I absolutely love this Marry Me Chicken Ramen Recipe because it’s the perfect cozy meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how the creamy, smoky sauce pairs effortlessly with tender chicken and the slurp-worthy ramen noodles. You’ll find that it’s a great recipe for weeknights when you want something comforting yet impressive enough to share with friends or family.
What makes this Marry Me Chicken Ramen Recipe truly special is the balance of flavors — the richness of the single cream and parmesan, hit with spices like smoked paprika and chilli flakes, plus the fresh, crunchy toppings that bring it all together. Whether you’re craving something warm on a chilly evening or aiming to wow someone special, this dish consistently delivers those “wow” moments.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy Sauce: The blend of cream, parmesan, and spices creates an irresistible, velvety broth that hugs every noodle and chicken bite.
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: You can have this on the table in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect go-to meal when you’re short on time.
- Customizable Toppings: Crisp coriander, beansprouts, and spring onions add freshness, and you can easily customize these to your taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: My family goes crazy for this one, and it’s always a hit when I make it for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Marry Me Chicken Ramen Recipe plays its part in building layers of flavor. From the sun-dried tomatoes to the spices, these elements come together to make an unforgettable dish. When shopping, look for good-quality chicken breasts and fresh herbs for the best results.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin if you can—it adds a subtle fruity note to the dish.
- Chicken breasts: Choose plump, fresh breasts for tender meat in the finished dish.
- All purpose flour: This helps give the chicken a light, crispy coating and helps thicken the sauce slightly.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh is key here for that warm, aromatic punch.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These add a sweet and chewy texture that makes the sauce so memorable.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky depth that’s a game-changer.
- Oregano: Imparts a lovely herbaceous note.
- Chilli flakes: Adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering.
- Chicken stock: Using a good-quality stock will make your broth richer and more flavorful.
- Single cream: Creamy texture that makes everything luscious and silky.
- Grated parmesan: I always recommend grating your own for fresher taste and better melting.
- Ground pepper: For seasoning and a subtle kick.
- Flaky salt: Adds a great crunchy burst when sprinkled on top.
- Sugar: Balances the savory and acidic elements of the sauce.
- Ramen noodles: Fresh or dried works fine; just follow cooking instructions carefully.
- Toppings (coriander, beansprouts, edamame beans, spring onion, chilli oil): These bring brightness, crunch, and an extra layer of flavor to your bowl.
Variations
I love how flexible the Marry Me Chicken Ramen Recipe is—there’s plenty of room to customize it to your liking. Over time, I’ve tried swapping ingredients or modifying spice levels depending on who I’m cooking for, and each version feels like a fresh take on the original.
- Spice it up: When guests want a bit more heat, I double the chilli flakes or finish bowls off with extra chilli oil. It instantly wakes up the dish!
- Vegetarian twist: I’ve made a version swapping chicken for firm tofu and vegetable broth; it works well if you cut back the cooking time on the tofu to keep it crispy.
- Extra veggies: Toss in baby spinach or shredded carrots into the broth near the end for a nutrient boost.
- Dairy-free: Substitute single cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor, but reduce sugar slightly to balance flavors.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Ramen Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat Your Chicken
Start by pouring the all purpose flour onto a plate and season it lightly with salt and pepper if you like. Coat your chicken breasts evenly in the flour—this helps develop a lovely crust when cooking and thickens the sauce later. Don’t skip this step, as it adds texture and flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and fry for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Patience here pays off—the crust should be nicely colored but not burnt. After searing, remove the chicken and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce
In the same pan with the flavorful bits left behind, add your minced garlic, sliced sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, chilli flakes, and oregano. Fry everything together for a couple of minutes until fragrant—this is where all the smoky, spicy magic starts. Then pour in 300ml of chicken stock and 300ml of single cream, stirring gently.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Simmer
Grate two tablespoons of parmesan directly into the sauce and let it melt as you stir. Return the chicken breasts to the sauce, cover with a lid, and gently simmer for 5 minutes. This allows the chicken to finish cooking while soaking up all the creamy, spicy goodness. Afterward, remove the chicken to rest and slice it thinly before serving.
Step 5: Season and Cook Your Noodles
Season the broth with flaky salt, ground pepper, and half a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity and spice—taste as you go! Add another 300ml of chicken stock, bring it to a simmer, and stir in your ramen noodles. Cook them according to the packet instructions, usually for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently so they don’t clump together.
Step 6: Serve It Up!
Ladle the creamy broth and noodles into bowls, then top with your sliced chicken and fresh garnishes like coriander, beansprouts, edamame beans, spring onions, and a drizzle of chilli oil. It’s such a satisfying bowl, and the colors alone make it feel special. I swear the fresh, crunchy toppings really elevate this dish to another level.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Ramen Recipe
- Use a Meat Thermometer: I learned the hard way that thickness varies—cook chicken to 74°C internally to ensure juiciness without drying out.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: When frying the garlic and tomatoes, splash in a tablespoon of their oil for a flavor boost that’s worth it.
- Grate Your Own Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and tastes richer than pre-grated powders—trust me on this one.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Follow the package timing strictly; overcooked ramen turns mushy quickly, ruining the texture.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Ramen Recipe
Garnishes
I almost never skip coriander, beansprouts, and spring onions—they add fresh, crisp textures that contrast so nicely with the creamy broth. Edamame beans bring subtle sweetness and a delicious bite, while a drizzle of chilli oil adds a beautiful spicy warmth that wakes up your palate. If I’m feeling fancy, I toss on a few extra chili flakes or even a squeeze of lime for brightness.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but I sometimes like to pair it with a light cucumber salad or some pickled vegetables to cut through the richness. Steamed greens or sautéed bok choy also complement the ramen’s flavors well and keep the meal balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I set each bowl at the center of a black or dark blue plate to make the colors pop. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top creates a stunning presentation. I’ve also served this recipe in individual mini pots during dinner parties for a fun and interactive experience that everyone loved.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I cool leftovers in an airtight Tupperware before refrigerating for up to three days. When reheating, I add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce and microwave until piping hot, stirring occasionally—it keeps the dish creamy and prevents the noodles from drying out.
Freezing
Creamy sauces and ramen noodles don’t freeze perfectly, but if I have leftover sauce without noodles, I freeze it separately in airtight containers for up to three months. When ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with extra stock—then cook fresh noodles for best results.
Reheating
I find gentle reheating on the stove with a little added chicken stock preserves both the texture and flavor better than the microwave. If using a microwave, stir halfway through to heat evenly and add a splash of liquid if it looks dry.
FAQs
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Can I make the Marry Me Chicken Ramen Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, substitute the single cream with coconut milk or your preferred plant-based cream alternative. Instead of parmesan, you can use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor, and make sure to adjust the seasoning to taste. Keep in mind the texture may be a bit different but still delicious.
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What type of noodles should I use for this recipe?
Ramen noodles work best because of their texture and cooking time, but you can also use udon or soba noodles if you prefer. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times and avoid overcooking, or the noodles will become mushy in the creamy sauce.
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Is this recipe spicy?
There’s a mild to medium heat from the chilli flakes and chilli oil, but you can easily adjust the spice level. Use less chilli or omit the chilli oil if you prefer a milder dish, or add more for a fiery kick that’s perfect for spice lovers.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the sauce and chicken in advance and refrigerate separately. When ready to serve, cook fresh noodles and combine everything to maintain the best texture and flavor. Avoid freezing the noodles with sauce, as they tend to get mushy upon reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Ramen Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both comforting and elegant—perfect for those nights you want something effortless but still feel like a culinary rockstar. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover how the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh toppings come together in every bite. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a favorite you’ll want to revisit again and again.
PrintMarry Me Chicken Ramen Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion (Italian-Style Creamy Chicken with Japanese Ramen)
Description
Marry Me Chicken Ramen is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender, golden-fried chicken breasts with a creamy, aromatic broth infused with sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and parmesan. Served over perfectly cooked ramen noodles and topped with fresh coriander, beansprouts, edamame beans, spring onion, and a drizzle of chili oil, this recipe offers a delightful fusion of creamy Italian-inspired flavors with the satisfying slurp of classic ramen.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts
- 50g all purpose flour
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon oregano
- 1/2 tablespoon chilli flakes
- 600ml chicken stock (divided into 300ml + 300ml)
- 300ml single cream
- 2 tablespoon grated parmesan, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 200g ramen noodles
Toppings
- Fresh coriander
- Beansprouts
- Edamame beans
- Spring onion, sliced
- Chilli oil
Instructions
- Coat and Fry Chicken: Pour the all purpose flour onto a plate. Coat each chicken breast evenly with the flour. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and fry for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same saucepan, add minced garlic, sliced sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and oregano. Fry these aromatics for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Pour in 300ml chicken stock and single cream. Stir to combine and then grate in the parmesan cheese, mixing until melted into the sauce.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the pan, cover with a lid, and cook on medium-low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and finish cooking. Remove the chicken again and set aside to slice later.
- Season and Cook Noodles: Season the broth with salt, ground pepper, and ½ teaspoon sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add the remaining 300ml chicken stock and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
- Assemble Ramen Bowls: Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the broth and noodles into two bowls. Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange on top. Garnish with fresh coriander, beansprouts, sliced spring onions, edamame beans, and a drizzle of chili oil to finish.
Notes
- Step-by-Step Photos: Visit the blog post for helpful photos guiding you through each step.
- To Double Quantity: This recipe can be doubled to serve 4-6 people comfortably.
- Cooking Times: Cooking times for chicken may vary based on thickness; ensure internal temperature reaches 74°C using a meat thermometer.
- Extra Flavour Tip: Add a tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil when frying the garlic and tomatoes for enhanced flavor.
- Parmesan: Using freshly grated parmesan cheese from a block offers better flavor and melts more smoothly than pre-grated varieties.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or chicken stock in the microwave until hot.
- Freezing: Creamy sauces and cooked ramen noodles freeze poorly. If needed, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months, defrost overnight, and gently reheat with extra chicken stock.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg