This fiery chicken ramen is bursting with flavor! The tender chicken and noodles are perfectly combined with a creamy garlic sauce that adds a nice kick. Perfect for spice lovers!
Whenever I make this, I can’t help but slurp the noodles like I’m in a competition! 😂 Plus, the creamy garlic sauce makes every bite a little slice of heaven. You’ve got to give it a try!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using chicken thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful, but chicken breasts work too. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian option, or replace it with shrimp for a seafood twist.
Chili Garlic Sauce: This is where the heat comes from! Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust based on your spice tolerance. If you don’t have it, Sriracha is a good substitute, though it has a different flavor profile.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy and rich. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use coconut milk or half-and-half. For a dairy-free option, almond or cashew cream work well too!
Miso Paste: It’s optional but adds a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or use a little soy sauce for similar saltiness but less umami.
How Do I Make Sure My Ramen Broth Has Great Flavor?
The broth is the backbone of your ramen, and it’s essential to layer the flavors as you go. Start by sautéing the garlic and onion until they’re fragrant and soft. This builds a flavorful base for your soup.
- Use quality chicken or vegetable broth for best results.
- Don’t rush the simmering time; let it bubble gently to meld flavors well.
- Adjust your seasoning! Taste the broth after adding chili sauce and soy sauce, and feel free to tweak with a pinch of salt or additional spices.
Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ramen:
- 12 oz (340 g) chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 packs fresh or dried ramen noodles (about 6 oz)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1-2 tbsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste for heat)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp miso paste (optional, for umami)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
- 1 soft-boiled egg, halved (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- Fresh cilantro or basil (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious ramen takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients, and then around 20 minutes cooking everything together. So, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken, season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pot, toss in the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced onion. Sauté those fragrant ingredients until the onions become translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. The smell will be amazing!
3. Flavor the Broth:
Stir in the chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, and miso paste (if using). Mix everything well to make sure those bold flavors come together nicely.
4. Simmer the Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens as all the flavors meld together!
5. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While your broth is simmering, grab a small saucepan. Over low heat, combine the heavy cream with a little of the reserved minced garlic (you can use some from step 2 if you like) and warm it gently until it’s heated through but not boiling.
6. Cook the Ramen:
Add the ramen noodles to the simmering broth and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally so they don’t stick together.
7. Return the Chicken:
Once the noodles are cooked, return the cooked chicken to the pot to rewarm while everything cooks together for a moment.
8. Assemble the Bowls:
Now it’s time to put everything together. Ladle the noodles and broth into bowls, and don’t forget to drizzle or swirl in that creamy garlic sauce on top for extra deliciousness!
9. Garnish:
Sprinkle the bowls with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs. If you like, add a half of a soft-boiled egg on top for that classic ramen touch.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in immediately while it’s steaming hot. Enjoy the perfect balance of fiery heat and creamy richness in every delightful bite!
There you have it! This recipe should leave you feeling warm and satisfied. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Different Proteins?
Absolutely! While chicken is a fantastic choice, you can easily swap it for shrimp, tofu, or even beef if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly—shrimp cooks quickly, while beef may need a bit more time.
How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
If you’d like a milder flavor, reduce the chili garlic sauce to 1 teaspoon or omit it entirely and add a bit of sweet soy sauce instead. You can also increase the amount of heavy cream to balance out the heat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the silky texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For the creamy element, opt for coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative to keep it dairy-free.
