Crockpot Chicken Ramen

Introduction

Ramen is one of those universally loved dishes that brings warmth, comfort, and soul-satisfying flavor in every bowl. While traditional ramen can take hours (or even days) to prepare with intricate broths and toppings, Crockpot Chicken Ramen makes it possible to enjoy a rich, flavorful ramen experience at home with minimal effort.

This recipe uses the slow cooker to develop deep umami flavors as the chicken simmers with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and broth for hours, infusing every sip with richness. Toward the end, ramen noodles are added along with fresh toppings like soft-boiled eggs, scallions, and vegetables to create a complete meal.

The result is a comforting, hearty bowl of ramen that tastes like it’s been simmering in a restaurant kitchen all day, but is actually an easy set-it-and-forget-it crockpot recipe.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms a simple chicken-and-noodles concept into something truly special. It’s:

• Comforting: A warm, cozy bowl of noodles and broth.
• Flavor-packed: With soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, every spoonful is layered with umami.
• Hands-off cooking: The crockpot does most of the work while you go about your day.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite ramen toppings to make it your own.
• Perfect for all seasons: Light enough for spring, cozy enough for winter.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try because it combines authentic ramen flavors with crockpot convenience. Instead of slaving over a stovetop broth for hours, the slow cooker does all the work for you, yielding a restaurant-worthy ramen that’s achievable for any home cook. It’s hearty enough for dinner, fun enough for gatherings, and comforting enough for when you need a warm pick-me-up.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time (Crockpot): 4–6 hours on low, or 2–3 hours on high
• Final Noodle/Topping Time: 10–15 minutes
• Total Time: 4.5–6.5 hours

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~430 calories per serving (varies with toppings)
• Course: Main Dish (Soup)
• Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired / Asian Fusion

Ingredients

For the Broth & Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 2 tbsp miso paste (optional, for richer flavor)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
• 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional, for heat)
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Noodles & Toppings

• 6 oz dried ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
• 2 soft-boiled eggs (halved) per person
• 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or button, sliced)
• 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 4 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Nori (seaweed strips, optional)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Broth Base

1. In the crockpot, add chicken, broth, soy sauce, miso paste (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, hoisin, sriracha, and black pepper.
2. Stir lightly to combine.

Step 2: Slow Cook Chicken

1. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender.

Step 3: Shred Chicken

1. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return it to the crockpot.

Step 4: Add Vegetables & Noodles

1. About 10 minutes before serving, add mushrooms, spinach/bok choy, corn, and ramen noodles.
2. Stir occasionally until noodles are tender.

Step 5: Assemble Bowls

1. Ladle hot broth, chicken, veggies, and noodles into bowls.
2. Top with soft-boiled eggs, scallions, sesame seeds, and nori strips.

How to Serve

• Serve ramen hot in deep bowls for a comforting meal.
• Pair with gyoza (dumplings) or spring rolls for a Japanese-style dinner.
• Offer extra soy sauce, chili oil, or sesame oil at the table for customization.

Recipe Tips

1. Use thighs instead of breasts for juicier chicken.
2. Add noodles at the end so they don’t get mushy.
3. If making ahead, cook noodles separately and add when reheating.
4. Adjust broth saltiness by starting with low-sodium soy sauce/broth.
5. Garnish bowls individually so each person can customize.

Variations

• Spicy Ramen: Add more sriracha or chili paste.
• Creamy Ramen: Stir in ½ cup coconut milk or a spoonful of peanut butter.
• Vegetarian Ramen: Replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth.
• Pork Ramen: Swap chicken for pork shoulder, cooked the same way.
• Shortcut Ramen: Use rotisserie chicken and add near the end with noodles.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store broth and chicken separately from noodles for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze just the chicken and broth (no noodles/veggies) for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat broth and chicken on the stovetop, then add fresh noodles and toppings.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot (slow cooker)
• Medium pot (if cooking noodles separately)
• Bowls for serving

FAQ

Q1: Can I cook the noodles in the crockpot the whole time?
No, they’ll turn mushy—always add them at the end.

Q2: Can I use instant ramen noodles?
Yes! Just add them during the last 3–5 minutes of cooking.

Q3: Do I need miso paste?
It’s optional but adds authentic depth. Soy sauce alone will still taste great.

Q4: Can I meal prep this?
Yes, make the broth and chicken ahead, refrigerate or freeze, and add fresh noodles before serving.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken Ramen is proof that you don’t need a restaurant or hours of stovetop simmering to enjoy a steaming, flavorful bowl of ramen at home. With tender chicken, rich broth, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, this dish delivers on both comfort and taste.

It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or cozy weekend meal, customizable for any palate, and a dish the whole family will love. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again—it’s that good!