The Best Spicy Chicken Ramen (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

Hello, my fellow soup lovers! There are few things in this world more deeply comforting and satisfying than a big, steaming bowl of ramen. And today, I’m going to show you how to create a restaurant-quality bowl of Spicy Chicken Ramen in your own kitchen in just 20 minutes. This isn’t your college instant noodle packet; this is the real deal—a rich, savory, and perfectly spicy broth that will warm your soul.

This recipe is a weeknight miracle. We build a surprisingly complex, flavor-packed broth using simple pantry staples, then load it up with chewy ramen noodles, tender cooked chicken, and all the classic toppings. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious way to get your ramen fix without spending hours simmering bones. Get ready to slurp your way to happiness!

Why This is The Ultimate Quick Ramen Recipe

This is the recipe that will make you a ramen hero at home. Here’s why it’s so incredible:

• Ready in 20 Minutes Flat: This is not a drill! You can have a rich, flavorful, and satisfying bowl of homemade ramen on the table in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Incredibly Flavor-Packed Broth: The combination of ginger, garlic, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, and a few other key ingredients creates a broth that tastes like it has been simmering for hours.
• The Perfect Weeknight Comfort Food: It’s warm, savory, a little spicy, and loaded with noodles and chicken. It’s the ultimate hug in a bowl for a busy day.
• Completely Customizable: Use this recipe as a base and add all your favorite ramen toppings! It’s easy to make it your own.

Gather Your Flavorful Ingredients: What You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of powerful pantry staples to create its signature spicy and savory broth.

• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup chili garlic sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup sake (or dry white wine)
• ⅛ cup rice vinegar
• 4 packages ramen noodles (seasoning packets discarded)
• 3 cups chopped, cooked chicken (a rotisserie chicken is perfect for this!)
• 6 ramen eggs, or soft-boiled eggs (optional)
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil, for finishing

Crafting Your Spicy Chicken Ramen: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s get this quick and soulful soup on the table. It comes together in a flash!

1. Build the Aromatic Base: In a Dutch oven or other large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for a minute or two, until they are fragrant and just starting to turn golden brown.

1. Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken stock, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, sake (or white wine), and rice vinegar. Whisk everything together and bring the broth to a simmer. Let it simmer for at least 5 minutes to allow all the wonderful flavors to meld together.
2. Cook the Noodles: While the broth is simmering, cook your ramen noodles in a separate pot of boiling water according to the package directions. Remember to discard the seasoning packets! Once cooked, drain the noodles well.
3. Assemble Your Bowls: This is the fun part! Divide the cooked and drained ramen noodles evenly among six individual bowls.

1. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot, spicy broth over the noodles in each bowl. Top with the cooked chicken, chopped green onions, and a ramen egg (if using). Just before serving, drizzle about a half teaspoon of sesame oil over each bowl. This finishing oil adds an incredible, nutty aroma. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or add a squirt of sriracha if you want even more heat!

Wise Tips for the Best Ramen Experience

• Use Low-Sodium Broth: This is very important! Because we are adding soy sauce, the broth can become overly salty very quickly if you use a regular chicken broth. Always start with low-sodium.
• The Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: The easiest way to get your cooked chicken for this recipe is to buy a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store. Just shred the meat and it’s ready to go!
• Cook Noodles Separately: Never cook your ramen noodles directly in the broth! They will release a lot of starch, which can make your broth cloudy and gummy. Always cook them in a separate pot of water.
• Don’t Skip the Finishing Oil: The final drizzle of toasted sesame oil is a crucial step in authentic ramen. It adds a huge burst of aroma and flavor that really completes the dish.

Delicious Variations & Creative Twists

• Add Veggies: Sautéed sliced mushrooms, wilted bok choy, or a handful of corn are all fantastic additions. You can cook them with the garlic and ginger at the beginning.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamy spicy ramen, stir in a tablespoon or two of peanut butter or a splash of coconut milk into the simmering broth.
• Switch the Protein: This broth is also incredible with thinly sliced pork, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy fried tofu.
• Level Up Your Toppings: Other classic ramen toppings include nori (seaweed sheets), bean sprouts, or a slice of narutomaki (fish cake).

Storing and Reheating Your Ramen

Ramen is always best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, it’s crucial to store the broth and the noodles/toppings separately. If stored together, the noodles will become very mushy. The broth will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the broth on the stovetop and pour it over fresh noodles or the leftover toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Spicy Chicken Ramen

What is chili garlic sauce and where do I find it?
It’s a versatile Asian condiment made from chilies and garlic. It adds both spice and a savory depth. You can find it in the international aisle of most grocery stores. Huy Fong (the rooster brand) is a popular choice.

What are ramen eggs?
They are soft-boiled eggs that have been marinated in a sweet and savory mixture of soy sauce and mirin, which gives them a beautiful brown color and incredible flavor. You can find many easy recipes for them online!

What if I don’t have sake?
A dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is a great substitute. You could also use a dry sherry. If you prefer to omit alcohol, you can use a splash of extra rice vinegar.

Conclusion

This Spicy Chicken Ramen is the perfect proof that you don’t need to spend all day in the kitchen to create a deeply flavorful, comforting, and impressive meal. It’s a recipe that will satisfy your takeout cravings and become a new staple in your quick-dinner rotation. Enjoy every last slurp!