This fiery chicken ramen is a warm and spicy treat, topped with a creamy garlic sauce that makes everything delightful! The noodles are cooked perfectly, soaking up all the flavors.
Let’s be real, the creamy garlic is the real star here! I love how it makes the spicy dish feel extra comforting. A sprinkle of green onions on top, and you’re all set for a cozy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: These provide juicy and flavorful meat. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Ramen Noodles: Fresh or dried ramen works great. If you can’t find ramen, Japanese udon or even spaghetti can be a fun substitute.
Chili Garlic Sauce: This gives heat and flavor! If you want less spice, try sriracha or even a dash of hot sauce. You can also omit it for a milder dish.
Heavy Cream: This makes the garlic sauce creamy and rich. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free tweak.
Bok Choy or Spinach: These greens add freshness. However, kale or even frozen peas can also be used if needed.
How Do You Achieve the Perfectly Flavored Broth?
The broth is crucial for a tasty ramen! Start by sautéing garlic and ginger in oil, as this infuses your base with flavor. Don’t rush the simmering step—allow it to cook gently so the chicken gets tender, and the flavors meld beautifully.
- After adding chicken to the broth, let it cook covered—this keeps moisture in.
- Use a mix of soy sauce and miso for depth. Adjust it to your taste—more soy for saltiness, or miso for that umami kick!
Taking the time for these details results in a broth that has a wonderful balance of flavors! Enjoy crafting your ramen!
Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ramen:
- 2 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 packs fresh or dried ramen noodles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp miso paste (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Toppings:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bok choy or spinach
- 1 carrot, julienned
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have about 10 minutes for prep work and 20 minutes for cooking. In just half an hour, you’ll be enjoying a delicious, homemade ramen dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Aroma:
In a medium pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them together until they start to smell amazing, which should take about 1 minute.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the pot and sear them on both sides for about 3 minutes each, so they get a nice, light brown color but aren’t fully cooked yet.
3. Build the Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, optional miso paste, and chili garlic sauce. Stir everything together so it’s well combined.
4. Simmer Away:
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, take the chicken out of the pot and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily!
6. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat. Add the 2 minced garlic cloves and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the garlic to soak into the cream. Toss in a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, then keep it warm.
7. Cook the Noodles and Veggies:
Add the ramen noodles, bok choy, and julienned carrots to the still simmering broth. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the noodles are nice and tender.
8. Final Touches:
Stir in the sesame oil and taste your broth. Adjust with more salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes if you want it spicier!
9. Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the noodles and broth into serving bowls, making sure to share the tasty veggies too. Top each bowl with the shredded chicken.
10. Drizzle the Creamy Sauce:
Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the top of your ramen.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off with some sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your fiery, creamy ramen!
Enjoy your spicy, creamy, and comforting Fiery Chicken Ramen!
FAQ for Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs! However, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a quicker method. Pat the chicken dry before searing it for the best texture.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken thighs with firm tofu or seitan, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also load up on extra veggies, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ramen?
Store any leftover ramen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the creamy garlic sauce separate to maintain its texture. When reheating, add a little water or broth to loosen the noodles and prevent them from becoming mushy.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! To make it milder, reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce used and omit the red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of sugar to balance the heat if you find it too spicy. Conversely, for more heat, feel free to add more chili garlic sauce to taste!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further tips! Enjoy your cooking!
