Chicken Ramen

Chicken Ramen is a quick and flavorful dinner that comes together with simple ingredients and a few pantry sauces. Tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and ramen noodles are tossed in a savory homemade sauce for a meal that tastes like takeout but is easy to make at home.

It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you need something filling, affordable, and ready fast.

Recipe Snapshot

• Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive ramen noodles and simple vegetables
• Family-Tested: A quick dinner that even picky eaters enjoy
• Real-Life Prep Time: About 30 minutes
• Method: Stovetop skillet meal
• Freezer-Friendly: Best enjoyed fresh
• Best For: Busy weeknights, quick dinners, takeout-style meals at home

Ingredients

• Instant Ramen Noodles – The base of the dish. Discard the seasoning packets and use the noodles for this homemade sauce instead.
• Olive Oil  – Used to cook the chicken and vegetables while adding flavor and helping everything sauté evenly.
• Cloves Garlic, minced – Adds a bold savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the soy-based sauce.
• Fresh Ginger  – Gives the dish a warm, slightly spicy flavor that enhances the Asian-inspired sauce.
• Onion – Adds flavor and a little sweetness as it cooks with the vegetables.
• Red Bell Pepper – Brings color, texture, and mild sweetness to the dish.
• Diced Broccoli – Adds a fresh vegetable element and pairs well with the savory sauce.
• Shredded Carrots – Provide a slight sweetness and quick-cooking texture.
• Chicken Breasts or Thighs – The main protein that makes this ramen hearty and filling.
• Salt & Pepper – Simple seasoning to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
• Sesame Oil  – Drizzled at the end for a rich, nutty flavor.
• Sesame Seeds – Adds a little crunch and garnish to the finished dish.
• Diced Green Onions  – Brightens the dish with fresh flavor and color.
• Soy Sauce – The savory base of the sauce that gives the ramen its rich flavor.
• Hoisin Sauce – Adds a sweet and slightly tangy depth to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar – Balances the flavors with a touch of acidity.
• Sriracha Sauce – Adds mild heat that can easily be adjusted to taste.
• Brown Sugar – Provides a hint of sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce.

How to Make Chicken Ramen

Step 1 – Boil the ramen noodles one minute less than the time listed on the package instructions in a large stock pot with cool water.  Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to stop them from cooking further. 

Step 2 – Toss the cooled noodles with 1 Tablespoons olive oil. Set aside. 

Step 3 – In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients until combined. Set aside.  

Step 4 – Heat the remaining olive oil in a large sauce pan over medium high heat.  Add the chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until browned on both sides.

Step 5 – Add the vegetables to the pan and add in more oil if needed. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.  

Step 6 – Add the sliced chicken and veggies and continue to cook until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165 degrees F). 

Step 7 – Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and toss to thoroughly coat them all with the sauce.

Step 8 – Add in the noodles and toss with tongs until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce and the chicken and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the noodles.  

Step 9 – Drizzle the sesame oil on top and toss to coat. Serve topped with the sesame seeds and scallions. Enjoy!  

Tips for Success

• Noodles – Cook the noodles slightly under the package time so they do not become mushy when tossed with the sauce.
• Prepare Chicken – Cut the chicken into small bite-size pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly.
• Cooking Vegetables – Use high heat when sautéing to keep the vegetables crisp.
• Cooking Chicken – Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F.

Variations & Substitutions

• Use rotisserie chicken – Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken for an even faster dinner.
• Swap the vegetables – Snow peas, mushrooms, spinach, shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, zucchini, or snap peas all work well.
• Make it spicier – Add extra sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Use different protein – Try shrimp, ground chicken, or thinly sliced steak.
• Low-carb option – Substitute zucchini noodles or cabbage noodles.

Storage, Leftovers & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles.
• Best Fresh – This easy homemade chicken ramen recipe is best enjoyed right after cooking since ramen noodles can become soft when stored.