Easy Chicken Ramen Soup: Your Quick & Flavorful Homemade Recipe
Craving a warm, comforting bowl of ramen but don’t want the hassle of takeout or hours in the kitchen? This easy chicken ramen soup recipe is your perfect solution! Designed for those cozy nights when staying in sounds ideal, this homemade version delivers incredible flavor in a fraction of the time. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and slurpable noodles nestled in a savory, aromatic broth that comes together effortlessly.
Embrace the Simplicity: A Delicious, Uncomplicated Ramen Experience
While this recipe might not follow the strict traditions of authentic Japanese ramen, it proudly stands on its own with a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Forget the hours of simmering bones for a complex broth; our version focuses on quick, accessible ingredients that produce a rich and satisfying taste. It’s the ideal dish for those sudden ramen cravings, offering a delicious alternative without stepping foot outside your door. In fact, it has become a staple in my household, a meal my husband and kids happily slurp up with excitement, no matter how many times it appears on our dinner table. Its consistent appeal proves that great flavor doesn’t always require great effort.
Crafting the Easiest Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup
My philosophy for homemade ramen is all about maximum flavor with minimum fuss, and this recipe embodies that principle perfectly. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this nourishing soup comes together. It calls for a concise list of just 10 common ingredients, meaning you won’t need to embark on a special quest to an Asian market. Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or fridge, or easily found at your local grocery store. What’s even better? From the moment you start chopping to the first satisfying slurp, the entire process takes a mere 15 minutes. Yes, you read that correctly! This quick ramen recipe is faster than ordering takeout and infinitely more rewarding. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute meal ideas, or whenever you need a delicious pick-me-up.
The Secret to a Quick, Flavorful Ramen Broth
Traditional ramen broth is undeniably a labor of love, often requiring hours, sometimes even days, of simmering bones and a medley of ingredients to achieve its profound depth. While we deeply appreciate that artistry, our quick ramen broth takes a different, equally delicious path. We start with high-quality chicken stock as our foundational base, then infuse it with vibrant, fresh aromatics: pungent grated ginger, fragrant minced garlic, and earthy sliced mushrooms. A splash of savory soy sauce and a drizzle of aromatic sesame oil complete the ensemble, creating a beautifully balanced and incredibly flavorful broth. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results, proving that you don’t need to sacrifice taste for speed. This isn’t authentic in the classical sense, but it is undeniably delicious and perfectly suited for our 15-minute ramen journey.
Choosing the Right Noodles for Your Quick Chicken Ramen
For the noodles in this remarkably speedy ramen soup, we embrace convenience without compromising on satisfaction. The humble instant ramen noodle, a nostalgic staple for many, takes center stage here. Don’t worry, we’re not using the entire packet! Simply discard the flavor seasoning that comes with it – we’re crafting our own superior broth, after all. You’ll only need the noodles themselves, which cook up perfectly in minutes, providing that essential chewy texture we all love. If you’re fortunate enough to have access to fresh ramen noodles at a specialty market, by all means, use them! They offer an even more authentic texture. Whichever you choose, be mindful not to overcook them; “al dente” is the goal for that delightful ramen chew.
Endless Possibilities: Delicious Variations and Additions to Your Ramen
One of the best things about this easy chicken ramen soup is its incredible versatility. It’s a fantastic canvas for customization, allowing you to tailor it to your taste, dietary preferences, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it truly your own!
Enhance Your Protein
- Shredded Chicken: My go-to for its sheer convenience is adding cooked shredded chicken. Whether it’s from a store-bought rotisserie chicken or a batch of cooked chicken you’ve prepped and frozen, it’s a fuss-free way to boost the protein. Simply stir it in at the end to warm through.
- Pork Belly: For those who appreciate a richer, more decadent experience, crispy pork belly is an excellent addition. While it will extend your cooking time, the tender, fatty, and flavorful strips are well worth the effort. If you’re looking to try it, this oven-roasted crispy pork belly recipe comes highly recommended.
- Other Proteins: Consider thinly sliced cooked beef, shrimp, or even pan-fried tofu for different flavor and texture profiles.
Make It Vegetarian or Vegan
Transforming this chicken ramen into a vegetarian delight is incredibly simple. Just omit the cooked chicken entirely and substitute the chicken stock with a good quality vegetable stock. To add plant-based protein, consider adding pan-fried cubes of firm or extra-firm tofu, edamame, or chickpeas. These additions will make your vegetarian ramen just as satisfying and flavorful.
The Essential Boiled Egg
A halved boiled egg is practically synonymous with ramen and is a truly wonderful addition, regardless of whether you’re making it with meat or keeping it vegetarian. A perfectly cooked egg, with its creamy yolk and tender white, adds both richness and an extra layer of protein. For tips on achieving that ideal texture, check out my guide on how to make perfect hard-boiled eggs – though a jammy soft-boiled egg is often preferred for ramen!
Boost Your Veggies and Nutrients
Ramen is a fantastic vehicle for sneaking in extra vegetables. Don’t hesitate to bulk up your bowl with your favorite greens and crisp-tender veggies. Some excellent options include:
- Leafy Greens: Fresh spinach, baby bok choy, or kale can be stirred directly into the hot broth just before serving; they’ll wilt beautifully in the residual heat.
- Cruciferous Veggies: Sliced Brussels sprouts, broccoli florets, or even thinly sliced cabbage add a lovely texture and nutritional boost. You can either sauté these with the mushrooms at the beginning of the recipe for a softer bite or roast them separately in the oven for a deeper flavor and added crispness, adding them at the very end.
- Other Favorites: Corn kernels (fresh or frozen), shredded carrots, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts can also add delightful crunch and sweetness.
Garnish and Spice It Up
Don’t forget the finishing touches! A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced scallions are already in the recipe, but consider these additions:
- Heat: A drizzle of chili oil, a dash of Sriracha, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can bring a welcome kick.
- Umami: A sheet of dried nori (seaweed), cut into strips or crumbled, adds a unique oceanic umami flavor.
While this recipe prioritizes speed and ease, I understand some may seek a truly authentic ramen experience. For those yearning to dive deep into traditional ramen-making, this shoyu ramen recipe from Bon Appétit is an excellent place to start your journey.
Easy Chicken Ramen Soup
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 ounces cremini or baby bella mushrooms , sliced
- 1 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 3 garlic cloves , minced
- 6 cups chicken stock
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 packages ramen noodle soup , noodles only
- 1 cup cooked chicken
- Salt , as needed
- 3 scallions , sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds , for topping
Instructions
-
Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced cremini or baby bella mushrooms and cook until they begin to soften, which should take about 3 minutes. Stir in the grated fresh ginger and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
-
Pour the chicken stock and soy sauce into the pot. Increase the heat to bring the broth to a rolling boil.
-
Add the instant ramen noodles (without their flavor packets) to the boiling broth. Cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente – typically just a few minutes. It’s crucial not to overcook the noodles to maintain their perfect texture.
-
Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and sliced scallions. Taste the soup and season with salt if desired, adjusting to your preference.
-
Serve your delicious homemade chicken ramen soup immediately while hot, garnishing generously with toasted sesame seeds on top. Enjoy!