Hearty Crock Pot Ramen: Easy Slow Cooker Noodle Soup (Print Version)

Crock Pot Ramen is effortless comfort food. This slow cooker noodle soup recipe brings savory flavor with minimal fuss, perfect for busy weeknights.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian
Dietary: Dairy-free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Components

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
03 - 4-6 oz instant ramen noodles (seasoning packets discarded)

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
05 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
07 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (optional, adjust to taste)
09 - 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional, for extra umami)

→ Finishing Touches

10 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
11 - 4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
12 - 4 soft-boiled eggs, halved (for garnish)
13 - Sesame seeds (for garnish)

→ Optional Extras

14 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - Sliced mushrooms
16 - Baby bok choy or spinach

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those flavors going for your <mark>Crock Pot Ramen</mark>. Mince your garlic and grate your fresh ginger. I usually go a little heavy on both because, well, flavor! This is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing, even before the slow cooker is on. I always forget how much ginger I need, so I usually grate a bit extra, just in case. Don't stress too much about perfect mincing; it's all going to meld together beautifully.
02 - In your slow cooker, pour in the chicken broth. Then, add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a dash of sriracha if you're feeling spicy. Give it a good stir. This is the foundation, the heart of your <mark>Crock Pot Ramen</mark> broth. I've definitely added too much soy sauce before and had to dilute it with more broth, so taste as you go if you're unsure! It's all about finding *your* perfect balance.
03 - Now, nestle those boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the broth mixture. Scatter your minced garlic and grated ginger around the chicken. Give it another gentle stir to make sure everything is submerged and happy. This step always makes me excited because I know all those incredible flavors are just waiting to infuse into the chicken. Don't worry if it looks a little crowded; the slow cooker works its magic!
04 - Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 4-6 hours, or high for 2-3 hours. The beauty of <mark>Crock Pot Ramen</mark> is that it’s pretty hands-off. Go about your day! Let those aromas fill your home. I always peek in around the halfway mark, just because I'm impatient and the smell is so enticing. Make sure the chicken is super tender and easily shredded.
05 - Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. It should fall apart easily. Return the shredded chicken to the broth. Now for the noodles! Add your ramen noodles to the hot broth. Push them down gently to submerge them. This is the critical moment for perfect <mark>Crock Pot Ramen</mark> noodles; don't overcook them!
06 - Cook the noodles in the slow cooker for just 15-20 minutes, or until they're tender but still have a slight bite. Give it a taste and adjust any seasonings – maybe a little more soy sauce, a splash of sesame oil, or another dash of sriracha. Ladle the hearty <mark>Crock Pot Ramen</mark> into bowls. Garnish with plenty of fresh green onions, a drizzle of sesame oil, and your perfect soft-boiled egg. Slurp away, you've earned this!

# Notes:

01 - Always taste and adjust the seasonings at the very end; what's perfect for me might be too much or too little for you!
02 - For best results, store cooked noodles separately from the broth to avoid them getting mushy. Trust me on this one, I learned the hard way!
03 - No chicken thighs? Boneless, skinless chicken breast or even firm tofu works too! I've tried both, and while different, still delicious.
04 - Serving with a perfectly jammy soft-boiled egg is a game-changer. Don't skip it, it truly elevates the whole dish.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
02 - cutting board
03 - knife
04 - grater
05 - measuring cups and spoons
06 - forks for shredding chicken

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550 kcal
Total Fat: 15-20g
Total Carbohydrate: 40-50g
Protein: 30-40g