Easy Chicken Ramen
As you step into your kitchen, the inviting aroma of garlic and soy sauce wafts through the air, wrapping around you like a warm hug. The sight of tender chicken simmering in a rich, dark broth hints at the comfort that awaits. Just imagining that first slurp of your homemade ramen brings back evenings spent with family, where laughter mingled with the delicious sounds of slurping and satisfaction. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a cozy weekend brunch, this Easy Chicken Ramen is here to elevate your mealtime experience—offering a hearty bowl of joy in mere minutes.
Table of Contents
It’s incredible how a few simple ingredients can come together to create so much flavor. Picture the silky bite of noodles against the backdrop of a savory broth, each bite bursting with the essence of your favorite ramen shop. With just a little effort, you can craft a bowl that feels special, because let’s face it, we all deserve a comforting meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. So, grab your chopsticks and let’s dive into this delightful recipe for Easy Chicken Ramen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Irresistible Flavor: A savory soy-garlic broth makes each mouthful unforgettable.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors from bok choy and scallions make for a beautiful presentation.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it solo, share with friends, or fuel late-night cravings.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily tailored for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with the right substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the tasty marinade, ensuring each bite is juicy. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce: A must-have for depth and umami. For a gluten-free option, substitute with tamari.
- 1/4 cup mirin: This sweet rice wine adds a nice touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness. If unavailable, a mix of dry sherry and sugar can work in a pinch.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: It enhances the sweetness in your broth and caramelizes beautifully on the chicken.
- 1 tbsp minced garlic: Fresh garlic gives a fragrant kick. Adjust based on your garlic preference!
- 1 tsp ground ginger: A small amount of warmth adds depth to the flavor. Fresh ginger is a great substitute too—just use a bit more!
- 6 cups chicken broth: The foundation of your ramen; chicken or vegetable broth works here.
- 2 packs of your favorite ramen noodles: Use any style; just skip the seasoning packets! Ramen, udon, or soba noodles are all delightful.
- 2 egg yolks: They create a creamy base that enriches the broth with silkiness.
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: Sounds unusual, but it adds an unexpected creaminess that elevates your ramen. Use Japanese mayo for the best flavor!
- 2 tsp minced garlic (divided): We’re layering garlic magic here!
- 2 boiled eggs: They add protein and a delightful texture; soft-boiled works best for that oozy yolk effect.
- Scallions: Finely chopped for a fresh crunch to finish off your bowl.
- Bok choy: Boiled until tender and vibrant—this veggie makes your ramen feel healthy and colorful!
How to Make Easy Chicken Ramen
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix your chicken breasts with soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Use your hands (or tongs) to ensure each piece is evenly coated while injecting those rich flavors. Let the chicken sit for about 10 minutes while preparing the rest of your ingredients.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place the marinated chicken in the skillet, cooking for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and juicy. Remember to pour the leftover marinade into the skillet for extra flavor as it cooks down!
Prep the Extras: While the chicken is sizzling, get your eggs boiling. Cook them to your preference—soft or hard–then blanch the bok choy. Just a quick 5–6 minutes in boiling water until they are tender and a vibrant green should do the trick!
Simmer the Broth: Once your chicken is done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it thin. In a separate pot, combine chicken broth, additional soy sauce, and mirin. Bring this flavorful mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Carefully add your ramen noodles (no seasoning packets, please!) and cook until they’re tender, usually about 4 minutes.
Create Your Sauce Base: In two serving bowls, add an egg yolk, a spoonful of mayonnaise, and a sprinkle of minced garlic. Gently break the egg yolk and stir it all together. This combination creates a rich, silky base that envelops your noodles in pure decadence!
Assemble Your Ramen: Ladle that fragrant hot broth into the first bowl and give it a swirl, then add the ramen noodles, topping it off with a bit more broth until they’re peeking out. Repeat this for the second bowl, and you’re nearly there!
Garnish and Serve: Top each bowl with sliced chicken, bok choy, and the halved boiled eggs. For that final touch, sprinkle scallions and add a dash of sesame seeds or red pepper flakes for heat, if that’s your jam. Voilà, dinner is served!
Storing & Reheating
Leftover Easy Chicken Ramen can be stored at room temperature for about 2 hours before it needs to head into the fridge, where it will be good for up to 4 days in an airtight container. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing the broth and noodles separately. In the freezer, they should last about 3 months. For reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm the broth on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to revive the broth’s consistency.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should be cooked through but still juicy. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F.
- If your eggs aren’t room temperature, they’ll cook unevenly, so let them warm up a bit before boiling.
- For added depth in flavor, try toasting your garlic lightly before adding it to the broth, but don’t let it burn!
- Texture matters—be gentle when mixing the yolks and mayo to keep that creamy base from separating.
- When preparing noodles, time them so everything is ready at once—no one likes soggy noodles!
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a cozy bowl of Easy Chicken Ramen. It combines simple ingredients in a way that makes each bite feel indulgent. This is your chance to get creative—so feel free to experiment with toppings, broth flavors, or even noodle types! Enjoy the comfort of homemade ramen that delivers joy with every slurp.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other proteins in this ramen?
Absolutely! While chicken is a great choice, you can switch it up with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a plant-based option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the protein you choose to ensure it’s cooked through.
What type of noodles should I use?
You can use any ramen-style noodles that you love. Traditional ramen, udon, or soba noodles all work well. Just remember to discard seasoning packets if you opt for instant noodles—the homemade broth will shine on its own!
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead. You can also omit the egg for a fully vegan experience without losing out on flavor!
How can I make the broth richer?
For an even richer broth, consider sautéing ginger and garlic in a touch of sesame oil before adding the broth and other liquids. You could also simmer it with miso paste or a splash of fish sauce for an extra layer of depth!
More Dinner Recipes
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- Crockpot Curry Chicken
- Filet Mignon with Dijon Sauce
- Pretzels with Cinnamon Sugar
- Crockpot Minestrone Soup
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Chicken Ramen
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
This Easy Chicken Ramen combines rich broth, tender chicken, and silky noodles for a mouthwatering meal that’s quick and full of flavor. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or weeknight cravings!
Ingredients
- 2 skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 packs of your favorite ramen noodles
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tsp minced garlic (divided)
- 2 boiled eggs
- Scallions
- Bok choy
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken with soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger for 10 minutes.
- Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Boil the eggs to your preference and blanch the bok choy until tender.
- In a separate pot, simmer chicken broth with additional soy sauce and mirin, then add the ramen noodles and cook until tender.
- In serving bowls, mix egg yolk, mayonnaise, and minced garlic to create the sauce base.
- Assemble the ramen by adding broth, noodles, sliced chicken, bok choy, and boiled eggs, then garnish with scallions.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth.
Make sure to discard seasoning packets that come with instant noodles for a pure flavor experience.
Adjust cooking times according to the protein or noodle types used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
