Elevate Your Chicken Ramen Noodles: 15 Delicious Mix-Ins for Upgrading Instant Noodles

Chicken ramen noodles are a convenient and tasty snack that many of us grew up eating. However, plain chicken ramen can get boring after a while. Luckily, there are many simple ways to upgrade instant noodles and make them restaurant-quality delicious!

In this article I’ll share 15 of my favorite ingredients to mix with chicken ramen to take it from bland to grand. With just a few extra ingredients from your pantry and fridge you can transform basic ramen noodles into a mouthwatering meal.

Why Upgrade Instant Ramen?

Instant ramen noodles are inexpensive, easy to store, and ready in just 3-5 minutes However, on their own, they can be lacking in nutrients and flavor

By mixing in vegetables, proteins, healthy fats, and seasoning, you can turn ramen into a balanced meal. Plus, it becomes so much tastier!

Chicken ramen in particular can use a little boost in flavor. Many instant noodle seasoning packets are high in salt and MSG but low in other seasonings.

Adding spice blends, fresh herbs, citrus, healthy oils, and other ingredients gives boring chicken noodles loads of extra taste.

15 Easy Ways to Make Chicken Ramen More Delicious

Here are my top recommendations for taking instant chicken noodles from bland to brilliant:

1. Add Soy Sauce

• A splash of soy sauce adds a savory, salty flavor. It provides the umami taste that chicken ramen often lacks.

• Be careful of adding too much if your seasoning packet is already high in sodium.

• For extra flavor, use low-sodium tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

2. Mix in Miso Paste

• Miso paste gives an instant boost of rich, savory taste to ramen broth. It has a delicious fermented flavor.

• Whisk a teaspoon or two into the broth once the noodles are cooked.

• Red or white miso both work well.

3. Top with a Fried Egg

• A fried egg takes just a minute to cook but really brings the textures together.

• The runny yolk mixes with the broth to make it creamier.

• For the prettiest presentation, cook the egg sunny-side up.

4. Add Some Vegetables

• One of the easiest ways to make chicken ramen healthier is to throw in some quick-cooking vegetables.

• Try mushrooms, spinach, bok choy, bean sprouts, carrots, cabbage, snap peas, or broccoli.

• For crunch, top with sliced radish, cucumber, or avocado.

5. Sprinkle on Green Onions

• Green onions (scallions) add a pop of color, crunch, and flavor. They’re a classic ramen topping!

• Chop the green onion whites for the broth and use the greener tops as garnish.

• Chives, garlic chives, or leeks also work well.

6. Drizzle with Sesame Oil

• Nutty, aromatic sesame oil adds so much flavor for so few calories.

• Just a teaspoon or two is plenty to drizzle over a finished bowl of noodles.

• Toasted sesame oil has the strongest flavor.

7. Mix in a Handful of Leafy Greens

• Leafy greens like spinach or arugula wilt nicely in the hot broth.

• They add nutrients and texture without overpowering the chicken flavor.

• Stir them in during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking so they wilt but don’t overcook.

8. Crack an Egg In

• For the ultimate ramen hack, stir a raw egg into the noodles as you cook them.

• The hot broth cooks the egg, making it just barely set with a luxurious, creamy texture.

• The runny egg yolk also helps thicken and enrich the broth.

9. Add Spicy Chili Crisp

• For extra heat and crunch, top ramen with chili crisp or chili oil.

• The blend of chilies, fried garlic, and aromatic spices gives a spicy kick.

• Add to taste – start with 1 teaspoon and add more if you want more heat.

10. Sprinkle Furikake

• Furikake is a Japanese dried seasoning that’s fantastic on ramen.

• It contains dried fish, seaweed, sesame seeds, sugar, and salt for a tasty umami sprinkle.

• Use it instead of or in addition to the seasoning packet.

11. Stir in Peanut Butter

• Peanut butter might sound odd, but it’s amazing mixed into ramen!

• It adds creaminess, protein, and nutty depth of flavor.

• Stir in 1-2 teaspoons smooth or crunchy peanut butter as the noodles cook.

12. Top with Fresh Herbs

• Herbs like cilantro, basil, mint, or dill add brightness and flavor for barely any calories.

• Chop the herbs and sprinkle them on top of the finished noodle bowl.

• No fresh herbs? Use dried basil, oregano, or thyme instead.

13. Swap the Broth

• Instead of water, use chicken, vegetable, or beef broth for a flavor boost.

• Opt for low-sodium broth to keep the salt under control.

• You can also save vegetable scraps in the freezer and make your own quick homemade broth.

14. Mix in Chicken

• Shredded rotisserie chicken, sliced grilled chicken, or diced chicken thighs all mix nicely into ramen.

• It transforms chicken noodles into a heartier, more filling meal.

• For extra protein, add tofu, shrimp, beef, or pork.

15. Finish with Lime Juice

• A squeeze of fresh lime at the end adds brightness and acidity to cut through the rich broth.

• If you don’t have a lime, lemon juice also works nicely.

• Add just a little and adjust to taste – start with 1/2 teaspoon.

Simple Ways to Make Restaurant-Quality Ramen at Home

As you can see, it’s easy to think beyond the seasoning packet and make chicken ramen noodles restaurant-worthy. With just a few minutes of prep and some pantry staples, you can enjoy delicious noodle bowls at home.

Here are some of my favorite ramen mix-in combinations:

• Soy sauce, mushrooms, bok choy, green onions
• Miso, peanut butter, spinach, chili crisp
• Fried egg, basil, bean sprouts, lime juice
• Chicken, carrots, cabbage, cilantro
• Tofu, broccoli, sesame oil, furikake

So next time you’re craving comforting chicken noodles, take it up a notch with these easy add-ins. Your tastebuds will thank you! What’s your favorite way to upgrade basic ramen?