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Spicy Chili Garlic Ramen with Chicken + Veggies

May 30, 2024
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

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This Spicy Chili Garlic Ramen with Chicken + Veggies is a healthy + easy dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners, featuring tender chicken, crisp veggies, and hearty ramen noodles all swimming in a spicy chili garlic broth.

Spicy Chili Garlic Ramen with Chicken + Veggies

Get ready to fire up your taste buds with our Spicy Chili Garlic Ramen with Chicken + Veggies! This mouthwatering dish features tender chicken, crisp veggies, and hearty ramen noodles, all bathed in a spicy chili garlic broth. It's a flavor-packed meal that's perfect for satisfying your craving for something bold + comforting. Vegan + Gluten-free Option.

Up close shot of spicy chicken ramen in a black plate.
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What Is Ramen?

Ramen is a beloved Japanese noodle soup known for its comforting blend of wheat noodles immersed in a flavorful broth. This iconic dish boasts a rich history and has evolved into various regional styles across Japan. Typically, ramen features a variety of toppings such as tender slices of meat, topped with vegetables, chili, herbs + more adding layers of texture and taste to each bowl.

Ingredients on a white and black table.

What You’ll Love About This Spicy Chili Garlic Ramen with Chicken + Veggies

Once you make and eat this healthy Spicy Chili Garlic Ramen with Chicken + Veggies – you’ll fall in absolute love. Haha. More importantly, here are also the reasons why you’ll love it the most:

  • Bursting with spicy chili + garlic flavors
  • Wholesome + oh-so-nourishing ingredients
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings
  • Bursting with rich flavor in every slurp
  • A healthier alternative to store-bought ramen
  • Provides warmth + comfort on any occasion
Chopped cooked chicken on a cutting board with a knife.

Main Components Of Ramen

Broth + flavorings --- The heart of a satisfying ramen bowl lies in its flavorful broth or soup base. Typically crafted from chicken or pork stock, or for a vegan option, vegetable stock.

Noodles --- Ramen noodles are typically made with wheat flour, salt, water, and a mineral called kansui, which gives them their chewy texture and color. They come in different shapes and thicknesses. For a gluten-free option, you can use rice noodles instead.

Toppings --- Traditional Japanese ramen toppings offer a world of variety, featuring sliced meats like chicken or pork belly, along with bean sprouts, nori (dried seaweed), scallions, bamboo shoots, and ramen eggs. However, feel free to let your creativity flow; I've tailored this ramen recipe to suit my personal taste, and you can do the same!

Chopped veggies on a cutting board with a knife.

Ingredients

Alright, let's break down how we make this ramen, don't worry it's easy! First up, we've got to prep the chicken, I used my shredded chicken recipe, however if you prefer it in chunky bites feel free to customize. After that, it's time to whip up the delicious ramen broth + noodles, and finally, we get to add all the tasty toppings!

RAMEN:

  • Ramen noodles. I like to use the brand Mike's Mighty Noodles. But feel free to use what's available to you. For a gluten-free option, Lotus Foods does an AMAZING brown rice version.
  • Extra virgin olive oil. Feel free to use your favorite high-quality EVOO. My fave tried and trusted brand is California Olive Ranch.
  • Bell pepper. Thinly sliced.
  • Jalapeño. They add a nice level of heat to the ramen.
  • Carrots. Peeled + thinly sliced.
  • Garlic cloves. Minced.
  • Coconut amino. This is a great soy-free option; But you can use Tamari sauce or regular soy sauce, if desired.
  • Chili oil or sauce. For a little more spiciness.
  • Chicken or veggie stock. You can also use chicken bone broth as well.
  • Green onion stalks. Aka scallions, chopped.
  • Sesame seeds. Adds a nice flavor + crunch but they are optional.
  • Sea salt + black pepper. To taste.
  • Garlic powder. This adds another level of umami garlic goodness.
  • Chicken breasts. Sliced (You can follow the steps of my Easy Shredded Chicken recipe and slice them instead of shredding them!)
  • Broccoli florets. Optional.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS RAMEN!

Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Spicy Chili Garlic Ramen with Chicken + Veggies. Everything from my fave baking sheet, skillet, mixing bowls, cooking thongs, cooking utensils, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Ramen in a black wok with a wooden spoon.

Is Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup Healthy?

Absolutely! Homemade chicken ramen soup is much more healthy than store-bought 'packet ramen', which often includes high levels of sodium, preservatives, artificial flavors, etc. Plus, you have a lot more control over the ingredients used in this recipe and you're able to purchase organic, healthy ingredients to make up your nourishing soup and provide you with loads of vitamins and nutrients.

Why Should I Add Chicken Bone Broth?

I truly love adding bone broth to many of my soups for that extra nourishment and it really does do the trick! In case you aren't familiar, bone broth is the clear, protein-rich liquid obtained by simmering meaty joints (in this case chicken) and bones in water to pull the nutrients out. Much like regular stock, bone broth can be used as a great base for soups, stews, and risottos---although, I love drinking it warm in a mug whenever I'm sick or need some aid in my recovery. My fave brands are Bare & Bones as well as Kettle & Fire.

Breakdown of health benefits:

  • Good for digestion and gut health
  • May support immune function
  • May support joint health
  • May help promote sleep
Chicken ramen in two black bowls with forks and sesame seeds.

More Ramen Topping Ideas

I'm always up for more ramen toppings, but sometimes there's only so much room in the bowl… Here are some extra topping ideas to consider!

  • Soft-boiled or marinated ramen eggs aka Ajitsuke Tamago are a very traditional topping.
  • Seaweed sheets (nori) torn into strips for a savory taste!
  • Bean sprouts for a refreshing crunch
  • Sliced mushrooms. Shiitake, enoki, or shimeji for umami richness.
  • Spinach or other leafy greens for added nutrition
  • Garlic chips or fried shallots for extra crunch and flavor
  • Pickled ginger or radish for tanginess and brightness
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Furikake (Japanese seasoning) for an extra umami boost!

How To Make Vegan Ramen?

Even though this ramen recipe is called 'Spicy Chili Garlic Ramen with Chicken', you can easily make it vegan or vegetarian. Just switch out the chicken broth for veggie broth, and instead of chicken, go for your favorite vegan protein like tofu, tempeh, or a vegan chicken substitute. Feel free to add any other vegan-friendly ingredients you like to make it your own!

Chicken ramen in a black bowl with a spoon and fork on a white and black table.

Nourishing Homemade Chicken Ramen Q + A's

What's the best way to store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, for optimal freshness. Can also be frozen for 4-6 months. To defrost, simply place soup in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature before reheating on the stovetop to serve.

How can I make this easy ramen recipe gluten-free?

You can simply opt for a gluten-free ramen noodle or rice noodles. Lotus Foods does an AMAZING brown rice version. Be sure to check the labels on the broths + soy sauce/tamari to ensure it is all GF.

Is homemade spicy chicken ramen suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Homemade chicken ramen can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days. Simply reheat the broth and toppings separately before assembling to enjoy a quick and satisfying meal throughout the week.

Is this healthy ramen recipe spicy?

Yes, this ramen recipe is spicy--- However, if desired, you can reduce the amounts slightly. Please know that this recipe is bold in spice/herb flavor, so feel free to adjust based on your tastebuds.

More Spicy Comforting Meals

If you enjoyed this healthy + easy Spicy Chili Garlic Ramen with Chicken + Veggies recipe, make sure to add these irresistible dishes to your "must-make next" list!

Up close shot of spicy chicken ramen in a black plate.

Spicy Chili Garlic Ramen with Chicken + Veggies [Soy-Free]

May 30, 2024
5 from 1 vote
Get ready to fire up your taste buds with our Spicy Chili Garlic Ramen with Chicken + Veggies! This mouthwatering dish features tender chicken, crisp veggies, and hearty ramen noodles, all bathed in a spicy chili garlic broth. It's a flavor-packed meal that's perfect for satisfying your craving for something bold + comforting.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 2 servings

Ingredients

RAMEN:

  • 4 (2.5 oz) pacakages organic ramen noodles
  • 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 Jalapeño, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled + thinly sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 Tbsps coconut amino (This is a great soy-free option; But you can use Tamari sauce or regular soy sauce, if desired)
  • 1-2 Tbsps chili oil or sauce
  • 4 cups chicken or veggie stock, organic (You can also use chicken bone broth as well)
  • 2 green onion stalks, chopped
  • 2 tsps sesame seeds
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced (You can follow the steps of my Easy Shredded Chicken recipe and slice them instead of shredding them!)
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, optional

Instructions

TO PREP + COOK THE CHICKEN:

TO MAKE THE RAMEN:

  • In a medium dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic, chopped bell peppers, carrots, jalapeños, and green onions, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder and stir together until combined and veggies are coated.
  • Add in the chicken stock, coconut aminos, and ramen noddles, stirring everything together until combined. Bring everything to a boil. NOTE: If using broccoli florets, you would add them in at this point!
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-6 minutes or until the ramen noddles are separated and softened. Add the chili oil or sauce and additional salt, to taste if necessary. NOTE: There shouldn't be a lot of liquid left once the noddles and veggies are cooked through and tender. If you'd like more broth, add additional chicken stock and simmer for another 5 minutes or so.
  • Remove from heat and serve immediately into prepared bowl(s) and top with sesame seeds, chili oil (if using), sliced cooked chicken breasts, and enjoy with a side of crackers, if desired.
  • Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

  • STORAGE: Leftovers can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, for optimal freshness. Can also be frozen for 4-6 months. To defrost, simply place soup in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature before re-heating on the stove top to serve.
  • BONE BROTH: Bone broth has incredible health benefits which include: immune boosting properties, good for digestion + gut health, joint health, etc.; However, if you'd like to make this soup vegan----be sure to omit the bone broth and sub with additional veggie stock.
  • SPICES/HERBS: If desired, you can reduce the amounts slightly. Please know that this recipe is bold in spice/herb flavor, so feel free to adjust based on your tastebuds.
  • GLUTEN-FREE: To ensure that this ramen is GF, be sure to use GF-friendly noodles as well as chicken or veggie stock. 

Nutrition

Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 1092mg | Potassium: 67mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg

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Xx, Shanika in script writing

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