Amish Paper Bag Chicken, A Juicy Old-Fashioned Chicken Dinner

Last Updated on September 4, 2025 by Souhail

When I first heard about Amish Paper Bag Chicken, I was both curious and a little skeptical. Baking chicken inside a plain old paper bag? It sounded more like a craft project than a recipe. But after trying it, I was hooked. This simple technique, rooted in Amish home cooking, creates some of the juiciest and most flavorful chicken you’ll ever eat. The bag locks in all that buttery seasoning, keeping the chicken moist while giving the outside just the right amount of color.

This recipe is as fuss-free as it gets. With just a handful of pantry spices, a touch of melted butter, and a paper bag, you can have a rustic, wholesome chicken dinner that tastes like it came straight out of a farmhouse kitchen. I love making this on busy weeknights when I want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s also a fun conversation starter—there’s something a little magical about pulling a paper bag out of the oven and revealing golden, juicy chicken inside.

If you’re looking for a tried-and-true way to make moist chicken without complicated steps, Amish Paper Bag Chicken is the recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.

The Secret Behind the Paper Bag Magic

There’s something almost old-fashioned about this recipe, and that’s exactly why it works so well. By sealing the chicken in a brown paper bag, you’re essentially creating a little oven within your oven. The bag traps steam and flavor, basting the chicken as it cooks. The result? Perfectly juicy, tender meat every single time.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Moisture locked in – The bag keeps the chicken from drying out, no matter which cut you use.
• No fancy equipment needed – Just a baking sheet and a paper bag you already have at home.
• Simple but flavorful seasoning – Butter, paprika, garlic, and onion powder give the chicken a warm, savory flavor.
• A rustic, comforting recipe – This feels like a cozy farmhouse meal, even if you’re in the middle of the city.
• Customizable – You can swap the seasoning, add herbs, or even tuck in a few veggies.

A Little Prep, A Lot of Flavor

One of my favorite things about Amish Paper Bag Chicken is how little prep it requires. Still, there are a couple of steps you can do in advance so that dinnertime feels even easier.

Here’s what you can take care of ahead of time:

• Seasoning mix – Combine your garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small jar or bowl so it’s ready to go.
• Butter prep – Melt the butter earlier in the day and keep it in a covered dish at room temperature (if your kitchen isn’t too hot) or rewarm it quickly before brushing.
• Chicken prep – If you buy chicken in bulk, portion and freeze it. Thaw overnight in the fridge so it’s ready to season and bag.
• Bag ready – Make sure you have a clean, safe paper bag set aside so you’re not rummaging last minute.

How to Make it

Amish Paper Bag Chicken

Recipe by Souhail

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Dinner, LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

50

minutes

Calories

295

kcal

This Amish Paper Bag Chicken is a simple and juicy way to cook chicken, sealed in a paper bag to lock in moisture and flavor. It’s rustic, comforting, and foolproof—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday meal.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in chicken pieces (legs or thighs)

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 brown paper bag (safe for cooking)

Directions

• Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, brush your chicken pieces with the melted butter, making sure to coat every nook and cranny so the seasoning sticks.
• Next, sprinkle the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy here—the seasoning really brings the flavor together.
• Take your brown paper bag and place the seasoned chicken inside. Fold the top over a few times to seal it tightly—this helps lock in all that precious steam and flavor. Set the bag on a baking sheet so it has support while it bakes.
• Slide it into the oven and let it bake for 45–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear.
• When it’s ready, carefully open the bag (watch out for steam!) and serve the chicken hot. The aroma that hits you when you tear into that bag is worth the wait.

Notes

• Make sure the paper bag is food-safe and not coated or printed with ink.
• You can add a sprig of rosemary or thyme inside the bag for extra aroma.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
• If you prefer boneless chicken, reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes.
• Lining the baking sheet with foil makes cleanup even easier.

Nutrition Facts

• Total number of serves: 4
• Calories: 295kcal
• Fat: 21g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 23g

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Cooking Like the Amish: Little Tricks for Big Flavor

Whenever I make this recipe, I feel like I’m borrowing a little wisdom from the past. The Amish really knew how to get the most out of simple ingredients, and this dish is proof. If you want your paper bag chicken to turn out absolutely perfect every time, here are my best tips:

• Seal the bag well – Fold the top tightly at least twice to keep the steam inside. That’s the key to keeping your chicken moist.
• Season generously – Don’t be afraid to go heavy on spices. If you love experimenting with spice blends, check out this simple pot roast seasoning recipe that also works beautifully on chicken.
• Use bone-in pieces – They stay juicier than boneless cuts and bring more flavor.
• Don’t peek early – Opening the bag mid-bake releases all that flavorful steam. Trust the process and wait until the timer goes off.
• Let it rest – After baking, let the chicken sit for about 5 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.

One Recipe, Many Delicious Twists

One of the things I love about Amish Paper Bag Chicken is how easily it adapts to different flavors and occasions. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll want to try it in all kinds of ways:

• Herb-Infused Chicken – Slip a sprig of rosemary or thyme into the bag along with the chicken. It gives the meat a fragrant, garden-fresh taste.
• Spicy Kick – Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a little heat. Bake as usual, but prepare for extra bold flavor.
• Lemon Garlic Chicken – Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before sealing the bag and toss in a few garlic cloves. The steam creates a tangy, savory sauce inside the bag.
• Leftover Wraps – Shred any extra chicken and tuck it into a flatbread with cheese and sauce. It makes an amazing next-day lunch, and you can try a fun spin like these cheesy garlic chicken wraps.
• Veggie Add-In – Place sliced carrots, potatoes, or onions inside the bag with the chicken. They’ll cook in the juices, becoming tender and flavorful.

From the Bag to the Table: How to Enjoy It Best

When that paper bag comes out of the oven, the aroma alone is enough to make everyone gather around the table. I like serving this Amish Paper Bag Chicken with simple sides that complement its rustic, homey vibe. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a slice of warm homemade bread make perfect companions.

If you’re planning a cozy comfort-food dinner, pair it with something equally classic like a Pillsbury chicken pot pie for a hearty, family-style spread. Trust me, nothing says “home-cooked love” quite like a meal full of golden, flaky crusts and juicy chicken.

Keeping the Juiciness for Later

Leftovers? Lucky you! Amish Paper Bag Chicken stores beautifully. Just make sure you cool it completely before putting it away.

• Storage – Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing – For longer storage, wrap individual pieces tightly in foil or freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating – Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through. This keeps the skin crisp and prevents the meat from drying out. For a quicker fix, you can reheat in the microwave, but cover with a damp paper towel to help keep the chicken moist.

FAQs: Your Amish Paper Bag Chicken Questions, Answered

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

There’s just something magical about the simplicity of Amish Paper Bag Chicken. With barely any fuss, you get chicken that’s moist, flavorful, and comforting—like something that could have come straight from a farmhouse kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that feels timeless, the kind you make once and then can’t help but repeat because it just works every single time.

If you’ve ever struggled with dry chicken or recipes that promise easy but turn out complicated, this is the one to try. I encourage you to grab a paper bag, season up some chicken, and see for yourself how amazing this old-fashioned method really is. Chances are, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.