If you have ever craved a comforting bowl of flavorful, soul-warming soup, this Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe will become your new go-to. With tender chicken, fragrant garlic and ginger, silky noodles, and a savory broth enhanced by soy sauce and a hint of sesame oil, this dish is an exquisite blend of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or a cozy bowl to savor, this recipe delivers all the goodness of a restaurant-quality ramen right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish comes together effortlessly with just a handful of accessible ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Using cooked chicken saves time while keeping the soup hearty, and fresh aromatics like garlic and ginger add an inviting warmth.
- Cooked chicken breast or thighs: Provides tender protein and meaty texture; choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for leaner bites.
- Instant ramen noodles: The perfect springy noodles that soak up the broth beautifully, just remember to discard the seasoning packet.
- Chicken broth (low-sodium preferred): Acts as the comforting soup base, allowing you to control salt levels and flavor intensity.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a robust, savory punch that elevates every spoonful.
- Fresh ginger, grated: Brings a bright, slightly spicy freshness that balances the soup’s richness.
- Soy sauce: Enhances umami depth with its salty, slightly sweet character.
- Green onions, chopped: Offers a crisp, mild onion flavor and a pop of color as garnish.
- Sesame oil (optional): A fragrant finishing drizzle that adds warmth and nuttiness to the bowl.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a small amount of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Let them sauté for about one minute until your kitchen fills with their irresistible aroma — this step is crucial for building a flavorful foundation.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth
Next, pour in the chicken broth along with the soy sauce. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 5 to 10 minutes so all those vibrant flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and inviting soup base.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Stir in your pre-cooked chicken pieces, whether sliced or shredded. Let them warm through in the fragrant broth, ensuring each bite will be tender and juicy, perfectly infused with savory goodness.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Now, add the instant ramen noodles directly to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2 to 4 minutes, until they reach that ideal chewy softness that’s so comforting in ramen.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the steaming noodles and broth into serving bowls. Sprinkle generously with chopped green onions for freshness, and if you love a layer of toasty flavor, drizzle a little sesame oil over the top. Serve hot and revel in every slurp!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your bowl with simple garnishes like sliced green onions, a soft-boiled egg, or even a handful of fresh bean sprouts. These add texture, freshness, and that irresistible visual appeal that makes ramen so special.
Side Dishes
Complement your soup with light sides such as steamed edamame, pickled vegetables, or a crisp cucumber salad. These add balance and a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, savory broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe in deep ceramic bowls with elegant chopsticks or wooden spoons for a satisfying, authentic experience. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or a few drops of chili oil if you want a spicy kick that excites the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the noodles separate if possible to avoid them becoming mushy, and add them back right before reheating.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the broth and chicken mixture (without noodles and garnishes) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the broth gently on the stove until hot, then stir in freshly cooked ramen noodles. This keeps the texture just right, ensuring your Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe tastes as delightful as on day one.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, but you will need to cook the chicken fully in the broth before adding the noodles. This might extend the cooking time by about 10 minutes and allows the chicken flavor to deepen the soup.
Is this recipe spicy?
The basic Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe is mild, but you can easily add heat by including chili flakes, sriracha, or a drizzle of chili oil when serving for a spicy twist.
Can I substitute the instant ramen noodles?
Absolutely! Feel free to use fresh ramen noodles, udon, soba, or even rice noodles depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as some noodles cook faster or slower.
What if I want a vegetarian version?
Replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding miso paste can also enhance the umami flavor to make a comforting vegetarian soup.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the broth and chicken ahead of time. Store them separately from the noodles and fresh garnishes. Combine and warm everything just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of warm, nourishing ramen bubbling with flavors you made yourself. This Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Recipe is not only quick and easy but also endlessly satisfying. I encourage you to try it soon — whether for a cozy weeknight or to impress friends with your cooking prowess, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen and heart.
Print
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-inspired
Description
This Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup is a comforting and quick-to-make dish combining tender cooked chicken, flavorful broth, and classic instant ramen noodles. Enhanced with garlic, fresh ginger, soy sauce, and garnished with green onions and sesame oil, it offers a delicious twist on a beloved Japanese-style soup, perfect for a cozy meal in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, sliced or shredded
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant to build the base flavor for your soup.
- Prepare Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce into the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken breast or thighs to the simmering broth, ensuring the meat warms through evenly.
- Cook Noodles: Add the instant ramen noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, approximately 2 to 4 minutes, until tender.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the noodles and broth evenly between bowls. Top each serving with chopped green onions and drizzle with sesame oil if desired for an added layer of flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve the ramen hot, enjoying a quick and satisfying homemade soup that’s perfect for any day.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- Discarding the seasoning packets helps reduce excess sodium.
- Optional sesame oil adds a nutty aroma but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or carrots to enhance nutrition.
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
