Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
A fast and satisfying ramen dish with a rich, garlicky cream sauce perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12–14 oz total) (Sub: thighs if you prefer darker meat.)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Mince garlic, grate ginger, and have the ramen ready to drop in. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Sear Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
Aromatics
- In the same pot, lower heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt, scraping up any browned bits.
Add Broth
- Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook Noodles
- Add the ramen noodles and cook 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Make Sauce
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Heat gently and stir until smooth — avoid boiling after cream is added to prevent curdling.
Combine
- Add sliced chicken back into the pot and stir to coat and warm through for 1–2 minutes.
Finish and Season
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro if using.
Notes
For a brighter flavor, try adapting flavors from chimichurri chicken thighs instead of plain-seared breasts. Use low-sodium broth to control final seasoning. Half-and-half will work if needed, but will make the broth slightly less rich.