Name: Simple Homemade Chicken Ramen Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skin-on); Kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to season; 1 Tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tsp sesame or vegetable oil; 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced; 1 Tbsp fresh garlic, minced; 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 2 Tbsp vinegar; 4 cups rich chicken stock; 1 oz dried shitake mushrooms (or 1/2 cup fresh); 1–2 tsp sea salt, to taste; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup scallions, sliced; 2 (3 oz) packs dried ramen noodles; Optional: fresh jalapeño or chili slices, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 8 reviews

If you have ever craved a warm, comforting bowl of ramen but felt overwhelmed by complicated recipes, this Simple Homemade Chicken Ramen Recipe is exactly what you need. It beautifully captures the rich, savory flavors of traditional Japanese ramen using straightforward ingredients and techniques you can easily master at home. Picture tender roasted chicken, luscious broth infused with garlic and ginger, perfectly cooked noodles, and that dreamy soft-boiled egg all coming together in under an hour—making weeknight dinners feel like a special treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a set of two nested bowls on a wooden table with a dark and rough texture. The top bowl contains several dried shiitake mushrooms with wrinkled, dark brown caps and lighter stems visible. Surrounding the bowls are three garlic bulbs with white papery skin and a small white bowl filled with coarse salt. Some garlic skin flakes are scattered loosely on the wooden surface, adding texture. The overall color palette is earthy with browns, whites, and soft blues from the bowls' intricate floral patterns. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The charm of this recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are easy to find, yet every single one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.

2 chicken breasts (boneless, skin-on): The skin adds a crispy texture while roasting, and the meat stays juicy and tender.
Kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and broth to enhance natural flavors.
1 Tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness to brown the chicken skin perfectly without burning.
2 tsp sesame or vegetable oil: For sautéing garlic and ginger, imparting a subtle nutty depth to the broth.
2 tsp fresh ginger, minced: Gives a fresh, warming zing that brightens the soup beautifully.
1 Tbsp fresh garlic, minced: The cornerstone of umami, providing bold aromatic notes in every spoonful.
3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness with a subtle sweetness for a harmonious broth.
2 Tbsp vinegar: Adds acidity that cuts through richness and keeps the broth lively.
4 cups rich chicken stock: The hearty base that carries all the flavors and nourishes the soul.
1 oz dried shiitake mushrooms (or 1/2 cup fresh): Brings earthy depth and texture contrast to the soup.
1–2 tsp sea salt, to taste: Adjusts seasoning for the perfect balance.
2 large eggs: Soft-boiled, they add creamy yolk goodness and beautiful presentation.
1/2 cup scallions, sliced: Offers a fresh crunch and mild oniony flavor as a finishing touch.
2 (3 oz) packs dried ramen noodles: The star carb that soaks up all that delicious broth.
Optional: fresh jalapeño or chili slices, for serving: Adds a bright pop of heat if you like some spice.

How to Make Simple Homemade Chicken Ramen Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Chicken to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 375℉. Season the chicken generously with kosher salt and freshly-ground pepper to bring out its natural flavor. Melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and place your chicken breasts skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until you get that gorgeous golden crust that releases easily from the pan. Flip the chicken and give the other side 4-5 minutes of browning before transferring the skillet to the oven. Let the chicken roast for 15-20 minutes until it’s fully cooked and juicy inside. Once out, transfer it to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm while you prepare the broth.

Step 2: Craft the Flavorful Ramen Broth

In a large pot, heat your sesame or vegetable oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the fresh garlic and ginger, sautéing gently until they soften and release their fragrant aroma, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce and vinegar, and cook for another minute to marry the flavors. Pour in the rich chicken stock, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer with the lid off for five minutes. Now add the dried shiitake mushrooms, letting them rehydrate and infuse the broth for an additional ten minutes. Finally, taste the broth and season with sea salt until it perfectly suits your palate.

Step 3: Make the Soft-Boiled Eggs

Fill a pot with water enough to cover your eggs and bring it to a rolling boil. Gently add the cold eggs from the fridge to avoid cracking and simmer for 7 minutes for a slightly runny yolk, or 8 minutes for a soft but set yolk. Meanwhile, prepare a large bowl of ice water. When the timer goes off, transfer the eggs immediately into the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let them chill for at least 5 minutes, then peel carefully and slice each egg in half lengthwise—these make the perfect velvety topping.

Step 4: Assemble the Ramen Bowls

Chop the scallions and jalapeño slices if you’re using them. Slice the roasted chicken into thin, tender strips. Bring your water back to a boil and cook the ramen noodles for 2-3 minutes until soft but still slightly chewy. Divide the noodles equally between two large bowls, arrange the sliced chicken on top, and ladle the steaming broth over everything. Finish beautifully with scallions, jalapeño slices, and those irresistible soft-boiled egg halves. Serve immediately and savor every comforting, soulful bite!

How to Serve Simple Homemade Chicken Ramen Recipe

A white bowl with blue patterns is filled with ramen noodles soaked in a clear brown broth. On top, there are five slices of cooked chicken arranged along the left side, showing a golden brown outside and white inside. Two halves of a soft-boiled egg with bright yellow yolks and white edges sit on the right. Several dark brown shiitake mushrooms float near the top edge. Green sliced jalapeños and chopped green onions are scattered on top, adding fresh green color to the dish. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishes are your chance to personalize and elevate this Simple Homemade Chicken Ramen Recipe. Fresh scallions add a crisp, vibrant note, while slices of jalapeño or chili pack a kick of heat that livens up each spoonful. Feel free to sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or add a handful of fresh spinach or baby bok choy for some added greenery and texture. These finishing touches make the bowl not only beautiful but full of multi-dimensional flavors.

Side Dishes

This ramen pairs perfectly with light, refreshing sides to keep the meal balanced. A simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar provides a cooling contrast. Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt is a classic, protein-rich accompaniment that complements the warmth of the broth. For a more substantial meal, serve with crispy tempura vegetables or pickled daikon to introduce delightful crunch and tanginess.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or just jazz up your weeknight meal? Serve your ramen in wide, shallow bowls that showcase all the colorful, beautiful ingredients layered on top. Use chopsticks for authenticity and fun, and place a small sauce dish next to each bowl with chili oil or extra soy sauce for dipping. You can even add edible flowers like chrysanthemum petals or microgreens as a unique flair that brings elegance and fresh vibrancy to your Simple Homemade Chicken Ramen Recipe presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the broth separately from the noodles and toppings to prevent them from becoming soggy. Place the broth in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep cooked chicken, eggs, and noodles in separate containers to preserve texture and freshness.

Freezing

The ramen broth freezes wonderfully and can be stored in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. Avoid freezing the noodles and eggs as they tend to become mushy or lose their perfect texture upon thawing.

Reheating

For the best experience, reheat the broth slowly to preserve its deep flavor. Warm the chicken and gently heat the noodles separately before assembling your bowl again. If you have pre-cooked eggs, it’s better to eat them fresh for that ideal creamy yolk, but you can reheat peeled eggs briefly in warm broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Simple Homemade Chicken Ramen Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and have more fat, which adds richness to the dish. Adjust roasting time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through depending on size.

What can I substitute for shiitake mushrooms?

If shiitake mushrooms aren’t available, you can use cremini mushrooms or button mushrooms. They won’t have quite the same depth of flavor but will still add a nice earthy note.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Use tofu or roasted mushrooms as the protein and add extra vegetables like bok choy or carrots.

How do I get the soft-boiled eggs just right?

Timing is key. Seven minutes in boiling water yields a luscious, slightly runny yolk, while eight minutes gives a firmer but still creamy yolk. Be sure to shock them in ice water immediately to stop cooking.

Can I prepare any parts of this Simple Homemade Chicken Ramen Recipe ahead of time?

You can roast the chicken and make the broth ahead and refrigerate them separately. When it’s time to eat, simply reheat, cook fresh noodles, and assemble. Soft-boiling eggs is best done just before serving for optimal texture.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Simple Homemade Chicken Ramen Recipe a try because it fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and comforts your soul with every delicious slurp. It’s a home-cooked bowl of happiness that’s surprisingly easy to pull together and endlessly satisfying. Whether for a cozy night in or to impress friends with your cooking skills, this recipe is a winner every time!