Chicken Ramen with Mushrooms and Tomato
A comforting one-pot ramen featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and bright tomato in a savory broth. The cayenne adds gentle heat while fresh avocado provides creamy richness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want soup that comes together in under 30 minutes. This streamlined version skips traditional ramen seasoning packets in favor of simple ingredients and straightforward technique.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon olive oilvegetable oil1:1neutral swapFull guide →
- 8 ounce mushroom, sliced
- 2 cup carrot, chopped or sliced
- 1 bunch scallion, chopped
- 14 ounce tomato, canned or fresh, chopped
- 15 fluid ounce chicken broth
- 3 cup water
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper(optional)
- 9 ounce ramen noodlesrice noodles or pasta1:1gluten-free
adjust cooking time to package instructions
- 2 cup chicken, cooked, shredded or diced
- avocado, sliced(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a heavy saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- 2
Add mushrooms, carrots, and scallions. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in tomatoes, chicken broth, water, and cayenne pepper.
- 4
Add ramen noodles and bring to a boil.
- 5
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- 6
Remove from heat and stir in chicken.
- 7
Serve with avocado on top.
Tips
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time, or poach chicken breasts in the broth itself for extra flavor.
Customize vegetables based on preference: bok choy, bell peppers, or spinach work well and require minimal cooking.
Adjust cayenne pepper to taste; start with 1/4 teaspoon if heat-sensitive.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ramen noodles may soften further upon storage.
Prepare vegetables and cook chicken the day before. Combine broth and vegetables, refrigerate. Reheat gently and add noodles and chicken when ready to serve.
Serve hot in bowls with avocado slices on top. Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed dumplings.
Common Mistakes
Overcook noodles to avoid mushiness; 15 minutes is standard but check package guidance for your brand.
Add avocado after cooking to prevent browning; stir into individual bowls rather than the whole pot.
Don't skip the initial vegetable sauté to avoid muting their flavor.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Swaps
adjust cooking time to package instructions
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this without ramen noodles?
Yes. Substitute with any pasta, rice noodles, or egg noodles. Adjust cooking time according to package directions. For a lighter version, serve the broth and chicken over rice.
What if I want to make it vegetarian?
Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Everything else remains the same. Add soy sauce or miso for deeper umami flavor.
How long can I keep leftovers and can I freeze this?
Store in the fridge for 3 days maximum. Freezing is not recommended as noodles become mushy and avocado deteriorates. Freeze the broth separately without noodles if desired.