This spicy chicken ramen is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken and slurpy noodles, it’s perfect for cold days. The creamy garlic sauce adds a dreamy touch that you’ll love.
If you’re like me, you know garlic makes everything better! I like to make a big batch so I can enjoy it all week. Plus, who doesn’t love leftovers? Bring on the ramen nights! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless thighs for their tenderness, but you can use chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Cooked shrimp works great too if you want a seafood twist.
Ramen Noodles: Traditional ramen is ideal, but instant ramen packets are convenient. You can swap them for udon or rice noodles if you prefer something different. Just adjust cooking times!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for this dish, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be a substitute at 1/8 tsp per clove. I find fresh really makes the sauce pop!
Coconut Milk: This gives a nice creamy texture, but heavy cream or even cashew cream are good alternatives. If you want a lighter option, try evaporated milk.
Miso Paste: If you don’t have miso, you can skip it or use a little soy sauce instead. It adds depth, but the dish will still be delicious without it!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the chicken just right is important. Here’s the scoop on making it juicy and tender:
- Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
- Heat your skillet well before adding the chicken, ensuring a nice sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside!
What’s the Best Way to Make a Creamy Sauce?
The creamy garlic sauce is the star here, so let’s make it smooth and flavorful:
- Start with butter and garlic; cook them just until the garlic is fragrant, about a minute — don’t burn it!
- Whisk in flour quickly to create a roux. This helps thicken the sauce and gives it a nice body.
- Gradually add coconut milk or heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Keep stirring over medium heat.
- Cook until the sauce thickens up a bit and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper to really elevate it!
Spicy Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking chicken)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 packets ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp miso paste (optional, for depth)
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken sauce)
For Garnishing:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Soft boiled egg, halved (optional, for serving)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh spinach or bok choy, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty Spicy Chicken Ramen takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, including cooking the chicken and noodles. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
2. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant. Then, sprinkle in the flour, stirring well to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the coconut milk or heavy cream, and continue to cook until the sauce thickens up a bit. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set it aside.
3. Make the Broth:
In a large pot, heat a tiny bit of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced onion. Sauté everything for about 3-4 minutes until tender and aromatic. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, miso paste (if you’re using it), chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil. Bring this delicious mixture to a simmer.
4. Cook the Noodles:
Add the ramen noodles to the simmering broth and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3 minutes. Keep an eye on them, so they don’t overcook!
5. Assemble the Ramen:
Once the noodles are cooked, divide them along with the broth evenly among your bowls. Top each bowl with the sliced chicken and a generous drizzle of creamy garlic sauce. If you’d like, add some fresh spinach or bok choy for extra veggies.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, add your garnishes! Top with sliced green onions, halved soft-boiled eggs if you’re using them, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy every spicy, creamy, and savory bite!
Your Spicy Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce is now ready to warm your belly and delight your taste buds! Happy eating!
FAQ: Spicy Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Different Proteins?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or even beef. If using tofu, choose firm or extra-firm, and make sure to press it to remove excess moisture before cooking for the best texture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make this ramen vegetarian or vegan, simply replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and swap coconut milk for a plant-based cream. The miso paste will add a great depth of flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, it’s best to warm everything gently on the stove. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the noodles and make them mushy!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time! Just store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, gently reheat on the stove before adding it to your ramen. If it thickens too much, simply whisk in a bit more coconut milk or broth to loosen it up.
