This spicy chicken ramen is packed with flavor and warmth. The creamy garlic sauce adds a rich touch that makes every bite deliciously comforting!
Trust me, what’s better than slurping noodles in a spicy broth? Add some extra garlic, and you might just find yourself calling it your new favorite dish! 🍜
I love how quick this ramen is to whip up on busy nights. Just cook, mix, and enjoy—it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! Perfect for those chilly evenings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe due to their juiciness. You can swap them for boneless chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for better control over seasoning. Vegetable broth works wonderfully if you’re looking for a meat-free version.
Ramen Noodles: Instant ramen noodles are quick and easy, but you can also use fresh ramen or even whole wheat noodles if you prefer a healthier twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal, but if you have garlic powder handy, you can use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove as a substitute.
Chili Paste: Sriracha brings heat and flavor, but feel free to use your favorite hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for a tweak on spiciness. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance!
Coconut Milk vs. Heavy Cream: Both lend creaminess, but coconut milk adds a great flavor. If you want a lighter touch, you can use half-and-half instead.
How Do I Perfectly Cook Ramen Noodles?
Cooking ramen noodles correctly is crucial for a great texture! Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Do not add seasoning packets at this stage!
- Add the ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
- Once cooked, drain the noodles but do not rinse them. Rinsing removes some starch that helps the sauce cling.
- Mix noodles in with the broth right before serving for the best experience!
Following these steps will give you the perfect noodles to complement your fiery chicken ramen! Enjoy your cooking! 🍜
Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ramen:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1-2 tablespoons chili paste (such as Sriracha or Korean gochujang), adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream (for creamy garlic sauce)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 soft-boiled egg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping your ingredients, and then another 20 minutes cooking and assembling everything. A quick and tasty meal, perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth:
In a medium-sized pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This will be the base of your flavorful ramen.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste. In a skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
4. Mix in the Spices:
Add the grated ginger, chili paste, soy sauce, and sugar to the skillet. Stir well to combine everything and cook for another minute so the flavors meld.
5. Combine with Broth:
Pour the spicy mixture into the simmering chicken broth and stir to create a deliciously spicy base.
6. Shred the Chicken:
While the broth is simmering, shred the cooked chicken thighs using two forks. Then add the shredded chicken back into the broth to warm through.
7. Cook the Ramen Noodles:
Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions in a separate pot. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles but don’t rinse them so they can absorb the flavors later.
8. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In a small saucepan over low heat, add the coconut milk or heavy cream and another clove of minced garlic. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to infuse the flavor, then season with salt and pepper to your liking.
9. Assemble the Bowls:
To serve, divide the cooked noodles among bowls. Ladle the spicy chicken broth with shredded chicken over the noodles generously.
10. Drizzle the Sauce:
Take the creamy garlic sauce and drizzle it generously over each bowl of ramen.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off by garnishing with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro or parsley, and a soft-boiled egg if desired. It’s all about those beautiful colors and flavors!
12. Enjoy:
Serve immediately while hot and enjoy each comforting slurp of your fiery, creamy garlic chicken ramen!
FAQ for Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Different Proteins for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly; shrimp cooks quickly, while beef may need a bit more time.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness?
If you prefer a milder ramen, start with 1 tablespoon of chili paste and taste the broth before adding more. You can also use sweet chili sauce instead for a flavorful yet milder option.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, swap the chicken thighs for tofu or seitan, and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative. Coconut milk keeps it creamy and vegan-friendly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the broth and noodles together on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the consistency.
