This Spicy Chicken Ramen is a warm bowl of comfort, featuring tender chicken and noodles swimming in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. It’s the perfect mix of spicy and smooth to make your taste buds dance!
When I make this dish, I can’t resist adding extra garlic—don’t judge! I love how the creamy sauce clings to the noodles. Pair it with some veggies for a full meal and enjoy every delicious bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ramen Noodles: Fresh ramen is ideal for its texture, but dried ones work well too. If you can’t find ramen, udon or soba noodles can also be tasty alternatives.
Chicken: Chicken breasts are great, but thighs add more flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Garlic: Four cloves bring a lot of flavor, but you can always scale down based on your preference. For a milder taste, use roasted garlic instead of raw.
Gochujang: This adds a unique flavor, but if you don’t have it, Sriracha or chili paste can be substituted. Adjust the amount to control the heat level.
Vegetables: While spinach or bok choy is delicious, any leafy green such as kale or swiss chard works well too. You can even toss in bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch!
How Do I Make the Chicken Extra Flavorful?
To ensure your chicken is packed with flavor, proper seasoning is key. Here’s a simple way to prepare it:
- Use salt and pepper liberally; don’t skimp! This forms the base flavor.
- Consider marinating the chicken for 30 minutes in soy sauce and a dash of ginger before cooking. It really enhances the taste.
- Cook on medium-high heat to get a nice sear on the outside, keeping it juicy inside.
How Can I Perfect the Creamy Garlic Sauce?
The creamy garlic sauce is crucial for flavor and texture. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Heat the cream gently on low heat to prevent it from curdling. Stir in the minced garlic and let it infuse for a few minutes.
- If you like a stronger garlic flavor, you can add more than four cloves. Just keep in mind that it will be quite potent!
- Mix the creamy sauce into the broth slowly, tasting as you go. You can adjust the creaminess by adding more cream or broth.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with this Spicy Chicken Ramen! The combination of flavors and textures will surely warm you up!
Spicy Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ramen:
- 8 oz ramen noodles (fresh or dried)
- 2 chicken breasts (or thighs), thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1-2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) or Sriracha
- 4 cups chicken broth
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Veggies & Toppings:
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup fresh spinach or bok choy
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Soft boiled egg (optional for topping)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
In total, you’ll need about 30-35 minutes to make this Spicy Chicken Ramen. This includes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
First, heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or pan over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s lightly browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sautéing Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook them together for about 1 minute until they’re fragrant, but be careful not to let them brown.
3. Adding Spice and Flavor:
Next, stir in the red chili flakes and gochujang or Sriracha. Cook this mixture for another minute to enhance the flavors.
4. Building the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and mirin (if using). Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, which will create a delicious base for your ramen.
5. Adding Mushrooms and Greens:
Add the sliced mushrooms to the broth and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender. In the last minute of cooking, add the spinach or bok choy.
6. Cooking the Noodles:
While the broth is simmering, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set them aside.
7. Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In a separate small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream over low heat. Add the minced garlic and let it infuse for 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring it doesn’t boil.
8. Combining Sauce and Broth:
Slowly pour the creamy garlic sauce into the main broth, stirring well. Allow them to warm together for about a minute.
9. Finishing Touches:
Add sesame oil to the broth and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
10. Assembling the Ramen:
Time to serve! Divide the cooked noodles into bowls and ladle the spicy creamy broth with chicken and vegetables over the noodles.
11. Garnishing & Serving:
Finish by topping your ramen with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a soft boiled egg if you like. Serve it immediately and enjoy!
Enjoy your cozy and flavorful Spicy Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely for even cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water before slicing and cooking.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with cubed tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure that any sauces (like soy sauce) are vegan. You can also add extra veggies for a hearty meal!
What’s the Best Way 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 or cream to keep the sauce creamy.
Can I Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the creamy garlic sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove before adding it to the broth.
