If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and absolutely soul-satisfying, this Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make bowl of goodness that combines tender cooked chicken, flavorful broth, and those perfect springy ramen noodles, all coming together in harmony. Whether you’re looking to cozy up on a chilly day or need a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste, this recipe gives you that rich ramen experience from scratch without the fuss. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want to keep it in your regular meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s where the magic begins with ingredients that are simple, straightforward, and each play a starring role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe. None of these items are fancy, but together they transform a humble dish into something truly memorable.
- Cooked chicken breast or thighs (2 cups): Provides tender, hearty protein that soaks up all the delicious broth flavors.
- Instant ramen noodles, 2 packs (discard seasoning packet): Quick-cooking noodles that bring the authentic chewy texture we all love in ramen.
- Chicken broth, 4 cups (low-sodium preferred): The flavorful base that ties everything together, richer and more nuanced than water.
- Garlic, 2 cloves minced: Adds that irresistible aromatic punch that wakes up the entire soup.
- Fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon grated: Lends warmth and a subtle zing that perfectly complements the garlic.
- Soy sauce, 2 tablespoons: A dash of umami that enhances the depth and savoriness of the broth.
- Green onions, 2 chopped: Brings brightness and a fresh crunch to the finished dish.
- Sesame oil, 1 teaspoon (optional): A fragrant, nutty drizzle for that picture-perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a small amount of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing them together for about one minute until they become fragrant and just beginning to golden. This step is crucial because it unlocks the bold flavors that will infuse every spoonful of your soup.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Next, pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it gently bubble for 5 to 10 minutes. This simmering gives the broth time to absorb the wonderful garlic, ginger, and soy essence, making your Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe taste like it’s been bubbling all day.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Stir in your pre-cooked chicken slices or shredded meat, allowing them to warm through in the seasoned broth. This step not only heats the chicken but also deepens the savory notes within the soup. Using cooked chicken speeds things up and lets the soup shine.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Drop your ramen noodles into the simmering pot, cooking according to the package instructions (generally 2 to 4 minutes). Watch them soften and become delightfully springy, soaking up the broth’s flavor. If you like your noodles firmer or softer, adjust the timing to your preference.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the noodles are cooked and the chicken is hot through, ladle your soup right into bowls. Top with the freshly chopped green onions and, if you want to take it to the next level, a gentle drizzle of sesame oil. This finishing touch adds a layer of warmth and complexity that feels like a little miracle in every bite.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are a classic and reliable choice for garnishing, adding a burst of freshness and color. Feel free to add a few extras like a soft-boiled egg, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or some thinly sliced chili if you like a bit of heat. These simple additions elevate the presentation and taste without overpowering the comforting broth and chicken.
Side Dishes
This soup shines beautifully on its own, but pairing it with light, complementary sides can make your meal even more special. Think steamed edamame with a pinch of sea salt, a small cucumber salad with rice vinegar, or even simple vegetable gyoza. These balance the richness of the soup and add variety to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe in rustic bowls with chopsticks resting across the top for a traditional feel. Alternatively, for a fun twist, try layering the noodles first, then ladling the broth and chicken over so the different textures are showcased when you unearth each bite. Playing with presentation can make enjoying ramen even more enjoyable for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the noodles separate if possible to avoid them becoming overly soft and mushy—this helps maintain the texture when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the broth and chicken mixture (without the noodles) for up to 2 months. Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for convenience. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat and add fresh noodles before serving for the best experience.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the broth and chicken gently in a pot over medium heat until heated through. If you stored the noodles separately, cook a fresh batch or reheat them quickly in boiling water, then combine. Finish with fresh garnishes as desired, and you’ll have a bowl just as satisfying as the first.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe. Just shred or slice it before adding to the broth to make your meal even easier and faster to prepare.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh ginger?
If fresh ginger isn’t on hand, you can use about 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger instead. It won’t be quite as vibrant as fresh, but it will still lend that warm, slightly spicy note to the soup.
Is it necessary to discard the seasoning packets from the ramen noodles?
Yes, it’s best to discard the seasoning packets because they can be overly salty and don’t contribute to the authentic taste we’re aiming for with this Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe. The broth and soy sauce provide all the flavor you need.
Can I add vegetables to this ramen soup?
Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, baby spinach, bok choy, or shredded carrots make great additions. Add them during the broth simmering step or just before the noodles to keep their texture fresh and vibrant.
What type of soy sauce is best for this recipe?
A low-sodium soy sauce is ideal to keep the broth balanced and prevent it from becoming too salty. However, regular soy sauce works fine if you taste and adjust as you go.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe is a delightful, comforting meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. It brings together simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a bowl of warmth and happiness any day of the week. Invite some friends over, cozy up, and dive into this soup—it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
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Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
A quick and comforting Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup that combines tender cooked chicken, savory broth enriched with garlic and ginger, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy recipe makes for a satisfying meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, sliced or shredded
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet)
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant to release their flavors into the oil.
- Prepare Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together for a rich and savory base.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken pieces, warming them through in the hot broth so the meat absorbs some of the flavorful soup.
- Cook Noodles: Add the instant ramen noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, which typically takes about 2 to 4 minutes, until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Assemble and Garnish: Divide the noodles and broth evenly into serving bowls. Top each bowl with the chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil if desired, adding an extra layer of aroma and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot immediately for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- Discard the seasoning packets from the instant ramen as they tend to be high in sodium.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the soup.
- For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of chili oil or crushed red pepper flakes during the broth simmer step.
- Optional vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bok choy can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
- The sesame oil is optional but adds a nice nutty aroma; omit if avoiding oil or sesame.
