Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken Ramen That Will Wow Your Taste Buds
Ah, comfort food. Is there anything quite like it? I’m talking about that warm embrace of a dish that makes you melt into your chair and forget the chaos of the day. This is where my heart thrums just a little faster because I’m sharing something truly special — the delectable, the warming, the utterly divine Creamy Marry Me Chicken Ramen.
This isn’t just any ramen; it’s a bow to the soul, I dare say! Let me take you on a journey about how this recipe came into my life, with all its glorious (and sometimes messy) twists and turns. Trust me, it’s about to get real cozy!
Picture this: It’s a chilly evening, the kind when you want to wrap up in your favorite blanket and hide from the world. I was rummaging through my pantry, eyes darting between uninspiring cans of beans and a few lonely packets of ramen. I yearned for something that could turn that ordinary ramen into comfort food royalty. Cue the stars aligning when I stumbled upon a recipe that caught my eye – Creamy Marry Me Chicken Ramen. The name alone made me chuckle. I mean, who doesn’t want a dish that’s laced with romance?
I was initially skeptical. I had tried many “quick family meals” before, and let me tell you, not all were creations worth remembering. There was that time I mistook baking soda for baking powder and my muffins turned into delightful little bricks. But there was something about this recipe that felt like a comforting hug in a bowl.
Gather around as I share why this recipe matters and why it has found a permanent spot in my meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick Family Meals: Whipping it up in under 30 minutes means it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you’d rather not spend hours in the kitchen.
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High Protein Meals: With two chicken breasts packed into this dish, you not only satiate your hunger but also meet your protein needs.
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Easy Weeknight Dinners: Just a few simple steps, and voila! Superb ramen that’s ready to devour.
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Picky Eater Approved: The creamy goodness makes even the mildest of flavors sing, and I’d bet my dinner roll that even your pickiest family members would be begging for seconds!
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Leftover Bliss: If, and that’s a big if, you have any leftovers, this dish tastes even better the next day! The flavors meld into an irresistible symphony.
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May Lead to Proposals: I mean, who wouldn’t want to marry someone who makes a dish this delectable? Just be prepared to handle the romance!
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Ramen apart isn’t just its ability to warm your insides but the medley of flavors and textures that arrive in each bite. From the sun-dried tomatoes lending a tangy sweetness to the rich, creamy broth, every ingredient sings. The addition of smoked paprika awakens your senses while a sprinkle of parmesan gives that Italian flair we all love. Honestly, I was surprised at how quickly dinner could go from mundane to enticement on a plate!
Ingredients
The ingredients for this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Ramen are super simple yet impactful. Here’s your shopping list, along with some friendly tips:
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2 chicken breasts: Try to buy good quality ones. Organic or free-range if you can find them; trust me, they can elevate the dish.
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1/3 cup all-purpose flour: This will help give the chicken a crispy exterior. Pro tip: season your flour with a pinch of salt and pepper!
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2 tbsp olive oil: Go for extra virgin if you can. It adds a lovely fruity flavor.
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3 garlic cloves, minced: Honestly, can you ever have too much garlic?
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8 sun-dried tomatoes, sliced: They add a burst of flavor but don’t throw them into the pan whole; trust me, it’s worth slicing them up!
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1/2 tbsp smoked paprika: This spice is a game-changer — it’s like adding a hug of flavor.
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1/2 tbsp dried oregano: Cozy and comforting, just like the dish itself.
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1/2 tbsp red chili flakes: Adjust based on your spice tolerance. I like to throw extra in there, just to keep things interesting!
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2 1/2 cups chicken stock: Use low-sodium if you want to control the salt levels. Homemade stock is heavenly but store-bought works wonders too.
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1 1/4 cups single cream: The secret to that pillowy, creamy mouthfeel. Full-fat? Yes, please!
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2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving): Parmesan, in my opinion, is magic. Just add it liberally.
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1/2 tsp ground black pepper and 1/2 tsp flaky salt: Seasoning is key, and I suggest tasting as you go.
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1/2 tsp sugar: It balances out the flavors like a charm.
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7 oz ramen noodles: Get the good stuff, please. Skip instant ramen for this one!
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Fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, edamame beans, scallions, chili oil for garnish: They add freshness and that restaurant-quality flair.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Let’s dive in! Making this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Ramen is a bit of a dance, so gather your ingredients and let’s cha-cha through the steps.
First things first, I like to prep my ingredients. Mince the garlic (savor that aromatic aroma), slice the sun-dried tomatoes (if you’re feeling fancy, feel free to chop them into delectable little bits), and get your chicken breasts seasoned and ready. The organization will save your sanity in the kitchen – I promise!
Step 1: Flour the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry. Coat them with the seasoned flour. I skip the full-on potpourri of spices for my chicken coating — just a touch of salt and pepper does the trick for me. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle the olive oil. Let it shimmer like a gentle wave before adding the chicken.
Sear those beauties for about 5-6 minutes per side until they’re golden brown. Ooh, you should hear that sizzle! It’s as satisfying as a good snap in a photo. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it chill.
Step 2: Toss in the Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant—like a warm hug before winter. Can you smell that? Ugh, I’m getting hungry already! Now, add the sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, oregano, and chili flakes. Stir it up to combine everything.
Step 3: The Broth Situation
Pour in the chicken stock, and let’s bring this baby to a simmer. If you’ve been following along, your mouth should water at this point. And when it bubbles away, add the cream slowly, stirring to mix.
Add in the sugar, salt, and pepper, too. Seriously, tasting is key. Remember, you’re the chef here!
Step 4: Chicken Takes a Swim
Now it’s time for the chicken to rejoin the party. Nestle it back into the skillet and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it’s fully cooked. The chicken will absorb the creamy goodness; I didn’t expect that!
Step 5: Ramen Time
While that’s simmering, let’s talk noodles. Cook those ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re ready, drain and set aside.
Step 6: Combine and Garnish
Now, this is where the magic happens! Take the chicken out and shred it right in the broth. So satisfying! Toss in the cooked ramen noodles, giving everything a good stir to combine.
Serve up a big ol’ bowl. Garnish with fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, edamame beans, scallions, and a drizzle of chili oil because we’re fancy like that!
There you go — a scrumptious bowl of Creamy Marry Me Chicken Ramen! It looks like a bowl of happiness and honestly tastes even better than it looks.
Tips for Best Results
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Don’t skip the garnishes. They elevate the meal, both in taste and aesthetics.
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Adjust the spices based on your family’s preferences. This recipe is versatile!
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If you want to make it vegan, swap the chicken and cream for your favorite plant-based alternatives. I haven’t tried it personally, but what’s the worst that could happen?
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Feeling adventurous? Consider these swaps:
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Chicken breast for thighs: This will lend a richer flavor and keep the dish succulent.
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Single cream can be substituted with heavy cream for even creamier depths.
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Want to sneak in some greens? Toss in a handful of baby spinach just before serving!
Directions
- Gather and prep all ingredients.
- Season chicken breasts and flour them.
- Sear the chicken in olive oil until golden.
- Cook minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spices until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken stock and cream, then let simmer.
- Shred chicken into the broth and add cooked ramen.
- Garnish and serve hot!
Pair this incredible bowl with a crisp green salad or a warm crusty bread. Honestly, I swear, this dish and a romantic comedy make for an unforgettable night in. You know, just the good vibes!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Alright, let’s be real. Leftovers are the best part of cooking! Store any remaining ramen in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be warned — the noodles tend to soak up the sauce.
To reheat, I suggest using the stovetop and adding a splash of water or broth to loosen things up. Microwaving works too, but you might end up with overcooked noodles — and nobody wants that on their conscience!
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
You can prepare the creamy broth ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just add the noodles fresh when you’re ready to serve. If you want to freeze it, I recommend without noodles, as they don’t freeze well. Store the soup in freezer bags and defrost in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to dive back in.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the chicken: Nobody wants dry chicken, so stick to the cooking time!
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Using instant ramen: This dish deserves the good stuff.
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Not season-tasting: Trust your palate! It’s your creation after all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use other noodles instead of ramen?
Absolutely! Udon or soba would work beautifully if that’s what you have on hand.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes! You can use tofu instead of chicken, and vegetable stock in place of chicken stock.
How can I make it spicier?
Add more chili flakes or even some chopped fresh chilies into the mix!
Can I store the leftovers?
Definitely! Just remember that the noodles may soak up the broth.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- A sharp knife for chopping ingredients.
- A large skillet or saucepan for cooking.
- A cutting board to prep on.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Ramen truly goes beyond a simple meal; it becomes a cozy moment to cherish. Each spoonful feels like a warm blanket wrapped around your soul, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too!
So please do let me know if you give it a shot or if you have your own twists on it. I love hearing from you all! If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Happy cooking!
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Ramen
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts Try to buy good quality ones; organic or free-range is recommended.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- 2 tbsp olive oil Extra virgin for added flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
- 8 pieces sun-dried tomatoes, sliced Slice for optimal flavor integration.
- 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika A key ingredient for flavor.
- 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tbsp red chili flakes Adjust based on spice tolerance.
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock Use low-sodium if desired.
- 1 1/4 cups single cream Full-fat cream will enhance flavor.
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese Plus more for serving.
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper To taste.
- 1/2 tsp flaky salt To taste.
- 1/2 tsp sugar Balances flavors.
- 7 oz ramen noodles Choose high-quality ramen.
- to taste garnish fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, edamame beans, scallions, chili oil For garnish to enhance presentation.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather and prep all ingredients: mince the garlic, slice the sun-dried tomatoes, and season the chicken breasts.
Cooking the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and coat them with the seasoned flour.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
Creating the Flavor Base
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, oregano, and chili flakes. Stir to combine.
Making the Broth
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a simmer.
- Slowly add the cream, stirring to mix. Then add the sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking the Chicken
- Nestle the chicken back into the skillet and cover. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
Preparing the Noodles
- Cook ramen noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Combining and Serving
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the broth. Add cooked ramen and stir to combine.
- Serve garnished with fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, edamame beans, scallions, and a drizzle of chili oil.
