Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Discover the comforting flavors of ramen in a hassle-free slow cooker soup that's perfect for any day of the week.
This Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup brings the rich flavors of traditional ramen right to your kitchen with minimal effort. Simply toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the work!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A warm and satisfying meal that requires minimal prep time
- Rich broth infused with umami flavors and tender chicken
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables and ramen noodles
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead
The Comfort of Ramen at Home
Ramen is a beloved dish that brings warmth and comfort to many. With this Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup, you can replicate the rich, savory flavors of traditional ramen without the hassle of multiple cooking steps. By utilizing a slow cooker, you enable the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a broth that is both hearty and deeply satisfying. This recipe is perfect for those who crave a comforting bowl of soup but are short on time.
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. Combining fresh ingredients like garlic, ginger, and miso, the broth is infused with umami flavors that will delight your taste buds. Plus, using chicken thighs ensures that the meat remains tender and juicy even after hours of cooking. This dish not only nourishes the body but also warms the soul, making it an ideal choice for cozy evenings.
Customizable and Versatile
One of the standout features of this slow cooker chicken ramen-inspired soup is its versatility. You can easily customize the dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you prefer a specific type of vegetable or want to add extra protein, this recipe accommodates a variety of ingredients. Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies such as bok choy, spinach, or carrots to enhance both nutrition and flavor.
Additionally, the soup can be tailored to your taste with various toppings. From soft-boiled eggs to sliced mushrooms and nori sheets, the options are plentiful. This adaptability makes it not only a fantastic meal for families but also a fun dish for gatherings, where everyone can personalize their bowl.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you're looking for a meal prep-friendly recipe, this slow cooker chicken ramen-inspired soup fits the bill perfectly. With minimal prep time and a hands-off cooking approach, you can easily prepare a large batch to enjoy throughout the week. Simply store the soup in airtight containers, and you'll have delicious, homemade meals ready to go whenever hunger strikes.
Reheating the soup is a breeze, and you can always add fresh ramen noodles just before serving to keep them from becoming mushy. This makes it an ideal solution for busy weeknights or for those days when you simply want a quick, satisfying meal without the fuss of cooking from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons miso paste
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- 4 servings of ramen noodles
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Soft-boiled eggs (optional)
- Nori sheets (optional)
- Sliced mushrooms (optional)
Adjust ingredients according to your preferences, and feel free to add any additional toppings you like!
Instructions
Prepare the Soup Base
In the slow cooker, combine the chicken thighs, chicken broth, water, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, miso paste, sesame oil, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
Cook the Ramen
Prepare the ramen noodles according to package instructions separately, then add them to the soup just before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the soup hot, topped with green onions, soft-boiled eggs, nori, and any other desired toppings.
This soup is best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips for a Perfect Bowl
To ensure you achieve the best flavor in your slow cooker chicken ramen-inspired soup, consider using high-quality chicken broth. Homemade broth will elevate the taste significantly, but if you opt for store-bought, choose one with low sodium to control the salt levels in your dish. Additionally, letting the soup simmer for the full cooking time allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a richer broth.
Another tip is to experiment with the type of ramen noodles you use. While instant ramen noodles are convenient, fresh or frozen ramen noodles provide a more authentic texture and taste. If you can find them, they make all the difference in creating that traditional ramen experience.
Storage and Reheating
Storing your slow cooker chicken ramen-inspired soup is straightforward. Once cooled, transfer the soup into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. If you want a longer shelf life, consider freezing portions of the soup. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish even on the busiest days.
When it comes to reheating, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until heated through. If you've frozen the soup, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Remember to prepare and add fresh ramen noodles just before serving to maintain their texture.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may become drier than thighs during cooking.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
→ What can I substitute for miso paste?
If you don't have miso paste, you can use additional soy sauce for flavor, although it won't have the same depth.
Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup
Discover the comforting flavors of ramen in a hassle-free slow cooker soup that's perfect for any day of the week.
Created by: Lila Morgan
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons miso paste
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- 4 servings of ramen noodles
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Soft-boiled eggs (optional)
- Nori sheets (optional)
- Sliced mushrooms (optional)
How-To Steps
In the slow cooker, combine the chicken thighs, chicken broth, water, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, miso paste, sesame oil, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
Prepare the ramen noodles according to package instructions separately, then add them to the soup just before serving.
Serve the soup hot, topped with green onions, soft-boiled eggs, nori, and any other desired toppings.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g