Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken Ramen is a comforting bowl of tender seared chicken thighs simmered in a garlic-infused, creamy broth paired with silky ramen noodles, baby spinach, and fragrant green onions. This cozy dish balances savory, rich flavors with a hint of spice, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Broth
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Dairy and Noodles
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 packs of ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 soft-boiled egg per serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Simmer Chicken and Broth: Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Return the chicken thighs to the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add Dairy and Thicken Broth: Stir in milk and heavy cream. Let the broth simmer gently for another 5 minutes until it becomes creamy and slightly thickened. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
- Cook Ramen Noodles: In a separate pot, cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain the noodles thoroughly.
- Wilt Spinach: Add baby spinach to the creamy broth. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the creamy garlic chicken broth evenly over the noodles.
- Add Garnishes: Top each bowl with sliced green onions and a halved soft-boiled egg if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, though thighs remain juicier and more flavorful.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and heavy cream with coconut milk for a delightful twist.
