I’ve perfected this chicken ramen noodles recipe to bring a comforting, flavorful bowl of soup right to my table. It’s hearty, aromatic, and packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich broth, making it a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s a beautiful balance of simplicity and depth of flavor. The broth simmers with umami-rich ingredients, and the chicken stays juicy and tender. Plus, it’s versatile—I can customize it with different veggies or spice levels depending on what I’m craving. It’s the kind of meal that warms me up and fills me up in the best way possible.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Ramen noodles
- Chicken broth or stock
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Green onions
- Mushrooms
- Carrots
- Spinach or bok choy
- Sesame oil
- Optional: soft-boiled egg, chili flakes, or nori for garnish
Directions
- I start by simmering chicken in the broth with minced garlic and ginger to infuse rich flavor.
- While the chicken cooks, I prepare the vegetables by slicing mushrooms, carrots, and green onions.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, I shred or slice it and set it aside.
- I then add the ramen noodles to the broth and cook according to package instructions until tender.
- Vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and spinach go into the pot to soften but still retain some bite.
- I return the chicken to the broth, add soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil, and let everything heat through.
- I serve it hot, garnished with green onions, a soft-boiled egg if I’m feeling indulgent, and a sprinkle of chili flakes or nori for extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4 people. From start to finish, it takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes to prepare, which makes it perfect for a weekday dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Variations
Sometimes, I swap chicken for tofu or shrimp to change things up. For a vegetarian version, I use vegetable broth and add more mushrooms and tofu. I also like to experiment with different greens—kale or napa cabbage work great too. If I want extra heat, I toss in chili oil or fresh sliced jalapeños.
Storage/Reheating
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stove to keep the noodles from getting too mushy. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the soup back up.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this ramen?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken works well—just add it toward the end of cooking to warm through without drying out.
What type of noodles should I use?
Traditional fresh or dried ramen noodles are ideal, but you can also use instant ramen noodles without the seasoning packet, or even soba or udon noodles as alternatives.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
I like adding chili flakes, a dash of chili oil, or sliced fresh chili peppers to boost the heat.
Can I freeze chicken ramen noodles?
I don’t recommend freezing ramen noodles in broth, as they tend to become soggy when thawed. It’s better to freeze the broth and chicken separately and cook fresh noodles when ready to serve.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, I swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free alternative, and double-check the noodles for gluten content.
Conclusion
Making the best chicken ramen noodles at home has become one of my favorite ways to enjoy a comforting and nourishing meal. It’s straightforward, customizable, and deeply satisfying. Whether I’m cooking for myself or sharing with family, this recipe never fails to hit the spot.
PrintThe Best Chicken Ramen Noodles
A comforting and flavorful chicken ramen noodle soup with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich umami broth, perfect for a cozy meal any day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 servings ramen noodles
- 6 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup spinach or bok choy
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Optional: 2 soft-boiled eggs, chili flakes, nori for garnish
Instructions
- Simmer chicken in chicken broth with minced garlic and ginger to infuse flavor, until cooked through.
- While chicken cooks, slice mushrooms, carrots, and green onions.
- Remove chicken from broth, shred or slice, then set aside.
- Add ramen noodles to the broth and cook according to package instructions until tender.
- Add mushrooms, carrots, and spinach or bok choy to the pot; cook until softened but still slightly crisp.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot, add soy sauce and drizzle sesame oil; heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions, optional soft-boiled egg, chili flakes, or nori.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and tofu instead of chicken.
- Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stove with a splash of broth or water to avoid mushy noodles.
- Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- To make it spicier, add chili flakes, chili oil, or fresh sliced chilies.
- Freeze broth and chicken separately; cook fresh noodles when serving to avoid sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 2 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg