Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken Ramen is a comforting and flavorful bowl of tender chicken, rich garlic-infused broth, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles. This cozy recipe combines the warmth of chicken broth with heavy cream, ginger, and a subtle kick of red pepper flakes, all garnished with fresh green onions and optional vegetables for a nutritious twist. Ideal for a hearty weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Substitute with tofu or tempeh for vegetarian option)
Broth & Liquids
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (Opt for low-sodium versions for a lighter palate)
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (Use gluten-free if needed)
Noodles
- 8 ounces Ramen Noodles (Alternative noodles like udon can also be used)
Vegetables & Garnishes
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced (Essential ingredient for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated (Adds aromatic flavor)
- 2 Green Onions, sliced (Fresh garnish)
- Fresh Cilantro (Optional to add brightness)
- Vegetables of your choice (Add spinach, bok choy, or bell peppers for nutrition)
Seasonings & Thickeners
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Enhances overall taste)
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (Mixed with 2 tablespoons water to thicken sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional for heat; adjust to taste)
- Salt and Pepper (To taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook them for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are browned and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and slice it into pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the same pot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook Noodles: Add the ramen noodles to the simmering broth. Cook according to the package instructions, approximately 4-5 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
- Incorporate Cream and Flavorings: Stir in the heavy cream, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Allow the soup to simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Thicken the Broth: Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the pot and stir until the broth thickens slightly.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in your choice of vegetables such as spinach, bok choy, or bell peppers. Cook just until they wilt, preserving their vibrant color and nutrition.
- Assemble the Dish: Divide the ramen broth and noodles into serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, green onions, and fresh cilantro if using.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic chicken ramen hot and enjoy a warm, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- For a lighter creamy broth, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Low sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and gluten-free soy sauce if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference or omit for mild flavor.
- Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables for extra nutrition and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days—reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
