This spicy chicken ramen is a fun meal that’s both hot and creamy. It’s loaded with tender chicken, noodles, and a rich garlic sauce that makes every bite flavor-packed!
I love how the warmth of the spicy sauce gives this dish a nice kick! Perfect for days when you want something exciting and comforting. Grab your chopsticks and enjoy this tasty treat! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work just fine too! If you’re looking for a lighter option, shredded rotisserie chicken can save time and still give great flavor.
Ramen Noodles: Fresh ramen noodles taste amazing, but dried noodles are convenient. You could even use udon or rice noodles if you’d like a different texture.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or coconut milk. This keeps the sauce creamy while reducing calories.
Chili Garlic Sauce: This adds spice, but feel free to use Sriracha or sambal oelek if that’s what you have. Adjust the amount depending on your heat preference!
Spinach or Bok Choy: If you want to add more greens, kale or Swiss chard also work well. They add nutrients and flavor to the dish.
How Do I Cook Ramen Noodles Perfectly Without Overcooking?
Cooking ramen to the right texture is key! Follow these simple steps:
- Bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer first; this will keep the noodles from getting mushy.
- Add noodles and make sure they’re submerged. Set a timer based on the package instructions, usually 3-4 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and taste a noodle a minute or two before the timer goes off. It should be tender but still a bit firm.
- If you’re adding greens, throw them in during the last minute so they stay vibrant and crisp.
Perfectly cooked noodles will make your ramen delicious every time!
Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ramen:
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 packs fresh or dried ramen noodles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- ½ cup sliced green onions, divided
- 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy (optional)
- 1 soft-boiled egg per serving (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red chili flakes or sliced fresh chili for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious ramen takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus about 10 minutes for cooking. So in total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes from start to finish! It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for a weekday dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth:
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling gently, stir in the soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger. This will create a flavorful base for your ramen!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Now, heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your sliced chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the hot skillet. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and has a nice golden brown color. Once done, set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and make it nice and creamy. After it’s done, take it off the heat.
4. Cook the Noodles:
While the sauce is simmering, add the ramen noodles to the simmering broth. Cook them according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. If you’re adding baby spinach or bok choy, throw it in during the last minute of cooking for a pop of color and nutrition!
5. Assemble Your Ramen Bowls:
Once the noodles are cooked, divide them along with the broth into bowls. Top each bowl with the seared chicken slices and then drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over everything.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Now for the finishing touches! Garnish your ramen with sliced green onions, soft-boiled egg halves if you’re using them, and sprinkle red chili flakes or fresh chili slices for an extra kick. Serve your fiery ramen immediately while it’s hot and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Dig in and enjoy each fiery, creamy bite of this delightful ramen dish! 🍜🔥
FAQ for Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred or slice the chicken and add it to the ramen during the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through.
What If I Can’t Find Chili Garlic Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute it with Sriracha or any hot sauce you like. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. You can also mix garlic and chili flakes for a quick alternative!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the ramen gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. Microwaving is also an option, but stir it midway for even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Sure! Simply replace the chicken with tofu or your favorite vegetables, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit the chicken. Omit the heavy cream and opt for coconut milk or a plant-based cream for the sauce!
