Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Enjoy a comforting bowl of ramen-inspired soup with minimal effort. Just set it and forget it with this slow cooker recipe!
This Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup is the perfect meal for busy nights. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a delicious, hearty soup ready to enjoy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed broth that warms the soul
- Tender chicken that falls apart effortlessly
- Customizable toppings for a personalized meal
A Flavorful Journey in Every Bite
This slow cooker chicken ramen-inspired soup transports you straight to a cozy ramen shop with its rich and flavorful broth. The combination of chicken, mushrooms, ginger, and garlic creates a warming symphony of tastes that is both comforting and satisfying. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building depth, ensuring that every spoonful is packed with umami goodness.
The broth is enhanced with miso paste and soy sauce, adding layers of complexity that elevate this dish beyond your average soup. Miso, known for its earthy flavor, harmonizes beautifully with the tender chicken and fresh vegetables, making it a delightful experience for your taste buds. This is a recipe that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart.
Effortless Cooking with a Slow Cooker
One of the best features of this ramen-inspired soup is its simplicity. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can set everything in your slow cooker and go about your day. This hands-off approach allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you attend to other tasks, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender, practically falling apart as you shred it. This method also allows the broth to develop a rich flavor profile, making it a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when, in reality, it took hardly any time at all.
Customization for Everyone
One of the most delightful aspects of this slow cooker chicken ramen-inspired soup is its versatility. You can easily customize the toppings to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you prefer a classic soft-boiled egg, a sprinkle of fresh green onions, or a drizzle of Sriracha for a spicy kick, the options are endless.
Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. You can even swap out the chicken for tofu or other proteins if you're looking for a vegetarian alternative. This soup can adapt to whatever you have on hand, making it a great option for using up leftover ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Cooked ramen noodles
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Additional green onions
- Nori sheets
- Sriracha sauce
Gather all ingredients and follow the steps below for a delightful meal.
Instructions
Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth and water.
Add Flavors
Stir in soy sauce, miso paste, ginger, garlic, mushrooms, carrots, and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked.
Shred Chicken
Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
Serve
Serve hot over cooked ramen noodles and top with soft-boiled eggs, green onions, nori, and Sriracha sauce as desired.
Enjoy your delicious slow cooker ramen soup!
Tips for Perfecting Your Soup
To ensure the best flavor and texture, use high-quality chicken broth as the base of your soup. Homemade broth will yield the richest taste, but store-bought options can work just as well. Always taste your broth before serving, adjusting the seasoning with salt or more soy sauce if necessary.
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice just before serving. This small addition can brighten the overall taste of the soup and enhance the umami notes, making it even more enjoyable.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, storing them is simple. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to separate the noodles if you're storing the soup long-term, as they can become mushy when frozen.
When reheating, you can do so on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the soup seems too thick, simply add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. The flavors will continue to develop, making the leftovers just as delicious as the first serving.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, pair your ramen-inspired soup with a side of crispy spring rolls or a fresh salad. These sides complement the soup beautifully and add a crunchy texture that balances the dish. You could also serve it with steamed dumplings for a satisfying combination.
If you’re entertaining guests, consider setting up a ramen bar. Provide a variety of toppings and let everyone customize their bowls. This interactive experience not only makes for a fun meal but also allows each person to create their perfect bowl of soup.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs provide a richer flavor and remain tender during cooking.
→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth and replace chicken with tofu or additional vegetables.
→ Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
→ What toppings do you recommend?
Some great toppings include soft-boiled eggs, sliced green onions, nori, and a drizzle of Sriracha for spice.
Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen-Inspired Soup
Enjoy a comforting bowl of ramen-inspired soup with minimal effort. Just set it and forget it with this slow cooker recipe!
Created by: Hayley Morton
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 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Cooked ramen noodles
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Additional green onions
- Nori sheets
- Sriracha sauce
How-To Steps
Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth and water.
Stir in soy sauce, miso paste, ginger, garlic, mushrooms, carrots, and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
Serve hot over cooked ramen noodles and top with soft-boiled eggs, green onions, nori, and Sriracha sauce as desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 28g