Chicken Ramen is the ultimate comfort food—a warm bowl of tender noodles, savory broth, juicy chicken, and vibrant toppings that come together to create a soul-satisfying meal. This homemade version is far superior to the instant kind, offering deeper flavor, richer texture, and total control over the ingredients. Whether you’re nursing a cold, craving something cozy, or simply want a delicious, fuss-free dinner, Chicken Ramen is a go-to favorite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Plus, with endless topping options, it’s easy to customize every bowl to suit your taste.
What Makes This Dish Special?
Chicken Ramen combines the hearty satisfaction of noodle soup with rich umami broth and protein-packed chicken. It’s a complete meal in one bowl—hydrating, filling, and bursting with savory goodness. What really makes it shine is the balance of simplicity and depth. You can make a restaurant-worthy bowl at home with minimal effort and ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or sliced
- 4 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 2 boiled eggs, halved
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Optional toppings: corn, mushrooms, nori (seaweed), chili oil
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Make the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin (if using), and sriracha. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the broth cook for 10–15 minutes to deepen the flavor.
3. Add the Chicken and Veggies
Stir in the cooked chicken and your choice of vegetables like carrots and spinach. Simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through and the veggies are just tender.
4. Cook the Noodles
In a separate pot, boil the ramen noodles according to the package directions (usually 2–3 minutes). Drain and rinse under warm water to remove excess starch.
5. Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth and chicken mixture over the noodles. Top with boiled eggs, green onions, sesame seeds, and any additional garnishes you like.
Variations
- Spicy Ramen: Add more sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and tofu instead of chicken.
- Creamy Ramen: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or a soft-boiled egg yolk for richness.
- Miso Broth: Replace part of the soy sauce with white miso paste for deeper umami flavor.
- Instant Hack: Use rotisserie chicken and store-bought broth for a super quick version.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large soup pot
- Saucepan for noodles
- Ladle
- Tongs or serving spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Soup bowls
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 35g
- Note: Nutrition will vary based on toppings and noodle brand.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers (separate noodles and broth if possible) for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze broth and chicken only; cook noodles fresh when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the broth on the stovetop and add noodles just before serving for best texture.
My Cooking Experience
Chicken Ramen has become one of my favorite comfort meals over the years. I’ve made it countless times, and I love how versatile and forgiving it is. Whether I’m using leftovers or prepping from scratch, I can always count on it being delicious. It’s fun to build your own bowls with different toppings and let each person make their perfect combo.
Conclusion
Chicken Ramen is the ultimate bowl of comfort—full of flavor, warmth, and endless possibilities. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can bring the cozy satisfaction of ramen night right into your kitchen. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll never look at instant noodles the same way again.
chicken ramen
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin (if using), and sriracha. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the broth cook for 10–15 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and your choice of vegetables like carrots and spinach. Simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through and the veggies are just tender.
- In a separate pot, boil the ramen noodles according to the package directions (usually 2–3 minutes). Drain and rinse under warm water to remove excess starch.
- Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth and chicken mixture over the noodles. Top with boiled eggs, green onions, sesame seeds, and any additional garnishes you like.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers (separate noodles and broth if possible) for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze broth and chicken only; cook noodles fresh when reheating.
