Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup is the perfect comforting meal that simmers all day, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
This soup combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, and aromatic vegetables, making it a delightful dish that warms you from the inside out.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with minimal effort
- Rich and savory broth that's full of flavor
- Customizable with your favorite ramen toppings
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep
The Comfort of Slow Cooking
There's something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it's made effortlessly in a slow cooker. This Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup is designed to simplify your cooking process while delivering deep, rich flavors. As it simmers throughout the day, the ingredients meld together, creating a savory broth that fills your home with an irresistible aroma. It's a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss, making it an ideal choice for busy families or individuals.
By utilizing the slow cooker, you can go about your day without worrying about constant stirring or monitoring. Just set it in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a delicious, aromatic soup ready to be served. This cooking method not only enhances the flavor but also ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender, making it easy to shred and mix back into the soup.
Customizing Your Ramen Experience
One of the best aspects of this soup is how easily it can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a fan of spicy flavors or prefer a milder taste, you can adjust the ingredients and toppings accordingly. For those who enjoy heat, consider adding a splash of chili oil or some sliced jalapeños. Alternatively, if you like a creamier broth, a dollop of coconut milk can lend a delightful richness.
Toppings are where you can really let your creativity shine. Soft-boiled eggs are a classic choice, but don't stop there! You can add fresh bean sprouts, sliced radishes, or even bok choy for extra crunch and nutrition. Each bowl can become a unique masterpiece, allowing everyone at the table to create their ideal ramen experience.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
This Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup is not just a one-time meal; it’s perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch, and you’ll have lunch or dinner ready for several days. The flavors only get better after a day in the fridge, as they have more time to meld. Store the soup and ramen noodles separately to ensure the noodles don’t become mushy when reheating.
When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, simply reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave. You can quickly boil fresh ramen noodles to add just before serving, ensuring a delightful texture. This makes it a great option for those who want to save time during the week while still enjoying a warm, homemade meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Cooked ramen noodles
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Additional green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Nori sheets
Feel free to add your favorite ramen toppings for extra flavor!
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In a slow cooker, combine the chicken thighs, chicken broth, water, mushrooms, carrots, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, miso paste, ginger, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Soup
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Serve the Soup
Serve the soup over cooked ramen noodles and top with soft-boiled eggs, additional green onions, sesame seeds, and nori sheets as desired.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting ramen-inspired soup!
Nutritional Benefits
This slow cooker chicken ramen-inspired soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Chicken thighs provide a great source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health, while vegetables like carrots and mushrooms add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Green onions bring an additional burst of flavor and are also known for their antioxidant properties, making this meal as wholesome as it is satisfying.
If you're watching your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium chicken broth and adjusting the soy sauce to suit your taste. The miso paste adds a unique umami flavor while also offering probiotic benefits, which can be great for gut health. Overall, this soup is a balanced meal that can fit into various dietary preferences.
Tips for Perfecting Your Soup
To ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time, be sure to use fresh ingredients. Fresh vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant colors to your dish. When it comes to the chicken, boneless, skinless thighs are ideal as they remain juicy during the slow cooking process, but you can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred. Just keep in mind that they may dry out more quickly.
Another tip is to taste the broth before serving. Adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more soy sauce or a touch of salt. Remember, the toppings can also contribute to the overall flavor, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations to find what you love best.
Pairing Suggestions
This soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement its flavors. Consider serving it with a light salad or some steamed dumplings for a complete meal. A simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich broth.
If you're in the mood for something more indulgent, a side of crispy spring rolls can add an extra layer of texture and flavor. For beverages, a light green tea or even a chilled sake can beautifully enhance the dining experience, allowing you to enjoy this comforting soup in style.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but they may become drier than thighs during cooking.
→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
→ How long can leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup
This Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup is the perfect comforting meal that simmers all day, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Created by: Eleanor Briggs
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Cooked ramen noodles
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Additional green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Nori sheets
How-To Steps
In a slow cooker, combine the chicken thighs, chicken broth, water, mushrooms, carrots, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, miso paste, ginger, salt, and pepper.
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Serve the soup over cooked ramen noodles and top with soft-boiled eggs, additional green onions, sesame seeds, and nori sheets as desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g