If you have been searching for a soul-warming, effortless meal that fills your home with an inviting aroma, look no further than this Crockpot Chicken Ramen Recipe. Bursting with rich, savory flavors from tender slow-cooked chicken, fragrant ginger, and garlic, this dish delivers comfort in every slurp. It’s a delightful harmony of textures and tastes, from soft noodles to crisp spinach and bright green onions, making it an irresistible dinner that’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a cozy bowl of goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Chicken Ramen Recipe uses a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that elevates this soup from everyday to extraordinary.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The star protein that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a rich, savory base without overwhelming saltiness.
- 2 cups water: Helps balance the broth and keep the soup light but flavorful.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a subtle saltiness essential for Asian-inspired ramen.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that brightens the broth beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that defines the classic ramen taste.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a warm, zesty kick that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Essential for that unmistakable savory punch and aroma.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the savory ingredients with a touch of sweetness.
- 1–2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional): A spicy boost for those who love a little heat.
- 3 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets): Creates the silky, comforting noodles central to every ramen bowl.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds crunch and a flash of bright color.
- 2 cups baby spinach: A fresh, tender green that wilts into the broth for extra nutrition.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Provides a mild onion flavor and crisp contrast as a garnish.
- Soft-boiled eggs and sesame seeds (for garnish, optional): Classic ramen toppings that add richness and texture.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Ramen Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by placing the chicken, chicken broth, water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce (if you’re adding heat) into your crockpot. Give everything a good stir to combine these rich, fragrant ingredients into a luscious, flavor-packed broth that will work its magic while slow cooking.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover your crockpot and cook the mixture on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender, making it easy to shred apart. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks, then return it to the broth so it can soak up even more flavor.
Step 3: Add Noodles and Vegetables
Next, toss in the ramen noodles and shredded carrots. Cover and cook on high for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the noodles just turn tender. Finally, stir in the baby spinach until it wilts gently into the soup, adding freshness and vibrant color to your Crockpot Chicken Ramen Recipe.
Step 4: Final Touch and Serving Prep
Once everything is perfectly cooked, ladle your steaming ramen into bowls. You can add slices of green onion, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and if you like, a beautifully soft-boiled egg to crown your dish. These finishing touches take your cozy bowl to the next level of deliciousness.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Ramen Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you get to personalize your ramen bowl. Thinly sliced green onions introduce a sharp freshness, while sesame seeds add a little crunch and nutty depth. Soft-boiled eggs are an absolute dream—creamy yolks melt into the broth, enriching every bite. Don’t hesitate to get creative and add additional toppings like mushrooms or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick.
Side Dishes
While this Crockpot Chicken Ramen Recipe shines as a complete meal, simple sides can complement it beautifully. Consider light Asian-inspired salads with cucumber and sesame dressing, or steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt. For something heartier, crunchy spring rolls provide an excellent textural contrast that guests will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your ramen in rustic bowls that highlight the vibrant colors and textures inside. Layer the noodles first, then ladle the broth and chicken mixture on top, finishing with fresh greens and garnishes arranged artfully. For impressing friends, serve with themed chopsticks and small dipping bowls for chili sauce or soy sauce on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Chicken Ramen Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the noodles and broth together for best flavor, and gently reheat on the stove or microwave before serving. The soup might thicken a bit, so add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if needed.
Freezing
Freezing this ramen can be a bit tricky because of the noodles, which tend to get mushy. To freeze, keep the chicken and broth separate from the noodles. Store the broth and shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Freeze the noodles separately and combine them fresh when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
When reheating, warm up the chicken and broth gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the broth is too thick, add a little broth or water to restore its silky texture. Reheat the noodles separately to avoid overcooking and add them to the hot broth right before serving to preserve their bite and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Crockpot Chicken Ramen Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, making them a perfect choice. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless for ease of shredding and a smoother broth.
Do I have to use instant ramen noodles?
While instant ramen noodles are convenient and cook quickly in the crockpot, you can experiment with fresh ramen noodles or even other varieties like soba or rice noodles. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes chili garlic sauce or sriracha as optional ingredients, so you can control the heat level. Leave it out for a milder bowl or add a bit more if you love some fiery kick in your soup.
Can this Crockpot Chicken Ramen Recipe be made vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavor profile will be different but still delicious and comforting.
How do I get the soft-boiled eggs just right?
Soft-boiled eggs usually take about 6-7 minutes in boiling water. Once cooked, immediately place them in an ice bath to stop cooking and make peeling easier. The yolks should be creamy and just set, perfect for ramen.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a warm bowl of ramen made simply and slowly with love, and this Crockpot Chicken Ramen Recipe absolutely delivers that cozy magic. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend treat, this dish promises comfort, flavor, and happiness in every spoonful. Give it a try—you may just find your new favorite go-to meal for chilly evenings and any time you crave a hug in a bowl.
Print
Crockpot Chicken Ramen Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (Low) or 3 hours (High)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Crockpot Chicken Ramen is a comforting and flavorful slow cooker recipe that combines tender shredded chicken with a savory broth, instant ramen noodles, fresh vegetables, and optional garnishes like soft-boiled eggs and sesame seeds. Perfect for an easy, cozy meal, it requires minimal prep and delivers hearty Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional, for heat)
Noodles and Vegetables
- 3 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 green onions, sliced
Garnishes (Optional)
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken, chicken broth, water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce (if using) into the crockpot. Stir everything together to combine the flavors evenly.
- Slow Cook Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or on High for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred it thoroughly using two forks, then return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot to soak in the flavorful broth.
- Add Noodles and Vegetables: Add the instant ramen noodles and shredded carrots to the crockpot. Cover and cook on High for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the noodles are just tender. Stir in the baby spinach until it wilts.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the ramen soup into bowls. Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and soft-boiled eggs if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of coconut milk or a spoonful of miso paste at the end of cooking.
- You can customize the ramen by adding mushrooms, bok choy, or corn for additional flavor and texture.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the chili garlic sauce or sriracha.
- Soft-boiled eggs add protein and a creamy texture but can be omitted for a simpler meal.
