Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Experience the comforting flavors of ramen with minimal effort in this Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup.
This slow cooker chicken ramen-inspired soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich broth for a perfect weeknight meal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation with minimal clean-up
- Rich and savory broth filled with delicious ingredients
- Customizable with your favorite ramen toppings
- Perfect for meal prep or cozy dinners
The Comfort of Ramen at Home
Ramen is a dish that evokes warmth and comfort, making it a favorite for many. With this Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup, you can bring that beloved flavor right into your kitchen without the hassle of traditional ramen preparation. The slow cooker allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and savory broth that highlights the essence of ramen.
This recipe captures the heart of ramen by incorporating tender chicken thighs that soak up the flavorful broth. The combination of mushrooms, carrots, and bok choy not only adds nutritional value but also enhances the soup’s texture, providing a delightful contrast to the tender noodles. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Effortless Meal Prep
One of the best aspects of this slow cooker recipe is the ease of preparation. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This hands-off approach not only saves time but also minimizes kitchen clean-up, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the stress of extensive cooking. It’s perfect for those who lead busy lifestyles but still want to enjoy homemade meals.
Additionally, this soup is an excellent option for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for easy reheating throughout the week. Customize your servings with different ramen toppings such as soft-boiled eggs or green onions, ensuring that every bowl feels fresh and unique. This versatility makes it a staple in any meal prep rotation.
Customizable and Delicious
One of the standout features of this chicken ramen-inspired soup is its versatility. While the base recipe is packed with flavor, feel free to customize it according to your preferences. Add your favorite vegetables, experiment with different types of protein, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. This adaptability allows you to create a dish that is uniquely yours, ensuring you never get bored with the same flavors.
For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding chili oil or a dash of sriracha to elevate your bowl. The ability to personalize your ramen experience makes this soup not only a comforting meal but also a canvas for culinary creativity. Dive into the world of ramen with this easy-to-make, flavorful soup that invites experimentation.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup chopped bok choy
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
For Serving
- Cooked ramen noodles
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
- Chili oil (optional)
Feel free to adjust the recipe according to your taste by adding more vegetables or spices.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add mushrooms, carrots, bok choy, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.
Serve
Serve the soup over cooked ramen noodles and top with soft-boiled eggs, green onions, sesame seeds, and chili oil if desired.
Enjoy your delicious chicken ramen-inspired soup!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Soup
To achieve the best flavor and texture, consider using high-quality chicken broth. Homemade broth can elevate the dish significantly, but store-bought options work well too. Look for low-sodium varieties to control the saltiness of your soup. Additionally, don’t skip the ginger and garlic; these aromatics are key to adding depth to the broth and are essential components in traditional ramen.
When adding vegetables, feel free to incorporate seasonal options. Zucchini, spinach, or snap peas can be excellent additions that enhance both the flavor and nutrition of the soup. Just be mindful of the cooking time; add more delicate veggies closer to the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, storing them properly is essential to maintain freshness. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to bring back the consistency, as the noodles may absorb some liquid during storage.
For a quick and satisfying meal, simply reheat a portion in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you’re reheating frozen portions, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before heating. This ensures even warming and preserves the flavors, making your next meal just as delicious as the first.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor.
→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Just add the noodles fresh when serving.
Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup
Experience the comforting flavors of ramen with minimal effort in this Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup.
Created by: Lila Morgan
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup chopped bok choy
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
For Serving
- Cooked ramen noodles
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
- Chili oil (optional)
How-To Steps
Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add mushrooms, carrots, bok choy, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.
Serve the soup over cooked ramen noodles and top with soft-boiled eggs, green onions, sesame seeds, and chili oil if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 25g