Introduction

Fiery Chicken Ramen is a comforting noodle bowl that combines tender, spicy chicken strips with a rich, creamy garlic sauce. This dish delivers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, making it an irresistible meal any day of the week.

A white bowl filled with a rich broth and yellow noodles at the base, topped with sliced white chicken breast arranged in a neat row on one side, and crispy brown fried chicken pieces on top. There is half of a soft-boiled egg with a bright yellow yolk placed on the left side of the bowl. Green leafy vegetables add color on the edges, with a few green herbs sprinkled on top. A woman's hand holding wooden chopsticks is positioned above the bowl, picking up some noodles. The background is a white marble surface with two small white bowls slightly blurred in the distance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
½ cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ cup sliced green onions
½ cup shredded carrots (optional, for crunch)
1 soft-boiled egg, halved (for topping)
Sesame seeds and nori strips (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Add sliced chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly.
Step 4: Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain noodles, toss with sesame oil, and set aside.
Step 6: Divide cooked noodles into serving bowls. Spoon creamy garlic sauce over noodles. Top with fiery chicken, green onions, shredded carrots, and soft-boiled egg halves.
Step 7: Garnish with sesame seeds and nori strips. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Add steamed or sautéed vegetables like bok choy or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
For a vegetarian version, substitute tofu for chicken and use vegetable broth.

Storage

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and sauce gently on the stove, and warm the noodles by briefly dipping them in hot water or microwaving. Assemble just before serving to maintain texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy light brown broth and curly yellow noodles sitting in it. On one side, there are thick slices of grilled chicken with dark grill marks, arranged neatly in a row. Next to the chicken, there is a pile of bright green chopped scallions. Near the scallions, there are small pieces of crispy fried toppings in orange color. A wedge of lime with a light green color rests on the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Simply heat the chicken in the skillet before adding it to the ramen bowls.

What can I substitute for ramen noodles?

You can use other types of noodles like soba, udon, or even spaghetti if ramen is not available. Just cook according to the package instructions.