Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
Enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of ramen-inspired soup with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
This slow cooker chicken ramen-inspired soup is a game changer for busy cooks. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set the timer, and let it do the work for you. The result? A rich, flavorful soup that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless meal prep with only a few ingredients
- Rich umami flavor that warms you from the inside out
- Customizable toppings for a personalized touch
The Comfort of Ramen-Inspired Soup
Ramen is a beloved dish worldwide, known for its rich flavors and satisfying warmth. This slow cooker chicken ramen-inspired soup captures the essence of traditional ramen while simplifying the cooking process. By using a slow cooker, you allow the ingredients to meld together, creating a deeply flavorful broth that highlights the chicken and aromatic spices.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you're looking to add extra vegetables or spice up the broth, this soup serves as a fantastic base for your culinary creativity. It's a meal that encourages experimentation, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
This slow cooker soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Chicken thighs provide a good source of protein, while bok choy adds a wealth of vitamins and minerals. Ginger and garlic not only enhance the flavor but also boast numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. This dish is a great way to nourish your body while indulging your taste buds.
Additionally, the use of miso paste introduces beneficial probiotics, which can aid in digestion and support gut health. When combined with the wholesome ingredients in this soup, you create a balanced meal that satisfies both hunger and health needs. It's a guilt-free way to enjoy a comforting bowl of soup.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it's a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend, this slow cooker chicken ramen-inspired soup fits seamlessly into any schedule. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, it allows you to focus on other tasks while dinner simmers away. Just set it and forget it until you're ready to enjoy a steaming bowl of goodness.
This soup is also ideal for gatherings and potlucks. Its rich flavor and customizable toppings make it a crowd-pleaser, appealing to a variety of palates. You can easily multiply the recipe to serve a larger group, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. Serve it as a main dish or alongside fresh salads and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 1 inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups bok choy, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 4 ounces ramen noodles
Toppings (optional)
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Sliced mushrooms
- Sesame seeds
- Chili oil
Feel free to mix and match your favorite toppings!
Instructions
Prepare the Soup
In your slow cooker, add the chicken thighs, chicken broth, water, soy sauce, miso paste, ginger, and garlic. Stir to combine.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Add Noodles and Vegetables
About 15 minutes before serving, add the bok choy and ramen noodles to the slow cooker. Stir and cover again until the noodles are cooked.
Serve
Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings.
Enjoy your delicious bowl of ramen-inspired soup!
Storage and Leftovers
This slow cooker chicken ramen-inspired soup stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop, making the soup even more delicious the next day. When reheating, simply add a splash of water to restore the broth's consistency.
If you want to freeze the soup, it's best to do so without the noodles. Cooked noodles can become mushy when thawed, so consider adding them fresh when you reheat the soup. This way, you can enjoy a taste of homemade ramen any time you want without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Customizing Your Ramen Soup
One of the joys of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like spinach, carrots, or snap peas for added color and nutrition. You can also switch up the protein by using chicken breasts, tofu, or even shrimp, depending on your preferences. The flavor profile can be adjusted by adding more soy sauce, chili oil, or even a splash of rice vinegar for tanginess.
Toppings are a great way to personalize your bowl. Consider adding soft-boiled eggs for creaminess, sliced mushrooms for earthiness, or sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. The options are endless, allowing you to create a unique ramen experience that caters to your taste buds.
Serving Suggestions
To create a complete meal, serve this ramen-inspired soup alongside crispy spring rolls or a refreshing Asian-style salad. The contrast of textures and flavors will elevate your dining experience and leave your guests impressed. You can also pair it with a light beverage, such as green tea or a crisp Asian lager, to complement the meal.
For an extra touch, garnish each bowl with freshly chopped cilantro, lime wedges, or a sprinkle of nori seaweed. These additions not only enhance the presentation but also add layers of flavor that take your soup to the next level. Enjoy your bowl of warmth and comfort in style!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful in this recipe.
→ Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add any of your favorites like carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free ramen noodles and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free.
Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup
Enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of ramen-inspired soup with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Created by: Gwendolyn Reed
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Soup Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 1 inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups bok choy, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 4 ounces ramen noodles
Toppings (optional)
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Sliced mushrooms
- Sesame seeds
- Chili oil
How-To Steps
In your slow cooker, add the chicken thighs, chicken broth, water, soy sauce, miso paste, ginger, and garlic. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
About 15 minutes before serving, add the bok choy and ramen noodles to the slow cooker. Stir and cover again until the noodles are cooked.
Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 20g