This Fiery Chicken Ramen is a warm bowl of noodles topped with spicy chicken and a rich, creamy garlic sauce that will make your taste buds dance! It’s simple yet comforting.
Honestly, who doesn’t love noodles packed with flavor? It’s the perfect dish for chilly nights. I like to adjust the spice level, so you can really make it your own!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer a lighter option, boneless chicken breasts work too, but keep an eye on cooking time as they can dry out.
Chili Paste: Gochujang gives a nice depth of flavor while sriracha delivers heat. If you fancy something milder, try a dash of sweet chili sauce or even a bit of hot sauce adjusted to your heat comfort level.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, substitute with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. Both provide a creamy texture without the richer taste of heavy cream.
Instant Ramen: Any instant noodle will do! If you’re looking for gluten-free options, check out rice noodles or gluten-free ramen varieties.
How Do I Get the Chicken Really Tender?
Getting your chicken just right is key! Start by frying in a hot skillet and let it rest before slicing. This helps retain moisture. Here’s how:
- Heat oil in the skillet before adding the chicken.
- Season your chicken generously—salt and pepper are essential.
- Cook until no longer pink inside; around 5-7 minutes per side should do it. Avoid moving it around too much so it gets that lovely golden color.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep all the juices locked in.
What’s the Best Way to Make Creamy Garlic Sauce?
This creamy garlic sauce is what makes this dish a hit! To make it effortlessly:
- Melt butter over medium heat and add a bit of minced garlic for flavor.
- Slowly whisk in heavy cream and let it simmer until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally!
- Season generously with salt and pepper to elevate the garlic’s punch.
- Tip: Don’t rush this—allow it some time to develop flavor.
Fiery Chicken Ramen With Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Noodles:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (such as gochujang or sriracha)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
For Garnish:
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 soft-boiled egg (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- Red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 30 minutes in total, including prep and cooking time. You’ll spend about 10 minutes getting everything ready and cooking the chicken, then around 20 minutes simmering the broth and noodles to perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Cook them for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing it thinly.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring them until they become fragrant, which should take about 1 minute. This will bring out all the wonderful flavors!
3. Building the Broth:
Add the chili paste to the garlic and ginger mixture, stirring to combine everything. Cook for another minute to let the flavors mix. Then, pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, and bring this to a gentle simmer.
4. Cooking the Noodles:
Add the ramen noodles to the simmering broth and cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until they are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
5. Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While the noodles are cooking, grab a small saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Add a bit of the minced garlic that you reserved earlier and sauté for just a minute. Then, stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
6. Assembling Your Ramen:
Once the noodles are cooked, divide them into bowls. Place the sliced chicken on top of the noodles and generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over everything.
7. Adding Finishing Touches:
To finish up, add a drizzle of sesame oil, sprinkle sliced scallions on top, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds. If you’d like an extra touch of flavor and richness, add a halved soft-boiled egg and sprinkle some red chili flakes for a bit more heat, if desired!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce right away—it’s best served hot! Dive in and savor each delicious bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Noodles Instead of Ramen?
Absolutely! You can substitute ramen with other types of noodles, like udon, soba, or even rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the noodles you choose!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili paste used or opt for a milder sauce. Conversely, for extra heat, you can add more chili paste or some crushed red pepper flakes as a garnish!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For the creamy sauce, consider using coconut cream or a plant-based cream to keep it vegan-friendly.
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 or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to refresh the noodles and sauce.
