Name: Simple Homemade Chicken Ramen
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skin-on); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season; 1 Tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tsp sesame or vegetable oil; 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced; 1 Tbsp fresh garlic, minced; 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 2 Tbsp mirin; 4 cups rich chicken stock; 1 oz dried shiitake mushrooms (or ½ cup fresh); 1–2 tsp sea salt, to taste; 2 large eggs; ½ cup scallions, sliced; 2 (3 oz) packs dried ramen noodles; Optional: fresh jalapeño or chili slices, for serving

Why Make This Recipe

Making simple homemade chicken ramen is a great way to enjoy a comforting bowl of noodles without the hassle of going out. It’s easy to make, full of flavors, and can be customized to your liking. This recipe uses fresh ingredients and provides a rich broth, giving you the warmth and satisfaction that ramen is known for. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to impress your family and friends with a delicious meal made right at home.

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How to Make Simple Homemade Chicken Ramen

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts (boneless, skin-on)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 tsp sesame or vegetable oil
2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
1 Tbsp fresh garlic, minced
3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 Tbsp mirin
4 cups rich chicken stock
1 oz dried shiitake mushrooms (or ½ cup fresh)
1–2 tsp sea salt, to taste
2 large eggs
½ cup scallions, sliced
2 (3 oz) packs dried ramen noodles
Optional: fresh jalapeño or chili slices, for serving

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken skin-side down and cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Transfer it to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Cover with foil once done.
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking until softened. Stir in the soy sauce and mirin, then add the chicken stock. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, adding the mushrooms for the last 10 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
For the soft-boiled eggs, simmer the eggs in boiling water for 7-8 minutes. Then, transfer them to an ice bath to cool before peeling.
Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes. Slice the cooked chicken and prepare your toppings. To serve, place noodles in bowls, pour in the broth, add chicken, scallions, jalapeño if using, and half an egg. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Simple Homemade Chicken Ramen

To serve your homemade chicken ramen, place the noodles into deep bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, ensuring each bowl gets plenty of mushrooms and chicken. Add the sliced scallions and optional jalapeño for an extra kick. Finish with half of a soft-boiled egg on top. This beautiful presentation will surely impress your guests!

How to Store Simple Homemade Chicken Ramen

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the noodles separate from the broth to avoid sogginess. The ramen is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the broth and noodles in a pot on the stove.

Tips to Make Simple Homemade Chicken Ramen

Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for better flavor.
Season the broth to your taste; you can always add more salt or soy sauce.
Don’t skip the soft-boiled eggs; they make the dish richer!
You can add more toppings like nori, corn, or bok choy for added flavor and texture.

Variation

You can easily make this ramen vegetarian by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and replacing the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables like mushrooms and bok choy.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time. Just add it to the broth to heat it through when serving.

Can I freeze the ramen?
It’s best not to freeze the noodles. However, you can freeze the broth and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Prepare fresh noodles when you thaw the broth.

How spicy is this recipe?
The spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. The jalapeño slices are optional, so feel free to leave them out or use less if you prefer a milder broth.