Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Experience the comforting flavors of ramen in a convenient slow cooker dish that simmers all day for a rich, fulfilling meal.
This slow cooker chicken ramen-inspired soup is the perfect weeknight meal. Just toss in the ingredients and let your slow cooker do all the work. The end result is a flavorful, hearty soup that brings comfort and warmth, reminiscent of your favorite ramen shop.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, savory broth that warms the soul
- Easy preparation with minimal cleanup
- Offers a delightful twist on traditional ramen
The Comfort of Ramen at Home
Ramen is more than just a meal; it's an experience that brings warmth and comfort to the soul. This Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup captures the essence of traditional ramen while making it accessible for any home cook. The tender chicken, rich broth, and vibrant vegetables come together to create a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
With this recipe, you can enjoy the deep, savory flavors of ramen without the need for hours of preparation. The slow cooker takes care of the hard work, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully over time. Whether you're coming home from a long day or hosting a cozy gathering, this soup is sure to impress.
Cooking with Convenience
One of the standout features of this slow cooker recipe is its convenience. Simply toss all the ingredients into the pot, set it, and forget it! This hands-off approach makes it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. You can prepare it in the morning and return home to the delightful aroma of a home-cooked meal ready to serve.
Additionally, with minimal cleanup required, you'll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creation. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on savoring every bite of this comforting ramen-inspired soup.
A Healthier Ramen Option
This slow cooker chicken ramen-inspired soup is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to takeout ramen. By using fresh ingredients like bok choy, mushrooms, and carrots, you're adding essential nutrients to your meal. The chicken thighs provide a good source of protein, while the homemade broth is free of preservatives and artificial flavors commonly found in instant ramen packs.
Moreover, you have complete control over the seasoning and can adjust it to your taste preference. If you prefer a lower sodium option, simply reduce the soy sauce or use a low-sodium chicken broth. This way, you can indulge in a comforting bowl of ramen without the guilt.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create a delicious ramen-inspired soup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup chopped bok choy
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Soft-boiled eggs (optional, for serving)
Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your slow cooker chicken ramen soup.
Prepare the Ingredients
In a slow cooker, place the chicken thighs at the bottom. Add the chicken broth and water on top.
Add Vegetables and Flavorings
Add mushrooms, bok choy, carrot, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
Finish the Soup
Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Add Noodles
About 30 minutes before serving, add the ramen noodles to the soup and stir to combine.
Serve
Serve hot, garnished with soft-boiled eggs if desired.
Enjoy your homemade slow cooker chicken ramen-inspired soup!
Tips for Perfecting Your Soup
To enhance the flavor of your slow cooker chicken ramen-inspired soup, consider adding additional spices or herbs during the cooking process. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil can introduce a pleasant heat, while fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add a refreshing twist when served.
If you want to incorporate more vegetables, feel free to add bell peppers, spinach, or even snap peas. Just be mindful of adding delicate greens toward the end of cooking to retain their vibrant color and crunch.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the soup even more delicious the next day! When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from becoming too soggy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup without the noodles. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop. Add fresh ramen noodles during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they are perfectly cooked.
Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker chicken ramen-inspired soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a simple green salad dressed with sesame vinaigrette or some crispy spring rolls for added texture.
To elevate your dining experience, offer toppings like sliced jalapeños, sesame seeds, and lime wedges at the table. This way, everyone can customize their bowl to their liking, making it a fun and interactive meal for family and friends.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may become drier than thighs when cooked for long periods.
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving.
→ What can I substitute for bok choy?
You can use spinach, kale, or Swiss chard as a substitute for bok choy.
→ Is this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free ramen noodles and check that your soy sauce is gluten-free.
Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup
Experience the comforting flavors of ramen in a convenient slow cooker dish that simmers all day for a rich, fulfilling meal.
Created by: Harriet Collins
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup chopped bok choy
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Soft-boiled eggs (optional, for serving)
How-To Steps
In a slow cooker, place the chicken thighs at the bottom. Add the chicken broth and water on top.
Add mushrooms, bok choy, carrot, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
About 30 minutes before serving, add the ramen noodles to the soup and stir to combine.
Serve hot, garnished with soft-boiled eggs if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 24g