This Creamy Garlic Chicken Ramen Bowl delivers comfort and bold flavor in every spoonful. It’s a rich fusion dish that blends creamy broth, seared chicken, and springy noodles with the punch of garlic and a warming kick of chili. Made in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly evenings or whenever you’re craving an indulgent, slurp-worthy bowl of ramen with a twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ramen is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It combines the deep umami of miso and soy with the richness of cream, the savoriness of garlic, and the heat of chili paste. The tender grilled chicken adds protein, while the green onions and red pepper flakes bring freshness and heat. With simple steps and pantry staples, this dish elevates everyday ramen into a gourmet meal—ideal for weeknights or special comfort food moments.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ramen noodles (2 packs, seasoning discarded)
- Chicken breasts (grilled or pan-seared)
- Sesame oil
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh ginger, grated
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free option)
- Soy sauce
- Chili paste (adjust to taste)
- Miso paste (optional)
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Green onions, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (for garnish)
directions
- In a large pot, heat sesame oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, chili paste, and miso paste. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Meanwhile, cook ramen noodles in a separate pot according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Slice the grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Add the cooked noodles to the broth and heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Divide noodles and broth into two bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
- Extra Spicy: Add more chili paste or drizzle with chili oil just before serving.
- Herbal Finish: Garnish with Thai basil or cilantro for an herbal note.
- Miso-Heavy: Increase the miso paste to 1 tbsp for deeper umami flavor.
- Cheesy Ramen: Stir in grated Parmesan or shredded cheese for an ultra-creamy, cheesy broth.
- Add Veggies: Toss in bok choy, baby spinach, or corn for added texture and nutrition.
- Noodle Swap: Use udon or soba noodles for a different texture or gluten-free noodles if needed.
- Lemon Zest: A bit of lemon zest stirred in at the end can brighten the dish beautifully.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the soup. For best results, store noodles and broth separately to avoid sogginess. This dish is not recommended for freezing due to the dairy content and noodle texture.
FAQs
How do you make creamy garlic chicken ramen?
Creamy garlic chicken ramen is made by simmering garlic and ginger in sesame oil and butter, then adding chicken broth, soy sauce, chili paste, and cream. It’s finished with cooked ramen noodles and sliced chicken for a flavorful, comforting bowl.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, cooked leftover chicken works well—just slice it and add it when serving to warm through.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice depends on how much chili paste and red pepper flakes you use. It can be easily adjusted to your preference.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce. Check your miso paste for gluten if using.
What’s the best chili paste to use?
Sambal oelek, gochujang, or your favorite Asian chili paste all work well depending on your preferred flavor and heat level.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely—it’s a great shortcut. Just slice and warm through in the broth before serving.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a creamy but dairy-free alternative.
What kind of ramen noodles should I use?
Any instant ramen noodles work well—just discard the seasoning packets. Fresh ramen noodles are also great if available.
Can I add a soft-boiled egg?
Yes, a soft-boiled egg makes a delicious addition and adds extra richness to the bowl.
How can I thicken the broth?
Simmer the broth uncovered for a few extra minutes or stir in a spoonful of miso paste or cheese for added body.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Ramen is the perfect fusion of rich, spicy, and comforting flavors—all ready in just 30 minutes. With tender chicken, aromatic broth, and springy noodles, this bowl delivers a restaurant-quality experience at home. Whether you’re seeking warmth, indulgence, or just a better bowl of noodles, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken Ramen Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Ramen combines bold garlic, spicy chili, and rich cream in a cozy ramen bowl. With juicy grilled chicken and slurp-worthy noodles, it’s an easy Asian-fusion comfort dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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2 packs ramen noodles (seasoning discarded)
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2 chicken breasts (grilled or pan-seared)
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tbsp butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp grated ginger
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp chili paste (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp miso paste (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 green onions, chopped
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Red pepper flakes, for garnish
Instructions
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In a large pot, heat sesame oil and butter over medium heat.
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Add garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
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Stir in chicken broth, soy sauce, chili paste, and miso paste. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Add heavy cream and simmer on low for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
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Cook ramen noodles in the broth according to package instructions.
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While noodles cook, slice the prepared chicken breasts.
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Divide noodles and broth into two bowls. Top with chicken, green onions, and red pepper flakes.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
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For extra richness, use bone broth instead of regular stock.
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Adjust chili paste to control spice level.
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Swap chicken for tofu for a vegetarian version.
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Coconut milk offers a great dairy-free creamy alternative with a subtle tropical twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
