This fiery chicken ramen brings a spicy twist to your bowl with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and slurpy noodles, all swimming in a rich, creamy garlic sauce.
Every bite is a flavor explosion! I can’t help but add an extra drizzle of that creamy sauce because, let’s face it, more is always better. 😉
Making this ramen is super easy; just cook the chicken and veggies, toss in the noodles, and watch them soak up that delicious sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their flavor and tenderness. If you prefer white meat, chicken breast works too! Just be careful not to overcook it.
Sriracha Sauce: This adds the fiery kick! If you like it milder, try using less or substitute with a milder hot sauce. You can also use gochujang for a different flavor.
Mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms bring a nice earthy taste, but button mushrooms are an easier find. If you can’t find mushrooms, throw in other veggies like bell peppers or carrots!
Heavy Cream: This creates the creamy texture in the sauce. If you want a lighter version, use coconut milk or half-and-half as a substitute.
How Do I Perfectly Sauté Garlic and Ginger Without Burning Them?
Sautéing garlic and ginger is key for flavor, but it can be tricky! Here are a few tips to get it right:
- Keep the heat on medium; if it’s too high, you’ll risk burning.
- Add garlic and ginger to the hot oil, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. You’re looking for a fragrant smell, not brown bits.
- If they start to brown before adding the next ingredients, lower the heat immediately!
Following these tips will help you achieve that fresh, aromatic base for your ramen!
Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to spice preference)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp miso paste (optional for depth)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 packs fresh or dried ramen noodles
- 1 cup sliced shiitake or button mushrooms
- 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to garnish (optional)
- Soft boiled eggs (optional, for topping)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking. So, in just about 35 minutes, you can have a delicious bowl of fiery chicken ramen ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they’re lightly browned and cooked through, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pot, if needed, add a bit more oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until they’re fragrant but not browned—this will take about 1 minute. Keep an eye on them!
3. Spice it Up:
Add the sriracha sauce to the garlic and ginger, stirring to coat everything evenly. This will give your broth that fiery kick!
4. Build the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, miso paste (if using), sesame oil, and sugar. Mix everything well, then bring it all to a simmer.
5. Add the Mushrooms:
Add the sliced mushrooms into the pot and cook until they’re tender, about 3-4 minutes. They soak up all that delicious flavor!
6. Cook the Noodles:
While your broth is simmering, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions in another pot. Once cooked, drain them and set aside.
7. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream to create a luscious, creamy garlic sauce base. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
8. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked chicken back to the pot, along with your baby spinach or bok choy. Simmer just until the greens are wilted.
9. Serve it Up:
To serve, divide the cooked noodles among bowls. Ladle the fiery creamy chicken broth over the noodles for a hearty bowl of goodness.
10. Garnish for Flavor:
Garnish with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat, soft boiled eggs if you like, and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of freshness.
11. Enjoy!
Serve hot and dig in! This fiery, creamy chicken ramen is sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Alternative Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; for shrimp, cook until pink, and for tofu, ensure it’s nicely browned and heated through!
Is There a Way to Cut Down on the Spice?
If you’re looking to tone down the heat, reduce the amount of sriracha to 1 tablespoon or use a mild hot sauce instead. You can also skip the red pepper flakes when garnishing!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will keep the dish hearty and flavorful without the meat.
How Should I 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 if needed to refresh the sauce!
