Craving a bowl of comforting, soul-soothing ramen? Well, I’ve got you covered with the best homemade chicken ramen recipe that’s super simple to whip up and tastes like it came straight from your favorite ramen shop. If you’ve ever wanted to make a restaurant-quality bowl of ramen at home, this recipe is your ticket!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love ramen, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this homemade chicken version. The broth is rich, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, while the chicken is tender and juicy. You get that classic ramen slurp-worthy goodness, but with the added bonus of knowing exactly what went into it—no mystery ingredients, just fresh, wholesome flavors. Plus, it’s way more affordable than ordering takeout!
Ingredients
(You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need to get started…)
- Chicken breast (or thighs if you prefer)
- Fresh ramen noodles
- Soy sauce
- Miso paste
- Ginger, garlic, and scallions
- Broth base (you can use chicken stock or make your own)
- Egg (for that perfect soft-boiled finish)
- And a few more simple ingredients that really bring this dish to life!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a little oil in a large pot and cook the chicken over medium heat until it’s golden brown on both sides and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes per side). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest before slicing into thin strips.
Step 2: Make the Broth
In the same pot, add some more oil and sauté your garlic, ginger, and chopped scallions for a few minutes until fragrant. Then, stir in the miso paste and soy sauce, letting it all blend together. Pour in your chicken broth (or stock), bring it to a gentle simmer, and let everything cook for about 10-15 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more depth of flavor you’ll get!
Step 3: Boil the Noodles
While the broth is simmering away, get a separate pot of water boiling to cook your ramen noodles. Follow the instructions on the package, usually just a couple of minutes of boiling. Once they’re done, drain them and set them aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Ramen
Now comes the fun part—assembly! Place a generous portion of cooked ramen noodles into a bowl, then ladle your hot, fragrant broth over the top. Add the sliced chicken on the side, along with a soft-boiled egg (if you want that perfect, runny yolk), a sprinkle of scallions, and maybe even some sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For a richer, deeper flavor in the broth, you can use bone-in chicken and simmer it for a little longer to extract all the goodness.
- Don’t Skip the Soft-Boiled Egg: The creamy yolk adds a layer of indulgence that takes your ramen to the next level!
- Customize Your Broth: Feel free to play with the flavor of the broth—add a little chili paste for heat or a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy kick.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Protein Options: Instead of chicken, you can swap it for pork belly, beef slices, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Noodle Swap: If you can’t find fresh ramen noodles, any type of wheat noodles will work, though fresh ramen noodles give the best texture.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to toss in some veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bok choy for an extra healthy boost.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Ramen is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a few sides to really make it a full meal. Try pairing it with a crisp, refreshing cucumber salad, or some steamed dumplings for that perfect balance of flavors. A simple side of pickled vegetables or kimchi can also add a nice zing to the dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
You can store any leftover broth and noodles separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, it’s best to heat the broth separately and cook fresh noodles to keep that ramen texture just right. The broth freezes well, too, if you want to make a big batch and save some for later!
4 FAQs
- Can I use store-bought broth for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Store-bought chicken broth is a great time-saver, though homemade will give you a deeper flavor. - How do I make the egg soft-boiled?
Bring a small pot of water to a boil, gently add your eggs, and boil for about 6-7 minutes. Then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. - What if I don’t have miso paste?
You can use soy sauce as a substitute, or if you have tahini on hand, it can provide a similar creamy texture. - Can I make this ramen gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap out the ramen noodles for gluten-free noodles and check that the soy sauce you’re using is gluten-free as well.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade chicken ramen to hit the spot when you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. This recipe is so simple and customizable, so feel free to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this ramen will definitely impress. Enjoy every slurp!
Print
Best Homemade Chicken Ramen
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
Craving a bowl of comforting, soul-soothing ramen? This homemade chicken ramen is rich, flavorful, and easy to make. With tender chicken, fresh ramen noodles, and a savory broth, it’s a delicious alternative to takeout that you can enjoy anytime.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (or 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer)
- 200g fresh ramen noodles (about 2–3 servings, depending on the size of the bowl)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp miso paste (preferably white or yellow)
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3–4 scallions (green onions), chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 4 cups chicken stock (or homemade broth)
- 1 egg (for soft-boiling)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp oil (for cooking)
- Optional:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 cup spinach, mushrooms, or bok choy (if adding vegetables)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large pot and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside and slice into thin strips.
- Make the Broth: In the same pot, sauté garlic, ginger, and scallions in oil for a few minutes. Stir in miso paste and soy sauce, then add chicken stock. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Boil the Noodles: While the broth simmers, cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Ramen: In a bowl, place noodles, then pour hot broth over. Top with sliced chicken, soft-boiled egg, scallions, and optional sesame seeds.
Notes
- Bone-In Chicken: For a richer broth, use bone-in chicken and simmer longer.
- Soft-Boiled Egg: Adds a creamy texture—don’t skip it!
- Customization: Add chili paste for heat or rice vinegar for tang.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg