This Spicy Chicken Ramen is full of flavor and heat, thanks to the tender chicken and a creamy garlic sauce that ties it all together. It’s a comforting bowl of noodles perfect for any day!
Cooking this ramen makes me feel like a chef! The creaminess balances the spice, making every slurp delightful. I love adding extra veggies for a pop of color and crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using chicken thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work great as well. For a lower-fat option, consider using tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian spin!
Ramen Noodles: Fresh ramen noodles are perfect if you can find them, but dried noodles do the job well too. If you want a gluten-free alternative, rice noodles work beautifully.
Chili Paste: I often use gochujang for a nice depth of flavor. If spiciness isn’t your thing, you can swap it with just a pinch of red pepper flakes or omit it altogether. Adjust to your preference!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, you could use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a richer flavor. Just note that it will change the taste slightly.
How Do You Get the Creamy Sauce Just Right?
To make the creamy garlic sauce a success, focus on these steps:
- Start by sautéing garlic and ginger gently. This step releases their flavors without burning them.
- After adding chicken broth, let everything simmer, giving the flavors time to mix. Remember, patience is key!
- Once you add the cream, keep the heat low and stir gently. This helps thicken the sauce without curdling.
And if you want an extra layer of flavor, don’t hesitate to taste as you go! Adjusting salt or spiciness during the cooking process can make a huge difference in the final dish.
Spicy Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ramen:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), thinly sliced
- 2 packs of fresh or dried ramen noodles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (such as gochujang or sambal oelek) — adjust to taste for spiciness
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Soft boiled eggs (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Spicy Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce takes about 30 minutes to make. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, and then approximately 20 minutes cooking everything to delicious perfection. It’s a quick meal that tastes like it took hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large saucepan or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant for about 1 minute. Next, add the minced ginger and thinly sliced onion, and cook until the onions are softened.
3. Add the Broth and Sauce Ingredients:
Stir in the chicken broth, soy sauce, chili paste, sugar, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to combine all the flavors.
4. Create the Creamy Texture:
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine everything. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, which will help thicken and meld the flavors.
5. Cook the Ramen:
While the sauce is simmering, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
6. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. If you’re using spinach or bok choy, toss it into the mixture now, and cook until the greens are wilted.
7. Assemble Your Ramen:
Divide the ramen noodles into individual bowls. Ladle the spicy creamy garlic broth and chicken mixture over the noodles, ensuring everyone gets lots of sauce!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Top each bowl with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and soft boiled eggs if you like. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, satisfying Spicy Chicken Ramen!
This dish is not only delicious but also warming and comforting—perfect for any night of the week!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is a fantastic choice, you can substitute it with tofu for a vegetarian version or try shrimp or pork for different flavors. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed!
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder ramen, reduce the amount of chili paste or omit it altogether. Alternatively, you can add it slowly while tasting to get your desired heat level. For extra heat, consider adding sliced fresh chili or additional chili paste!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce and cook the ramen noodles fresh for the best texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover ramen in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as it can thicken in the fridge.
