Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Broth – Spicy, Easy, and Packed with Flavor
This fiery chicken ramen with creamy garlic sauce is a spicy, comforting bowl packed with bold flavors. Juicy pan-seared chicken, chewy ramen noodles, and a silky garlic-chili broth come together for an unforgettable one-pot dinner. Quick to make, easy to customize, and made to satisfy your cravings—this cozy ramen will earn a permanent spot in your weeknight meal rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil sesame or vegetable
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons chili paste like sambal oelek
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 4 bricks of ramen noodles discard seasoning packets
- 2 green onions chopped
- 2 soft-boiled eggs halved
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds chili oil, nori strips
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the ChickenSeason the chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in hot oil until golden and cooked through. Rest and slice.
- Step 2: Build the BrothIn the same pan, sauté garlic until golden. Add chili flakes and paste, then stir in chicken broth. Simmer and add cream and soy sauce. Let it bubble gently.
- Step 3: Cook the NoodlesBoil noodles in a separate pot. Drain and set aside.
- Step 4: Assemble Your BowlDivide noodles among bowls. Pour over the hot, creamy broth. Add sliced chicken, egg, green onions, and any toppings.
Notes
Secret Tips for Fiery Chicken Ramen
- Infuse the Oil First: Start by heating your oil and gently simmering garlic and chili flakes for a minute before adding anything else. This deepens the flavor of the broth and gives a restaurant-level richness.
- Use Bone Broth for Extra Depth: Swap standard chicken broth for low-sodium bone broth—it adds a richer base and amps up the protein and collagen content for a more nourishing bowl.
- Balance Heat with a Touch of Sweetness: A half teaspoon of honey or brown sugar balances the fiery chili and enhances the umami notes in the garlic-soy base.
- Add Miso for Umami Boost: Stir in a tablespoon of white miso paste with the cream for extra depth—it blends beautifully with the garlic and chili for a richer, more complex broth.
- Steam Your Eggs Instead of Boiling: For creamier, jammy eggs, steam them for exactly 6.5 minutes instead of boiling. They peel easier and have that perfect custard center.
- Upgrade with Togarashi or Furikake: Finish your bowl with a sprinkle of Japanese seasoning like togarashi for extra spice or furikake for a touch of seaweed and sesame crunch.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Let your chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes after searing. This locks in the juices and makes slicing easier—key to juicy, flavorful toppings.
- Sear in Cast Iron for Texture: If you have a cast iron pan, use it for the chicken—it delivers a gorgeous crispy crust that stands out against the creamy broth.
- Use Fresh Ramen or Udon for a Gourmet Touch: If available, use refrigerated fresh ramen noodles or udon instead of instant bricks. They hold up better in broth and give a more satisfying bite.
- Add a Pop of Acid: A few drops of rice vinegar or lime juice right before serving helps balance the richness of the cream and wakes up all the flavors.