Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of perfectly tender chicken, rich broth, and comforting ramen noodles—all prepared with minimal effort. This Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary Japanese-inspired feast that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 4 packs ramen noodles
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Soy sauce to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the mushrooms, chop the green onions, and mince the garlic. Set these aside for later use.
- In your slow cooker, combine the chicken broth and water. Stir gently to mix the two liquids together.
- Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the broth mixture. This will help them cook evenly and stay moist.
- Next, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the slow cooker. These ingredients will infuse the broth with flavor as they cook.
- Season the mixture with soy sauce to your taste. Start with a few tablespoons and adjust later if needed. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow cooking process will make the chicken tender and allow the flavors to meld.
- After 4 hours, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add the ramen noodles to the slow cooker. Stir to ensure the noodles are submerged in the broth. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Once the noodles are cooked, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce if necessary. Stir in the chopped green onions for a fresh flavor.
- Serve the chicken ramen hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade slow cooker chicken ramen!
Tips
- Use fresh chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor. Frozen chicken can work, but may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
- Don't rush the cooking process. The 4-hour slow cooking time is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors and ensuring the chicken is incredibly tender.
- For extra umami, consider adding a splash of mirin or rice vinegar to the broth for complexity.
- If you prefer a spicier ramen, add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes when seasoning.
- To prevent mushy noodles, add them only in the last 10 minutes of cooking and stir gently.
- For a more authentic touch, top your ramen with soft-boiled eggs, nori seaweed, or additional fresh green onions before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the noodles' texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
