This fiery chicken ramen really knows how to pack a punch! With tender chicken swimming in a spicy broth and topped with a creamy garlic sauce, it’s a flavor explosion.
You’ll love how the heat meets the smoothness of the sauce—talk about a match made in heaven! I always save some for lunch the next day, but it’s hard to resist eating it all right away! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, perfect for noodle soup. You can substitute with chicken breast for a leaner option, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out.
Broth: Chicken broth adds depth, but if you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth works well too! You might also enhance flavor with a splash of soy sauce or miso paste.
Ramen Noodles: Use any ramen noodles you can find. Fresh noodles cook quicker than dried ones. If you’re gluten-free, check for gluten-free ramen or use rice noodles instead.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger create a bright flavor. You could use garlic powder and ground ginger in a pinch, but fresh ingredients truly elevate the dish.
Cream: The creamy sauce brings richness. If you’re avoiding dairy, coconut milk gives a wonderful creaminess without the lactose.
How Can I Perfectly Cook the Chicken and Broth?
Cooking the chicken and broth carefully is key to a flavorful ramen. Here’s how:
- Start by heating the vegetable oil properly before adding garlic and ginger. This releases their aromatic oils quickly.
- When searing the chicken, don’t rush it! Allow it to brown properly before flipping (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- After adding broth, bring it to a boil for great flavor infusion, then simmer gently to keep that chicken tender.
Once the chicken is done, shred it using two forks. This step ensures an even distribution of meat in your ramen bowls, giving every bite a taste of chicken goodness!
Fiery Chicken Ramen With Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ramen:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 packs fresh or dried ramen noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (e.g., gochujang or sambal oelek)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- 1 additional garlic clove, minced
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Soft-boiled eggs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping ingredients and cooking the chicken, followed by another 10 minutes for the noodles and sauce. Then, you’ll let everything come together for those full, vibrant flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat up the Oil:
Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 1 minute, or until your kitchen is filled with their wonderful aroma!
2. Sear the Chicken:
Next, add the chicken thighs to the pot. Let them sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step adds all the yummy flavors and crispy texture to the chicken. Yum!
3. Create the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, chili paste, and sriracha if you like it extra spicy. Stir everything together and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to take out the chicken. Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the broth and use two forks to shred them into bite-sized pieces. Set this aside for later!
5. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and 1 clove of minced garlic. Gently warm this mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s fragrant and well combined. Add a pinch of salt to taste. Set it aside; we’ll use this soon!
6. Cook the Ramen Noodles:
While the sauce is warming, add the ramen noodles to your simmering broth. Cook them according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. They should be tender but not mushy!
7. Add Chicken and Greens:
Return your shredded chicken to the broth while the noodles are cooking. If you’re using baby spinach or bok choy, toss them in as well, letting them cook until just wilted.
8. Final Touch:
Stir in the sesame oil for a delightful nutty flavor and season the broth with salt and pepper to your liking.
9. Serve It Up:
Now it’s time to plate! Divide the noodles, chicken, and broth evenly among your bowls. Drizzle that creamy garlic sauce generously over the top!
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish off by garnishing with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and adding a soft-boiled egg if you fancy. Dig in and enjoy your fiery chicken ramen with creamy garlic goodness!
Bon appétit!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While ramen noodles are traditional, you can swap them out for udon noodles, soba noodles, or even rice noodles if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type you choose!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also enhance flavor with mushrooms or more veggies of your choice!
Can I Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just warm it gently before drizzling over the ramen to keep that creamy texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to the soup to prevent it from thickening too much and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
