If you’re craving a cozy, soul-warming dinner that comes together without fuss, this Easy Chicken Ramen Recipe will totally become your new go-to. I absolutely love how it balances savory, sweet, and rich flavors in a broth that feels like a warm hug. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create restaurant-worthy ramen at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You probably have almost everything in your pantry already!
- Quick & Delicious: Ready in under 30 minutes without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable: Easily tweak toppings and spice levels to suit your mood.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This ramen feels indulgent while still being approachable for weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role. The marinade creates a glossy, flavorful chicken, while the broth mixes soy and mirin for that perfect sweet-salty harmony. Don’t worry if you haven’t cooked ramen before—these pantry staples work magic together.
- Chicken breasts: Skinless works best for easy slicing and lean protein.
- Soy sauce: Adds depth and umami; use low sodium if you want to control saltiness.
- Mirin: This sweet Japanese rice wine brightens and balances the savory flavors.
- Brown sugar: Helps caramelize the chicken and adds subtle sweetness.
- Minced garlic: Divided between marinade and mayo sauce for layers of flavor.
- Ground ginger: Warms up the broth and pairs beautifully with garlic.
- Chicken broth: A good-quality broth makes the biggest difference here.
- Ramen noodles: Pick your favorite brand—fresh or instant works fine, just skip seasoning packets.
- Egg yolks and mayonnaise: This unexpected combo creates a silky, rich ramen base.
- Boiled eggs: Soft or hard—your call—always a ramen staple.
- Scallions and bok choy: Fresh, crisp toppings that add brightness.
Variations
I love that this Easy Chicken Ramen Recipe can be personalized so easily. Over time, I’ve added different veggies and swapped out proteins depending on what we have, and honestly, it all turns out great. Feel free to make it yours!
- Vegetable Boost: Sometimes I throw in shredded carrots or mushrooms to pack in more nutrition and texture—my family goes crazy for that extra crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil right at serving for a little extra heat.
- Protein Swap: If chicken isn’t your thing, sliced pork or tofu works really well here.
- Gluten-Free: Use rice noodles instead of ramen, and tamari in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free bowl.
How to Make Easy Chicken Ramen Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Start by tossing those chicken breasts in a bowl with soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground ginger. I like to give it a good stir to make sure every inch is coated in that sweet-savory marinade. Letting the chicken soak up these flavors is what makes the whole dish pop—if you have time, let it sit a bit longer for even deeper taste.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Reserve That Goodness
Heat a skillet over medium with a quick spray of nonstick spray, then add your chicken. Cook each side until golden and fully cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Don’t forget to pour the marinade into the pan—it thickens into a glaze that’s pure magic. Once done, set the chicken aside to cool before slicing it thinly; this keeps the meat tender and easy to enjoy in the bowl.
Step 3: Prep Toppings and Broth
While the chicken is cooking, boil your eggs however you like—soft yolks are my favorite for ramen, but hard eggs work just as well. I also boil bok choy for about 5–6 minutes until it’s tender and bright green—that fresh color makes the bowl look so inviting! Over in a pot, bring the chicken broth, soy sauce, and mirin to a simmer. This simple broth really lets the marinated chicken shine.
Step 4: Prepare the Ramen Noodles
Drop your ramen noodles into the simmering broth, skipping the seasoning packets—you won’t need them here. Cook until tender but still with a little bite, usually a few minutes depending on the noodle type. This is your chance to make sure the noodles soak in some of that delicious broth flavor.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Egg & Garlic Base
This is where the recipe really shines. In your serving bowls, add an egg yolk, a spoonful of mayonnaise, and some minced garlic. Break the yolk and stir it all together until silky smooth. This creamy base adds richness and depth, making every slurp feel indulgent without heaviness.
Step 6: Assemble Your Perfect Bowl
Ladle some hot broth into the first bowl and stir with the egg mixture to warm it up and meld flavors. Add noodles, then more broth till they peek just above the surface. Repeat for your other bowl, then top both with sliced chicken, bok choy, scallions, and halved boiled eggs. I love adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes here for a little texture and zing.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Ramen Recipe
- Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: I once forgot to marinate and noticed the chicken was less flavorful—don’t skip this step!
- Use Fresh Garlic: It really brightens the dish; garlic powder just doesn’t compare.
- Control Your Broth Saltiness: Taste as you go when adding soy sauce to avoid an overly salty soup.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: They’ll keep softening after you remove them, so take them off just as they become tender.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Ramen Recipe
Garnishes
I always top my ramen with scallions and halved boiled eggs because they add freshness and creaminess. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds brings a subtle nuttiness, and for those who like a little heat, I recommend crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil. These simple garnishes really elevate the bowl and make it feel special.
Side Dishes
My family loves pairing this Easy Chicken Ramen Recipe with simple edamame sprinkled with sea salt or a light cucumber salad with sesame dressing. These sides keep the meal balanced and refreshing, without stealing the spotlight from the ramen.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I’ve arranged the ingredients buffet-style—letting guests customize their ramen bowls with extra toppings like shredded nori, pickled ginger, and fresh herbs. It’s a fun way to get everyone interacting and enjoying their own creations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to keep the noodles separate from the broth if I’m saving leftovers. Store the broth and chicken in one container and the noodles in another to avoid sogginess. This little trick keeps noodles from turning into an unappetizing mush the next day.
Freezing
Freezing the broth and chicken works well, but I’d skip freezing the noodles—they tend to lose their texture. When thawing, gently warm the broth on the stove and add freshly cooked noodles for best results.
Reheating
I reheat the broth and chicken on the stove over medium heat, giving it a gentle stir every so often. Then I cook fresh noodles separately and combine everything just before serving to keep that perfect toothsome bite.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of noodles for this Easy Chicken Ramen Recipe?
Absolutely! While ramen noodles are traditional, you can swap in udon, soba, or even rice noodles depending on your preference or dietary needs. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so the noodles don’t get overcooked.
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How do I make the egg yolk and mayo mixture safely?
Using fresh eggs from a reliable source is key. If you’re concerned about raw egg yolks, opt for pasteurized eggs or try soft-boiled eggs for a similar creamy effect. The mayo helps coat the yolk, making the texture rich and silky.
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Can I prepare this recipe for more than two servings?
For sure! I often double or triple the ingredients when I have guests or want leftovers. Just make sure to adjust cooking times and pot sizes accordingly, especially when making more broth.
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What kinds of toppings work best with this ramen?
Besides the scallions and bok choy included in the recipe, I recommend adding bamboo shoots, nori sheets, corn kernels, or even thinly sliced mushrooms for more variety. Whatever you enjoy, this ramen is forgiving and flexible with toppings.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The key is to keep components like noodles separate until ready to eat to ensure freshness. The broth and chicken hold up well and can be refrigerated for a couple of days, making this an excellent meal prep option.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Ramen Recipe has honestly been a game-changer in my kitchen. It combines comfort, convenience, and real flavor without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a long day or impressing friends with a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a go—you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Print
Easy Chicken Ramen Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
This Easy Chicken Ramen recipe combines tender marinated chicken, flavorful broth, and fresh toppings for a comforting and delicious homemade noodle soup. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it features a savory blend of soy sauce, mirin, and ginger, accompanied by soft boiled eggs, bok choy, and scallions for freshness.
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken
- 2 skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ground ginger
Broth and Noodles
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 packs of your favorite ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
Ramen Bowls
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise, divided
- 2 tsp minced garlic, divided
- 2 boiled eggs (soft or hard boiled as preferred)
- Scallions for topping
- Bok choy, boiled (about 5-6 minutes until tender)
- Sesame seeds or red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade and chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts with soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Toss well to fully coat the chicken in the flavorful marinade.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Pour the marinade into the skillet during cooking to intensify flavor.
- Boil eggs and blanch bok choy: While the chicken cooks, boil the eggs to your preferred doneness (soft or hard boiled). Simultaneously, blanch the bok choy in boiling water for 5 to 6 minutes until tender and bright green. Drain and set aside.
- Slice the cooked chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly before slicing it thinly for serving.
- Prepare the broth and noodles: In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, and mirin. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the ramen noodles, discarding any seasoning packets, and cook until tender according to package instructions.
- Make the ramen bowl base: In each serving bowl, place one egg yolk, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic. Break the yolk and stir together to create a rich, silky base for your ramen.
- Assemble the ramen bowls: Ladle some hot broth into each bowl and stir to combine with the yolk mixture. Add the noodles and pour enough broth to just cover them.
- Add toppings: Top each bowl with sliced chicken, blanched bok choy, scallions, and the boiled egg halves. Garnish with sesame seeds or red pepper flakes if desired for extra flavor and heat.
Notes
- Discard the ramen noodle seasoning packets as the broth already provides enough flavor.
- Adjust the level of garlic in the mayonnaise base to suit your taste preferences.
- Soft boiled eggs require about 6 minutes of boiling; hard boiled require around 10 minutes.
- Bok choy can be substituted with spinach or kale if preferred.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce for a lower salt option.
- This recipe serves 2 but can be easily doubled to serve more.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
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