This Fiery Chicken Ramen is a fun and tasty dish that will warm you right up! It features tender chicken, spicy broth, and slurpy noodles, topped with a rich creamy garlic sauce.
You might want to keep some extra napkins handy because this dish has a kick! I love to enjoy it with friends and make it a little competition to see who can handle the heat. 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I usually use chicken thighs because they stay juicy during cooking. If you prefer, chicken breasts work just as well. For a shortcut, rotisserie chicken could be a time-saver!
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is best for controlling salt levels. If you’re short on broth, feel free to use all water or vegetable broth instead for a lighter option.
Chili Paste: Gochujang gives this ramen a unique flavor. If you can’t find it, sambal oelek or any chili sauce will do. Adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance.
Vegetables: Spinach is my go-to for a green boost, but bok choy is great too! You can also toss in other veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
How Do You Make Sure Your Ramen Is Flavored Just Right?
Getting the broth right is essential for a tasty ramen. After adding all your ingredients, let it simmer gently. This step allows flavors to blend without overcooking. You can taste the broth before serving; if it needs more salt or heat, adjust with soy sauce or chili paste for a last-minute lift.
- Start with medium heat and check flavors as it simmers.
- If you want extra depth, consider adding a splash of mirin or rice vinegar for acid!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Ramen Noodles?
Cooking ramen noodles perfectly can make a big difference in your dish. Follow package instructions but time them closely! You want them tender yet firm (al dente) so they don’t get mushy in the broth.
- Boil water in a separate pot before adding the noodles; this helps them cook evenly.
- Drain them quickly and don’t rinse unless you’re keeping them for later. The starch helps the sauce adhere.
Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), sliced thinly
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste (such as gochujang or sambal oelek), adjust to spice preference
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp mirin or rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
For the Noodles and Garnish:
- 2 packs fresh or dried ramen noodles
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach or bok choy
- 1 soft boiled egg (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- Nori seaweed strips (optional)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. About 10 minutes for prep, 20 minutes for cooking, and it’s ready to serve hot and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, mayonnaise, heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth mixture. Cover it and place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the meal to let the flavors blend.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Using a large pot or a deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about a minute until they become fragrant. Then, add the sliced chicken and cook it until it’s no longer pink inside—about 5–7 minutes.
3. Make the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and water, then stir in the soy sauce, chili paste, chili flakes, mirin (or rice vinegar), sesame oil, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This is the time when all the flavors deepen, so don’t rush it!
4. Cook the Ramen Noodles:
While your broth is simmering, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions until just tender but not mushy. Drain the noodles and divide them into bowls.
5. Prepare the Greens and Egg:
Blanch the spinach or bok choy in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then drain it. If you like, prepare a soft-boiled egg: boil the egg for 6–7 minutes, then cool it in ice water, peel, and cut it in half.
6. Assemble the Ramen Bowls:
Pour the cooked chicken and broth over the noodles in each bowl. Then, top with the blanched greens, sliced green onions, a soft-boiled egg, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. If you want, you can add some nori strips for extra flavor.
7. Serve:
Just before serving, drizzle a good amount of the creamy garlic sauce over each bowl. This will give your ramen a velvety, spicy, and delicious finish!
Enjoy your Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce, a perfect blend of heat and richness. Happy eating!
FAQ
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While chicken is fantastic in this recipe, you can substitute with pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for different meats.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even use water with added soy sauce for a savory flavor. Just be mindful of the seasoning levels when using water.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Of course! If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the chili paste and chili flakes. You can always add more spice later if you find it needs a kick!
