Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of complaints? I feel you. The nightly dinner battle is real, and I’ve been on the front lines more times than I can count.
That’s why our new favorite, the Crockpot Chicken Ramen Hearty Japanese Comfort Bowl, has been a total game-changer. It’s a cozy, savory hug in a bowl that magically pleases everyone at the table. Let me show you how to turn a stressful evening into a peaceful, delicious win. If you’re looking for more comforting baked goods, you should also try our chocolate marble pumpkin spice bread for a sweet treat.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
- Category: Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes – 6 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
I was honestly shocked the first time my kids asked for seconds. The secret is in the gentle, familiar flavors.
The broth is rich and savory without being too “weird” for sensitive palates. The chicken becomes so incredibly tender it practically melts in your mouth, which is a huge texture win.
Plus, the ramen noodles are a familiar favorite. It feels like a treat, but it’s packed with wholesome goodness.
Crockpot Chicken Ramen Hearty Japanese Comfort Bowl Recipe
Crockpot Chicken Ramen Ingredients
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Crockpot Chicken Ramen Hearty Japanese Comfort Bowl Recipe!
Nutrition Information
“Nothing beats a cozy bowl of noodles! If you want another easy soup recipe that is ready in minutes, you have to try my 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup. Or, if you need a fun side dish to go with these noodles, make a batch of Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs.“
Crockpot Chicken Ramen Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 (3-ounce) packages Instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets)
- 6 cups Chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Mirin
- 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger, minced
- 2 teaspoons Garlic, minced
- 2 Carrots, shredded
- 2 cups Cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup Fresh spinach
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I promise, there’s nothing scary or hard-to-find here. This is all about simple, comforting ingredients.
You’ll need 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You’ll also need two 3-ounce packages of instant ramen noodles (seasoning packets discarded).
Gather 6 cups of chicken broth, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of mirin. You’ll also need 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
For the veggies, have 2 shredded carrots and 2 cups of sliced cremini mushrooms. Finally, you’ll need 2 soft-boiled eggs per bowl and 1 cup of fresh spinach for serving.
PREPARATION
Getting little hands involved makes them so much more excited to eat the final product. It’s our favorite kitchen trick! For another fun project, check out our easy copycat Starbucks birthday cake pops that kids love decorating.
Younger kids can be in charge of washing the mushrooms and carrots. They can also help tear the spinach leaves, which is a great job for little fingers.
Older kids can carefully measure and pour the broth and sauces into the crockpot. Supervise them as they use the vegetable peeler to shred the carrots—it’s fun and safe!
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
This is where the magic happens, and it could not be easier. Just a few minutes of prep for a hands-off, delicious dinner.
- Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, mirin, ginger, and garlic to your slow cooker. Give it a quick whisk to combine.
- Place the whole chicken breasts or thighs into the liquid. Then, scatter the sliced mushrooms and shredded carrots around the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours. The chicken should be fall-apart tender.
- About 20 minutes before serving, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add the blocks of dry ramen noodles and the fresh spinach to the hot broth. Submerge them, cover, and cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes until the noodles are soft.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a soft-boiled egg, halved. Serve immediately and enjoy the silence!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
This dish is a fantastic base for customization. Here’s how we make it work for everyone’s preferences.
For sensitive kids, serve the soup with the noodles and chicken first. Let them try the broth separately. You can also leave the mushrooms on the side for adults to add in.
For the adults or more adventurous eaters, set up a topping bar! Offer chili oil, sriracha, or a splash of sesame oil. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or a dash of furikake takes it to the next level.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This soup is a lifesaver for leftovers, making your future self so happy. The flavors meld and get even better.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The noodles will continue to absorb the broth, so it will thicken.
Reheat single portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. For the stovetop, warm it in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s gotten too thick.
Nutrition Notes
- High in Protein: Thanks to the chicken and eggs, this meal is filling and satisfying.
- Packed with Veggies: Carrots, mushrooms, and spinach add vitamins and fiber.
- Customizable: You can control the sodium by using low-sodium broth and soy sauce.
- Comforting Carbs: The ramen noodles provide the energy kids need to keep going.
- Calories: 485 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
If you enjoy making artisan breads at home, our charcoal sesame artisan sourdough is another rewarding recipe to master.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! If you want to avoid the instant ramen, udon or soba noodles work beautifully. Just cook them according to package directions and add them to the bowl when serving to prevent them from getting too soft.
My crockpot runs hot. How do I adjust?
This is a common issue! If you know your slow cooker is powerful, check the chicken at the 3-hour mark on HIGH or the 5-hour mark on LOW. The chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork.
Can I make this creamy?
You sure can! For a creamy twist, stir in 1/2 cup of coconut milk or heavy cream during the last 10 minutes of cooking. It creates a wonderfully rich and silky broth that’s absolutely divine.
This Crockpot Chicken Ramen has truly saved our weeknights. It’s the kind of hearty, comforting dish that makes everyone feel good, from the pickiest toddler to the most tired parent.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your kids gobble it up? What were your favorite toppings? Please leave a comment and rating below!
