Craving a comforting bowl of Easy Chicken Ramen? This simple recipe brings together rich flavors, tender chicken, and a medley of toppings for a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week. Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast or just looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea, this Easy Chicken Ramen will hit the spot. With a flavorful broth, shredded chicken, and classic ramen toppings, this dish will bring the taste of Japan straight to your kitchen. Follow this easy recipe to make your own delicious Chicken Ramen in no time!
Ingredients List
Broth and Noodles
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 1.4 liters (approximately 6 cups) chicken stock (you can use water plus 4 chicken stock cubes)
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha hot sauce (adjust based on your heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or sherry
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 3 cooked chicken breasts, shredded (about 340g/12 oz)
- 210g (3 x 70g/2.5oz packets) instant noodles (noodles only, discard the flavor packets)
Toppings
- 5 spring onions (scallions), chopped
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced in half
- 1 carrot, peeled and sliced into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon black and white sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons chili oil or chili paste (such as sambal oelek, optional)
Required Kitchen Tools
Having the right kitchen tools makes preparing Easy Chicken Ramen a breeze:
- Large Pot: Essential for making the broth and cooking the noodles.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the garlic, ginger, spring onions, and carrot.
- Measuring Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements of soy sauce, sriracha, and other ingredients.
- Ladle: For serving the broth and noodles into bowls.
- Soup Bowls: Large, deep bowls are ideal for serving ramen with plenty of broth and toppings.
These tools will help you efficiently prepare and serve a delicious bowl of Chicken Ramen.
Preparing the Broth
Sautéing the Aromatics
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the garlic and ginger become fragrant. This step infuses the broth with aromatic flavors that are essential to a delicious ramen base.
Adding the Broth Ingredients
Once the garlic and ginger are fragrant, pour in 1.4 liters (approximately 6 cups) of chicken stock. If you’re using water and stock cubes, add them now. Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of dark soy sauce, 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha hot sauce (depending on your heat preference), 1 tablespoon of Chinese rice wine or sherry, 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of white pepper. Stir the ingredients together until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined.
Simmering the Broth
Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and savory base for your ramen. While the broth simmers, you can prepare the toppings and cook the chicken if you haven’t done so already.
Cooking the Noodles and Chicken
Preparing the Noodles
While the broth is simmering, it’s time to prepare the noodles. Use 210g of instant noodles, which is roughly 3 packets, but only use the noodles, discarding the flavor packets. Bring a separate pot of water to a boil, add the noodles, and cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 3-4 minutes. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and set them aside. It’s important not to overcook the noodles, as they’ll be added to the hot broth later.
Shredding the Chicken
If you haven’t already prepared the chicken, you can do so while the noodles are cooking. Use three cooked chicken breasts, which should weigh around 340g (12 oz). Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Shredded chicken blends well into the ramen, allowing it to soak up the flavors of the broth and providing a tender, protein-rich component to the dish.
Adding the Chicken to the Broth
Once the broth has simmered and the flavors have developed, add the shredded chicken directly into the pot. Let the chicken heat through in the broth for about 2-3 minutes. This step infuses the chicken with the savory flavors of the broth, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
Assembling the Ramen Bowls
Combining the Noodles and Broth
To assemble the ramen, divide the cooked noodles evenly among your serving bowls. Ladle the hot, savory broth over the noodles, making sure to include plenty of shredded chicken in each bowl. The broth should cover the noodles completely, creating a hearty and comforting base for your ramen.
Adding Toppings
Now it’s time to add the toppings. Place a halved hard-boiled egg into each bowl. Scatter the chopped spring onions and carrot strips on top for a fresh crunch and vibrant color. Sprinkle black and white sesame seeds over each bowl for a nutty flavor and added texture. If you like a bit of heat, drizzle a teaspoon or two of chili oil or a spoonful of chili paste, such as sambal oelek, over the top. These toppings not only enhance the flavor but also give the ramen an authentic look and feel.
Final Touches and Serving
Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Before serving your Easy Chicken Ramen, take a moment to taste the broth. If needed, you can adjust the seasoning by adding more soy sauce for saltiness, a dash of sriracha for extra heat, or a pinch of white pepper for a subtle kick. The goal is to achieve a balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that complement the tender chicken and fresh toppings.
Serving the Ramen
Ramen is best served hot, so it’s important to bring the bowls to the table as soon as they’re assembled. The vibrant colors of the toppings, the steaming broth, and the perfectly cooked noodles create a visually appealing and delicious meal. Use chopsticks for the noodles and a spoon for the broth to fully enjoy the textures and flavors of this hearty dish. Ramen is a meal that’s meant to be savored, so take your time and enjoy each bite.
Enjoying Your Easy Chicken Ramen
This Easy Chicken Ramen is a wonderful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction with every spoonful. The combination of tender shredded chicken, savory broth, and flavorful toppings makes it a perfect choice for a cozy night in or a casual dinner with friends. The customizable toppings allow you to tailor the dish to your personal taste, making each bowl uniquely yours.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, allow the ramen to cool completely before storing. It’s best to store the noodles and broth separately to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy. Place the noodles in one airtight container and the broth with chicken in another. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, bring the broth and chicken to a gentle simmer on the stove over medium heat. You can reheat the noodles by placing them in a bowl and pouring boiling water over them for a minute, then draining. Combine the hot broth and noodles in a serving bowl, add fresh toppings, and enjoy. This method ensures that the ramen tastes just as delicious as it did the first time.
The Joy of Homemade Ramen
Making Easy Chicken Ramen at home is not only satisfying but also a great way to enjoy a delicious, comforting meal with simple ingredients. The rich broth, tender chicken, and assortment of toppings offer a flavorful experience that rivals restaurant-quality ramen. By following this recipe, you can bring the authentic taste of Japanese ramen into your kitchen with ease.
Customizing Your Ramen
Feel free to get creative with your ramen. Try different proteins, like beef or tofu, or experiment with a variety of vegetables to suit your preferences. Adding mushrooms, spinach, or corn can provide new textures and flavors. The beauty of ramen is its adaptability, allowing you to customize it to your liking.
Final Thoughts
Easy Chicken Ramen is a dish that offers warmth, comfort, and satisfaction. Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast or a beginner looking to try something new, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. So gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy the process of making a delicious bowl of ramen that you’ll want to make again and again. Happy cooking!