles work too, but a little crispness gives a nicer contrast.

Step 9: Serve the Chicken Gravy Over Waffles

Place the warm waffles on plates and spoon the hot chicken gravy generously over the top. Make sure each serving gets plenty of shredded chicken and gravy. This is not a tiny drizzle situation. The waffles are there to catch the sauce, so let them do their job.

Step 10: Try Other Serving Options

If waffles aren’t your thing, serve this Amish chicken gravy over bread, toast, biscuits, rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. The recipe is flexible, and honestly, the gravy doesn’t seem picky. It just wants a cozy base and someone with a fork.

Storage Options

This Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe stores best when the chicken gravy and waffles are kept separate. If you store them together, the waffles will soak up the gravy and turn very soft. That’s not always terrible, but it’s not the best texture either. Keeping them separate gives you better leftovers and an easier time reheating.

• Refrigerator: Store the chicken gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep the waffles in a separate container or storage bag. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the gravy and warm the waffles separately, then combine them.
• Freezer: You can freeze the chicken gravy for up to 2 months, though cornstarch-thickened gravy may change texture slightly after thawing. It might look a little separated at first, but stirring while reheating usually helps. Add a splash of broth if needed.
• Reheating on the stovetop: Reheat the gravy in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring often. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a small amount of chicken broth or water until it loosens to your preferred consistency. Don’t rush it with high heat if you can help it.
• Reheating in the microwave: For individual portions, microwave the chicken gravy in short intervals, stirring between each one. Warm the waffles separately so they don’t become soggy before serving.
• Make-ahead tip: You can make the chicken gravy ahead of time and reheat it when needed. For the best texture, make or toast the waffles right before serving. That way the waffles still have a little structure when the gravy goes on top.

Variations & Substitutions

This Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe is simple, which makes it easy to adjust depending on what you have in the kitchen. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, chicken thighs, herbs, vegetables, or a creamier gravy. The basic idea stays the same: warm chicken gravy served over waffles. Very practical. Very comforting. Very “we can make dinner work.”

• Use rotisserie chicken: Rotisserie chicken is one of the easiest shortcuts for this Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe. It saves time and adds flavor. Remove the skin, shred the meat, and stir it into the gravy. Quick and useful.
• Use turkey: Leftover turkey works well, especially after holidays. It gives the dish a slightly different flavor, but it still tastes great with the chicken-style gravy. It’s a good way to use up leftovers without making yet another sandwich.
• Use chicken thighs: Shredded cooked chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast. They have a richer flavor and stay tender. If you prefer darker meat, this is a very good option.
• Add herbs: Parsley, thyme, sage, or poultry seasoning can add more flavor to the gravy. Start with a small amount, especially if your broth is already seasoned. A little herb flavor can make this savory chicken and waffles recipe feel even more homemade.
• Add vegetables: Peas, carrots, celery, or corn can be stirred into the gravy. This makes the dish feel a bit like chicken pot pie filling served over waffles. And honestly, that’s not a bad direction to take.
• Use flour instead of cornstarch: You can thicken the gravy with flour, but the method will be a little different. Cornstarch is faster and gives the gravy a smooth, glossy finish. If you want quick, stick with cornstarch.
• Make it creamier: Add a splash of milk or cream at the end for a creamier chicken gravy. Keep the heat low after adding dairy so the sauce stays smooth. This makes the dish richer, so a little goes a long way.
• Use homemade waffles: Homemade waffles make this Amish chicken and waffles dinner feel extra special. Plain or lightly savory waffles are best. I’d avoid very sweet waffles unless you like that sweet-savory contrast.
• Use frozen waffles: Frozen waffles are perfect for busy nights. Toast them well so they hold up better under the gravy. This is a weeknight shortcut I fully support.
• Serve over mashed potatoes: If waffles are not calling your name, mashed potatoes are a wonderful base. The gravy settles into them beautifully, and the whole meal becomes even more comfort-food heavy. Sometimes that is exactly the point.

What to Serve With Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe?

This Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe is hearty, warm, and gravy-rich, so simple sides work best. I like serving it with vegetables, salad, or something tangy to balance the plate. But some nights, you may want to lean all the way into comfort food, and I’m not going to pretend that’s wrong.

• Green beans: Green beans are a classic side for this kind of chicken gravy meal. They add color and freshness without competing with the main dish. Simple, easy, and reliable.
• Peas and carrots: Peas and carrots pair nicely with the mild gravy. You can serve them on the side or stir them directly into the chicken mixture. It gives the dish a little chicken-pot-pie feeling.
• Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes can be served on the side, or you can skip the waffles and spoon the chicken gravy right over the potatoes. Either way, it works. Potatoes rarely fail us.
• Coleslaw: Coleslaw adds crunch and freshness. The cool, tangy bite helps balance the warm gravy. It may sound simple, but it really does help the plate feel less heavy.
• Side salad: A green salad with a light vinaigrette is a nice contrast to this Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe. It keeps the meal from feeling too rich, especially if you serve big portions.
• Roasted carrots: Roasted carrots add natural sweetness and color. They pair well with chicken and make the dinner feel a little more complete.
• Corn: Buttered corn is easy, family-friendly, and fits the comfort-food mood perfectly. It’s one of those sides that almost everyone accepts without complaint.
• Applesauce: Applesauce is a lovely old-fashioned side for Amish-style meals. The sweetness balances the savory chicken gravy, and it feels right at home beside this dish.
• Biscuits: If you’re skipping waffles, biscuits are excellent with the chicken gravy. They soak up the sauce beautifully and make the meal feel even more cozy.
• Pickles: Pickles might sound like a small thing, but that tangy crunch is great next to rich chicken gravy. Sometimes a little sharpness makes the whole plate better.

FAQ

Is Amish chicken and waffles sweet or savory?

This version is savory. The waffles are topped with chicken gravy instead of syrup. It tastes more like a hearty chicken dinner than a brunch dish.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes. You can make the chicken gravy ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat it gently and add a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.

Can I freeze Amish chicken gravy?

Yes, but the texture may change slightly because the gravy is thickened with cornstarch. Stir it well while reheating and add broth if needed to smooth it out.

How do I thin the gravy if it gets too thick?

Add a splash of chicken broth or water and stir until the gravy reaches the texture you like. Add a little at a time so it does not become too thin.

This Amish Chicken and Waffles Recipe is simple, savory, quick, and full of old-fashioned comfort. With shredded cooked chicken, chicken broth, cornstarch, salt, and pepper, you can make a thick chicken gravy that tastes wonderful over waffles, bread, biscuits, noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. It’s not fancy food, but it is the kind of food that makes a tired day feel a little softer.

So if you want a cozy dinner that comes together fast, give this Amish chicken and waffles recipe a try. Spoon that warm chicken gravy over the waffles, let those little waffle pockets do their job, and enjoy every savory bite. Can’t wait to hear what you think!