This spicy chicken ramen is a warm bowl of happiness! With tender chicken, flavorful noodles, and a creamy garlic sauce, it’s deliciously comforting and has just the right kick.
Let’s be real, who could say no to creamy garlic? I sometimes add extra garlic just because! 🍜 When I make this, I love slurping the noodles and feeling like a ramen pro.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs bring great flavor and tenderness. You can swap them with chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs tend to stay juicier during cooking. If you’re looking for a meat-free option, try tofu or sliced mushrooms instead!
Chili Flakes: Adjust these based on your spice tolerance. If you don’t have chili flakes, cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce can work. Want it milder? Omit them altogether or use sweet paprika for flavor without the heat.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is fantastic, but store-bought works just fine. For a lighter option, consider using vegetable broth, which pairs well with the other ingredients.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. It adds a unique flavor twist while keeping it creamy.
How Do You Make the Broth Full of Flavor?
The broth is the heart of this dish, so let’s make it stand out! Start by sautéing the onions and ginger until they’re fragrant; this forms a solid base. Adding chicken thighs and seasoning them helps to boost the flavor.
- Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot after adding broth to get all the delicious bits.
- Let the broth simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps meld all those wonderful flavors.
- Don’t forget to taste it before serving; adjust with more soy sauce or salt if needed!
A little patience makes the broth truly shine, so take your time to enjoy the process!
and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious ramen recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and 20 minutes cooking. This quick and easy meal is perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Aromatics:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, grated ginger, and half the minced garlic. Sauté everything together until it’s fragrant and the onion is translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This is where the flavors really start to build!
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the aromatics are cooking, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Place them into the pot and sear on both sides until they are golden brown. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t rush this part; it adds great flavor!
3. Build the Broth:
Once the chicken is golden, pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, miso paste (if using), and chili paste. Stir everything together to combine well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Shred the Chicken:
After the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then set it aside.
5. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the remaining minced garlic with the heavy cream over low heat. Warm it gently for about 3-4 minutes while stirring frequently. This step infuses the cream with garlic, giving it a rich flavor. Just remember, do not let it boil; keep it warm.
6. Cook the Ramen:
While the sauce is warming, cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside for serving later.
7. Final Touches to the Broth:
Stir in the sesame oil into the simmering broth and then return the shredded chicken back into the pot. Let it warm through for a minute or two.
8. Assemble Your Ramen Bowls:
Now, it’s time to serve! Divide the cooked noodles among bowls and ladle the hot broth, along with the chicken, over the noodles. Don’t hold back; make sure to get a good amount of that flavorful broth!
9. Add the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
Drizzle each bowl of ramen generously with the creamy garlic sauce you prepared. It adds a lovely richness to the dish!
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
Lastly, garnish your ramen with sliced green onions, soft-boiled egg halves if you like, and fresh cilantro or parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately and enjoy your bowl of fiery, creamy goodness!
Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional for depth)
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (like sriracha or gochujang)
For the Ramen:
- 2 packs fresh or dried ramen noodles
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Garnishing:
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 soft-boiled egg per serving (optional)
- Salt
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While ramen noodles are traditional, you can also use udon, soba, or even rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type you choose, ensuring they’re cooked to your liking.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili flakes and omit the chili paste. You can also add a little sugar or honey to balance the heat if you find it too strong. If you’re looking for extra spice, feel free to increase the chili flakes or add sriracha or a dash of hot sauce at the end!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the broth and cook the chicken in advance, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the broth and add cooked noodles. Just keep the creamy sauce separate until serving to maintain its texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist. You may want to prepare fresh noodles if possible, as they can become mushy after refrigeration.
