Savory Chicken Ramen Bowl

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 2 packets of instant ramen noodles (discard flavor packets) - 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced - 2 cups baby spinach - 2 green onions, sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 soft-boiled eggs (optional) - Salt and pepper, to taste - Sesame seeds, for garnish Let’s dive into each ingredient for your Easy Chicken Ramen! First, you need chicken breasts. They add protein and flavor. I like using boneless and skinless because they cook fast. Next, chicken broth is key. It forms the base of the soup. Using low-sodium broth keeps the dish healthy and lets you control the salt. Now, instant ramen noodles are a must. They cook quickly and soak up all the yummy broth. Remember to toss the flavor packets; we will make our own. For added flavor and texture, shiitake mushrooms are perfect. They bring a rich taste that complements the chicken. Baby spinach adds color and nutrients. It wilts nicely in the hot broth. Green onions are great as a fresh topping. They add a mild onion flavor and look pretty. Garlic and ginger pack a punch. Minced garlic gives a strong taste, while grated ginger adds warmth and spice. Soy sauce enhances the broth’s flavor. It adds depth and umami. Sesame oil brings a nice aroma. Just a little goes a long way. Soft-boiled eggs are optional but delicious. They add creaminess to your ramen. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget sesame seeds for a crunchy finish! Gather these ingredients, and you are on your way to a warm and cozy bowl of ramen. {{ingredient_image_1}} To poach chicken breasts perfectly, start with a large pot of water. Bring the water to a gentle boil. Carefully add the chicken breasts. Poach them for 15 to 20 minutes. Check that they are cooked through. Remove them from the pot and let them cool. Then, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This shredded chicken will add great flavor to your ramen. In a large saucepan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté them for about one minute until they smell great. Next, pour in four cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Add one cup of sliced shiitake mushrooms and two tablespoons of soy sauce. Let this mixture cook for five minutes. This broth will be the heart of your ramen. Now, add two packets of instant ramen noodles to the broth. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, which usually take about three to four minutes. Stir them often to keep them from sticking together. Once the noodles are cooked, toss in two cups of baby spinach and the shredded chicken. Let the spinach wilt for about two minutes. If you want to add soft-boiled eggs, now is the time. Boil some eggs in a separate pot for six to seven minutes. After that, place them in an ice bath to cool. Once cooled, peel the eggs and slice them in half. To serve, ladle the ramen into bowls. Top each bowl with half a soft-boiled egg, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your tasty chicken ramen! To make your broth taste great, start by adding soy sauce slowly. Taste as you go. If it’s too salty, add more broth or water. If it’s bland, a pinch of salt can help. Avoid common mistakes like boiling the broth too hard. This can make it cloudy. Always simmer gently for a clear, tasty broth. Texture is key for ramen. You want a mix of soft and crunchy. The noodles should be tender, while the spinach stays bright and fresh. For a beautiful bowl, use deep bowls. Layer your ingredients. Place the soft-boiled egg on top, cut in half. Add green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds for extra flair. Manage your time by multitasking. While the chicken cooks, prep your veggies. Get your broth simmering as you cook the noodles. This saves time and keeps everything warm. To soft-boil eggs, cook them for 6-7 minutes in boiling water. Then, place them in ice water. This makes peeling easy and keeps them soft inside. Pro Tips Perfect Poaching: For tender chicken, ensure the water is simmering gently, not boiling vigorously, to avoid toughening the meat. Flavorful Broth: Enhance the depth of flavor by adding a dash of mirin or rice vinegar to the broth just before serving. Texture Contrast: For added texture, consider topping your ramen with crispy fried shallots or nori for a delightful crunch. Egg Perfection: To achieve the perfect soft-boiled egg, start with eggs at room temperature and place them in boiling water for exactly 6-7 minutes before cooling in an ice bath. {{image_2}} You can swap the chicken for other proteins. Tofu is a great choice. It soaks up flavors well. Shrimp or beef also works nicely. Each option adds its unique taste. For veggies, consider adding carrots or bell peppers. They boost nutrition and flavor. You can also use kale instead of spinach. It has a hearty texture and lots of vitamins. You can adjust the spice level to your liking. Add red pepper flakes for heat. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. If you want a kick, try sriracha or chili oil. Flavor enhancers can transform your ramen. A splash of lime juice brightens the dish. Try adding miso paste for depth. A little goes a long way and adds umami. To make a plant-based version, use vegetable broth. Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Sauté them until golden for extra flavor. Replace eggs with avocado slices for creaminess. You can also add more mushrooms or tofu for protein. A dash of soy sauce or tamari enhances the taste. To keep your leftover ramen fresh, refrigerate it soon after serving. Place the ramen in airtight containers. This helps keep out air and moisture. Always store the broth and noodles together to prevent sogginess. Avoid adding toppings until you are ready to eat. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. Freezing ramen is an option if you have extra. First, let the ramen cool down. Then, separate the broth from the noodles. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. It is best to freeze the noodles and broth separately. This way, the noodles won’t get mushy. When ready to eat, thaw the broth in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a pot and add the noodles until warm. Ramen can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage. If the broth smells off or if you see mold, it’s time to toss it. If the noodles feel slimy, they are no longer safe to eat. Always trust your senses when deciding if food is good or bad. Yes, you can use regular ramen noodles. They will have a chewier texture. Cooking time may vary. Boil them for about 4-5 minutes or until tender. Adjust the broth timing to avoid overcooking. You can use other mushrooms, like button or cremini. Both will add a nice flavor. If you want a different taste, try using diced zucchini or bell peppers instead. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free ramen noodles. Look for brands made from rice or buckwheat. For the broth, ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free. Tamari is a great option. Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Shredded chicken freezes well too. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using. This article guided you through making easy chicken ramen. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, tips, variations, and storage methods. You can adapt recipes to suit your taste and dietary needs. Keep these tips in mind for a great bowl every time. Enjoy the comfort and warmth of homemade ramen, and don't hesitate to get creative with your ingredients. Whether it’s adding spice or trying a new veggie, have fun with it! Cooking is all about experiment and joy.$

A delicious and comforting ramen bowl featuring poached chicken, shiitake mushrooms, and fresh spinach.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 packets instant ramen noodles (discard flavor packets)
1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
2 cups baby spinach
2 pieces green onions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 pieces soft-boiled eggs (optional)
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish sesame seeds

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to boil. Once boiling, gently add the chicken breasts and poach them for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Remove from the pot, let cool slightly, then shred the chicken with two forks.
In a separate large saucepan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour the chicken broth into the saucepan and bring it to a simmer. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and soy sauce to the broth, letting it cook for about 5 minutes.
Add the ramen noodles to the broth, cooking according to package instructions (usually about 3-4 minutes). Stir occasionally to break apart the noodles.
Once the noodles are cooked, add the baby spinach and shredded chicken to the pot, allowing the spinach to wilt for 2 minutes.
Taste the broth and season with salt and pepper if needed.
If using, softly boil the eggs by cooking them in boiling water for 6-7 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath before peeling.
To serve, ladle the ramen into bowls and top each bowl with a soft-boiled egg (halved), sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

Serve the ramen in deep bowls, garnished with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an inviting look. Consider serving with chopsticks and a small side of soy sauce for added flavor.

Keyword chicken, noodles, ramen, soup