Quick Instant Pot Chicken Ramen Soup

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting a truly exceptional homemade bowl of ramen, right in your Instant Pot! This Easy Instant Pot Chicken Ramen Soup is designed to be the best you can whip up quickly, featuring succulent tender chicken thighs, aromatic ginger and garlic, umami-rich soy sauce, and perfectly soft-boiled eggs. For an extra layer of flavor and a delightful kick, a drizzle of spicy chili crisp transforms this comforting dish into an unforgettable culinary experience.

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In today’s fast-paced world, the Instant Pot has become a kitchen hero, allowing us to create complex, slow-cooked flavors in a fraction of the time. Can you make authentic-tasting ramen noodles in this marvel appliance? Absolutely! Ramen and pho dishes hold a special place in my heart; they are the quintessential comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or whenever a craving strikes – which, for me, is quite often! This recipe not only harnesses the Instant Pot’s efficiency but also builds layers of rich, aromatic flavor that rival your favorite ramen joint.

Choosing Your Noodles: A Guide to Ramen Varieties

The soul of any ramen dish lies in its noodles. For this Instant Pot Chicken Ramen, selecting the right type can significantly elevate your eating experience. I personally lean towards high-quality organic ramen noodles for their superior texture and ability to absorb the rich broth without becoming mushy. These often come in dried blocks or fresh packets and are designed to hold up well to simmering.

However, if convenience is your top priority, the noodles found in a packet of classic Top Ramen will work perfectly fine. Just be sure to discard the seasoning packets, as we’ll be building a much richer, homemade broth. While nearly any noodle or pasta can be adapted for a soup, traditional ramen noodles offer that distinct springy chewiness that truly defines the dish. Look for thin, wavy, or straight varieties that are specifically labeled for ramen, as these are formulated to resist overcooking while soaking up all the delicious flavors of your broth. Fresh ramen noodles, if available, can provide an even silkier texture and faster cooking time, making your bowl feel even more authentic and gourmet.

Selecting the Perfect Chicken for Your Ramen

When it comes to the protein in your ramen, chicken is a fantastic choice, and the cut you choose can influence both flavor and texture. My preference is boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are inherently rich in flavor and moisture, which not only keeps the chicken incredibly tender but also contributes significantly to the depth and richness of the broth during pressure cooking. The fat content in chicken thighs renders beautifully, infusing the soup with a savory essence that chicken breasts can sometimes lack.

However, if you prefer a leaner option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can certainly be used. They will absorb the broth’s flavors well, and thanks to the Instant Pot’s efficient cooking, they will remain tender without drying out. The cooking time will not need to be altered when switching between thighs and breasts. You could also consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for an even more robust broth, just be sure to adjust for the additional fat and remove bones before serving. For a quicker prep, even ground chicken or turkey can be browned and added, offering a different textural element to your ramen.

Crafting the Ultimate Flavorful Broth

The broth is undeniably the heart of any great ramen. For this Instant Pot Chicken Ramen, the magic lies in a carefully selected blend of foundational ingredients that create a rich, complex, and incredibly flavorful base. You’ll need fresh garlic and ginger, along with three essential Asian pantry staples: rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Each ingredient plays a crucial role:

• Garlic & Ginger: These aromatic powerhouses provide a pungent, warming depth that is characteristic of authentic Asian soups. They release their full potential under pressure, permeating the broth with their distinctive flavors.
• Soy Sauce: The backbone of umami, soy sauce adds a salty, savory, and deeply satisfying dimension. It’s vital for creating that classic ramen taste. Always start with the recommended amount and adjust to your personal preference at the end.
• Sesame Oil: With its nutty, toasty aroma, sesame oil introduces a layer of richness and a distinctive fragrance that rounds out the savory profile of the broth. A little goes a long way to add a luxurious finish.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: This bright and slightly sweet vinegar provides a crucial acidic balance, cutting through the richness and elevating all the other flavors. It adds a subtle tang that prevents the broth from feeling too heavy.

This harmonious combination, brought together in the Instant Pot, ensures a deeply satisfying and wonderfully aromatic broth that forms the perfect foundation for your homemade chicken ramen.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Ramen

Making this incredible ramen in your Instant Pot is surprisingly straightforward, allowing you to achieve rich flavors in minimal time. Follow these simple steps for a comforting meal:

1. Combine Base Ingredients: Begin by adding your chosen chicken (thighs or breasts), chicken broth, minced garlic, fresh minced ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine vinegar directly into the Instant Pot. Ensure all ingredients are submerged in the liquid.
2. Pressure Cook for Flavor: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, make sure the sealing ring is properly in place, and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting on High Pressure and set the timer for 10 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a natural release of steam for 10 minutes. This natural release is crucial as it helps tenderize the chicken further and allows the flavors to meld beautifully into the broth. After 10 minutes, you can carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to quick release any remaining pressure.
3. Prepare the Chicken: Once the pressure has fully released and the lid can be safely opened, carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot. Place it on a cutting board, and once it’s cool enough to handle, slice or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the prepared chicken back into the flavorful broth in the Instant Pot.
4. Add Fresh Vegetables and Noodles: Switch your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Now, it’s time to add your fresh vegetables: bok choy, snap peas, sliced shiitake mushrooms, and grated carrots. These vibrant additions will cook quickly and add essential texture and nutrients. Finally, add your ramen noodles to the pot.
5. Simmer and Serve: Stir all the ingredients gently to combine, ensuring the noodles are submerged in the hot broth. Continue to cook on the “Sauté” setting for 3-4 minutes, or until the ramen noodles are tender to your liking. The vegetables will become slightly softened but still retain a pleasant crispness. Serve immediately in large bowls, topped with perfectly soft-boiled eggs and any other desired garnishes.

Adding a Kick: Making Your Ramen Spicy

For those who love a bit of heat, transforming this Instant Pot Chicken Ramen into a spicy delight is incredibly easy and highly customizable. My go-to for a burst of flavor and heat is a good quality spicy chili crisp. This condiment, often made with crispy fried chili peppers, garlic, and soybeans in oil, offers not just heat but also incredible texture and a rich umami depth that complements the ramen beautifully.

Beyond chili crisp, there are several other excellent options to ignite your taste buds:

• Red Cayenne Pepper: A simple dash or two can add a straightforward heat. Adjust to your desired spice level.
• Sriracha or Gochujang: These popular Asian chili sauces can be stirred directly into your bowl or the main pot for a vibrant, garlicky, or fermented chili flavor.
• Fresh Chilies: Thinly sliced fresh bird’s eye chilies or serrano peppers can provide a clean, sharp heat and a beautiful visual garnish.
• Chili Oil: A pure chili oil (without the crisp) offers a potent dose of capsaicin and a glossy finish.
• Kimchi: Fermented Korean cabbage not only adds a spicy kick but also a tangy, umami-rich complexity and a satisfying crunch.

Start with a small amount and add more gradually until you achieve your perfect level of fiery goodness. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it’s hard to take it away!

Mastering the Soft-Boiled Egg for Ramen

A perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg with a jammy yolk is a non-negotiable topping for any truly great ramen. Achieving that ideal consistency can sometimes feel like an art, especially when using an Instant Pot. Based on my experience, Instant Pot soft-boiled eggs aren’t always foolproof, as cook times can vary significantly depending on the type and size of eggs, as well as the specific Instant Pot model.

Instant Pot Method (Trial and Error):

For organic, cage-free, pasteurized brown eggs (which often have thicker shells and may require longer cooking), I’ve tried:

• 5 minutes High Pressure, followed by 4 minutes natural release of steam, then a 4-minute ice bath. Even with this, results can be inconsistent.

For standard large eggs, a common method is:

• 3 minutes High Pressure, followed by 3 minutes natural release of steam, then a 3-minute ice bath. Again, consistency can vary.

The ice bath is crucial to stop the cooking process immediately, preventing the yolks from becoming too firm. My journey with Instant Pot soft-boiled eggs has shown me that it requires a bit of experimentation to find the perfect timing for your specific setup and eggs. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect!

Stovetop Method (More Reliable):

If you prefer a more traditional and often more reliable method for perfect soft-boiled eggs, the stovetop is your best bet. For a detailed guide, check out this excellent Soft Boiled Eggs tutorial. Generally, the stovetop method involves bringing water to a rolling boil, gently lowering the eggs into the water, and cooking for precisely 6-7 minutes (for large eggs) before transferring them immediately to an ice bath for at least 2 minutes. This method often yields more consistent results, ensuring that creamy, runny yolk every time.

Customizing Your Ramen: Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

One of the joys of making homemade ramen is the endless possibilities for customization. This Instant Pot Chicken Ramen serves as a fantastic base, but don’t hesitate to make it your own by adding your favorite vegetables, proteins, or garnishes. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Broccoli: Florets add a hearty green and a slight crunch.
• Spinach: Wilted spinach adds a tender texture and extra nutrients; stir it in at the very end.
• Seafood: For a different protein, consider shrimp, crab meat, or scallops. Add these delicate ingredients during the last few minutes of simmering to prevent overcooking.
• Corn: Fresh or frozen corn kernels add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
• Scallions/Green Onions: A classic ramen garnish, thinly sliced scallions provide a fresh, pungent bite.
• Seaweed: Nori (dried seaweed sheets) cut into strips adds an authentic oceanic flavor and a delicate crunch.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds offer a nutty flavor and appealing texture.
• Crumbled Bacon (cooked): For a savory, smoky twist, cooked and crumbled bacon bits are unexpectedly delicious.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves can brighten the flavor profile with their herbaceous notes.
• Bean Sprouts: A handful of fresh bean sprouts adds a wonderful crisp texture.
• Fish Cakes (Narutomaki): These decorative slices are traditional and add a mild, savory seafood flavor.
• Mirin or Sake: A splash of mirin (sweet rice wine) or sake can add another layer of traditional Japanese flavor to the broth.
• Miso Paste: For a richer, more complex broth, dissolve a tablespoon or two of miso paste (white or red) into a little warm broth before stirring into the pot at the very end.

Feel free to experiment with combinations to find your perfect bowl. The beauty of ramen is its versatility!

Storage and Leftovers: Keeping Your Ramen Fresh

Leftover Instant Pot Chicken Ramen can be a delightful meal the next day, but it’s important to manage expectations, especially concerning the noodles. The dish will typically last for 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

However, one key consideration for leftovers is the texture of the ramen noodles. When stored in the broth, ramen noodles tend to absorb more liquid and can become quite soft or even mushy. While still edible and flavorful, they lose their distinct springy chewiness. For the best experience with leftovers, I highly recommend cooking fresh noodles each time you reheat a portion of the soup. Simply store the broth, chicken, and vegetables separately, and then quickly cook a fresh batch of ramen noodles to add to your reheated broth for that perfect restaurant-quality texture.

Freezing Instant Pot Ramen for Later

Yes, you can absolutely freeze components of this Instant Pot Chicken Ramen, making it an excellent option for meal prep or quick future dinners. However, similar to refrigerating leftovers, the noodles are the main challenge when freezing. The texture of frozen and then reheated noodles typically isn’t the same; they often become softer and more prone to breaking down.

To make this recipe truly freezer-friendly, I recommend preparing the ramen as directed but excluding the addition of the noodles. Cook the broth, chicken, and vegetables, then allow the mixture to cool completely. Transfer the broth, shredded chicken, and cooked vegetables into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy a bowl, simply defrost the frozen ramen base in the refrigerator overnight or gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Once the base is hot and simmering, cook a fresh batch of ramen noodles separately according to package directions, and then combine them with your reheated broth and toppings. This method ensures that you always get to enjoy the best noodle texture, even from a frozen meal.

More Delicious Instant Pot Soup Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and flavor of Instant Pot soups, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of cozy, delicious meals you can create with your pressure cooker. Here are some more of my favorite Instant Pot soup recipes to warm you up:

Chicken Lasagna Soup
Keto Broccoli Cheddar SoupInstant Pot Baked Potato SoupKeto Zuppa Toscana SoupInstant Pot Zuppa Toscana SoupBuffalo Chicken SoupInstant Pot Split Pea SoupInstant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Sweet Potato Soup
Instant Pot Tomato Soup
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

Explore a full listing of all my Instant Pot Recipes here for more culinary inspiration.

More Asian-Inspired Recipes to Explore

If you enjoyed the flavors of this Instant Pot Chicken Ramen, you’ll love these other Asian-inspired dishes that bring delicious and authentic tastes to your kitchen:

Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Healthy Pad Thai

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Ramen Soup

Brandi Crawford

This Easy Instant Pot Chicken Ramen Soup is the best homemade bowl you can whip up with tender chicken thighs, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and soft boiled eggs. Drizzle it in a spicy chili crisp for more flavor!

Rated 4.88 from 50 votes

Print Recipe
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Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

natural release of steam 10 mins

Total Time 35 mins

Course dinner, lunch

Cuisine Asian

Servings 5 servings

Calories 330 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken thighs Chicken breasts will also work with no adjustment to cook time.
• 6 cups broth I used chicken.
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 2 teaspoons ginger Fresh and minced (¼ teaspoon if using ground)
• 3-4 tablespoons soy sauce Start with 3 tablespoons. Adjust to taste if necessary after the dish has cooked. You can also sub liquid amino, coconut aminos, etc.
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar I use unsweetened.
• 2 cups bok choy
• ½ cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 1 cup snap peas
• ¼ cup grated carrots
• 6 oz Ramen Noodles You can use Ramen pasta noodles or 2 packages of Ramen Noodle Soup and discard the flavor packages
• Soft or medium boiled eggs For topping

Instructions

1. Add the chicken, broth, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine vinegar to the Instant Pot.
2. Pressure cook for 10 minutes, with a natural release of steam for 10 minutes. Do not quick release the steam.
3. Open the pot, remove the chicken and slice it up and return it back to the pot.
4. Place the Instant Pot on the Saute function. Add in the bok choy, snap peas, shiitake mushrooms, grated carrots, and Ramen.
5. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the pasta is soft.
6. Serve in bowls topped with soft boiled eggs.

Video

Video content here (original video details not preserved due to cleanup).

Notes

You can make this vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead. You wouldn’t need to pressure cook it; simply bring all ingredients to a boil using a soup pot on the stove until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
White wine vinegar and apple cider vinegar can be substituted for rice wine vinegar, though the dish will not taste exactly the same, as rice wine vinegar offers a distinct, milder sweetness. Rice wine vinegar is highly recommended for the most authentic flavor.
Peanut oil is a possible substitute for sesame oil, but be aware that the flavor of the dish will be altered, as sesame oil has a unique nutty aroma.
Feel free to substitute or add in any vegetables you like to personalize your ramen bowl.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 330kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 27gFat: 10g

There you have it – a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy Instant Pot Chicken Ramen Soup that brings the best of homemade Asian cuisine right to your table. With its tender chicken, rich broth, and customizable toppings, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal on a cold day, this ramen delivers on both taste and convenience. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite vegetables and spice levels to make each bowl uniquely yours. Enjoy the journey of creating this delicious dish!