This Spicy Chicken Ramen is a warm bowl of comforting noodles, spicy chicken, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce that brings everything together. It’s perfect for a cozy night in!
Who doesn’t love a good noodle dish? I often find myself slurping away, trying not to spill the tasty broth everywhere! Just imagine the mouthwatering flavors! 😋
Making this ramen is a breeze! I just cook the noodles, sauté the chicken, and whip up the creamy sauce. It’s a quick meal that feels fancy without all the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ramen Noodles: Traditional ramen noodles are ideal, but you can use any quick-cooking noodles you have at home. If you’re gluten-free, try rice noodles instead; they work well too.
Chicken: Boneless thighs give great flavor and tenderness, but chicken breasts are a lighter option. You could also use tofu for a vegetarian choice.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best; it provides a strong, aromatic flavor. If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder is a decent substitute, just use less since it’s more concentrated.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, swap in half-and-half or coconut milk if you prefer a dairy-free option. Cream makes it rich and smooth, but you can adjust to your taste.
Chili Paste: Gochujang offers a sweet and spicy kick, but you can replace it with another chili paste or hot sauce if needed. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference!
How Do I Make a Creamy Garlic Sauce?
Creating that luscious creamy garlic sauce is key to this dish. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by sautéing minced garlic and ginger in a hot skillet. This releases their flavor—don’t rush this step!
- After adding the chicken broth and sauces, let it simmer. This helps meld the flavors together.
- When reducing the heat for the cream, stir slowly. This ensures a smooth texture without boiling it, which could cause separation.
Taste as you go! The balance of creaminess and spiciness depends on what you enjoy. Adjust with more chili or cream as you like!
Spicy Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ramen:
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste (such as gochujang or sambal oelek)
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 soft-boiled egg (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Spicy Chicken Ramen recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the chicken, and then about 20 minutes making the sauce and tossing in the noodles. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ramen Noodles:
Bring a pot of water to boil and add the ramen noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 3-4 minutes. Drain and set them aside. Make sure not to overcook them since they will be combined with the hot sauce later!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. When done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring often, until they become fragrant. This is where the magic begins—smell that delicious aroma!
4. Prepare the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, chili paste, and sriracha. Stir everything well and bring it to a simmer. Give it a taste! Add more sriracha if you like it spicier, or more soy sauce if you want a saltier flavor.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low, and slowly stir in the heavy cream. This is what makes the sauce creamy and delicious! Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes to heat through and let all those amazing flavors meld.
6. Final Touches:
Stir in the sesame oil. Taste again and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be rich and slightly spicy with a creamy texture.
7. Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked ramen noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the spicy chicken and creamy garlic sauce generously over the noodles, making sure everyone gets a piece of that chicken!
8. Add the Garnish:
Top with sliced green onions for a fresh crunch. If you’re using the soft-boiled egg, slice it in half and place it on top of each bowl.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Spicy Chicken Ramen hot and enjoy this comforting dish! Get ready to slurp your noodles and dive into this creamy, spicy delight!
FAQ for Spicy Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Other Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While ramen noodles are perfect for this dish, you can substitute them with udon, soba, or even rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles you choose!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, you can increase the amount of sriracha or chili paste in the sauce. Additionally, feel free to sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or serve with extra chili oil on the side for those who want an extra kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover ramen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some sauce, so when reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and keep it creamy!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a vegan cream alternative!
