This Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen brings rich, comforting flavors to your weeknight dinner with minimal effort.
Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich vegetables, and heart-healthy fats from peanut butter and coconut milk, it’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Quick to prepare, versatile for meal prep, and naturally gluten-light (if using gluten-free noodles), it’s a wholesome, flavorful dish for everyday cooking.
30-Minute Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen.
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot or 1 Large Soup Pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Grater (for ginger)
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can 14 oz coconut milk
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup Thai red curry paste
- ¾ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms sliced
- 2 red bell peppers chopped
- 1- inch piece fresh ginger grated
- 1 clove garlic minced or grated
- 2 –4 squares ramen noodles
- Juice of 1 lime
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- ⅓ cup fresh basil or cilantro roughly chopped, plus more for serving
- Chopped peanuts for garnish
- Toasted sesame oil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Flavor Base: Start by gathering all your liquid ingredients in a large mixing bowl or directly into the Instant Pot or soup pot.4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, 1 can (14 oz) of creamy coconut milk, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Stir them together gently until well combined. This will create the savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich base for your ramen.
- Mix in the Peanut-Curry Paste: Next, add the nutty, aromatic elements that make this ramen truly special.1/3 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1/4 cup of Thai red curry paste. Stir thoroughly until the peanut butter dissolves completely into the liquid and the curry paste is evenly distributed. This forms a rich, velvety, and fragrant broth that will coat every noodle and piece of chicken with bold Thai flavors.
- Add the Protein: Place 3/4 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the broth. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged to absorb the flavors while cooking. Using chicken breasts keeps this dish lean and protein-packed, providing a satisfying and nourishing component to your ramen bowl.
- Add Fresh Vegetables and Aromatics: Now it’s time to layer in freshness and texture. Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms and 2 chopped red bell peppers into the pot. Then, incorporate the aromatics: 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated, and 1 clove of garlic, minced or grated. These ingredients enhance the depth of flavor, giving your ramen a bright, earthy, and slightly spicy undertone.
- Cooking in the Instant Pot:If you are using an Instant Pot: Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. During this time, the chicken will become tender and the vegetables will soften, allowing the broth to absorb all the rich flavors.Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to remove any remaining pressure.
- Cooking on the Stovetop:If you are cooking on the stovetop: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the broth mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily with a fork. This gentle simmer ensures the flavors meld beautifully without overcooking the vegetables.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring gently so it integrates seamlessly with the rich peanut-curry broth.
- Cook the Noodles: Break 2–4 squares of ramen noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the simmering broth. Stir in the juice of 1 lime, 3 cups of fresh baby spinach, and 1/3 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil or cilantro. Allow the noodles to soak in the hot broth for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly chewy. The lime juice brightens the dish, while spinach and herbs add freshness and color.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a splash more soy sauce for saltiness, a drizzle of honey for sweetness, or a few drops of lime juice for extra tang. This step ensures your ramen is perfectly balanced and suits your personal taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot ramen into individual bowls. Top each serving with chopped peanuts for crunch and a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil for a nutty aroma. Garnish with extra fresh herbs, like basil or cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy a comforting, protein-packed, fiber-rich meal that’s both indulgent and wholesome.
Notes
- For best texture, cook noodles separately and add them just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Thai red curry paste according to your taste.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can be substituted based on preference or availability.
- This recipe works well for meal prep—store broth and chicken separately from noodles and veggies for longer freshness.
- Coconut milk adds richness, but light coconut milk can be used for a lower-fat version.
- Ramen noodles can be substituted with rice noodles, soba noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Chef’s Secrets To Perfect Ramen
Achieving a restaurant-quality Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen at home starts with building layers of flavor.
Don’t rush the broth—stir the peanut butter and curry paste until smooth for a silky consistency.
When shredding the chicken, do so gently to keep it tender.
Fresh aromatics, like ginger and garlic, should be added early for depth, while herbs such as basil or cilantro should be added at the end to preserve their brightness.
Balancing sweet, salty, and sour flavors is key; a splash of lime juice at the end elevates the dish and prevents it from tasting too heavy.
Serving Suggestions For This Dish
Serve this peanut chicken ramen piping hot in wide bowls to showcase the colorful vegetables and garnishes.
Pair it with a crisp side salad or lightly pickled vegetables to add contrasting textures.
For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle additional chopped peanuts and a drizzle of sesame oil on top.
If desired, offer lime wedges on the side for guests to customize the tartness.
This dish pairs beautifully with light, refreshing beverages like iced green tea or a sparkling citrus drink.
Storage Tips For Long-Lasting Freshness
This ramen stores exceptionally well, but separating components helps maintain texture and flavor.
Keep the cooked chicken and broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Store noodles and fresh vegetables separately and add them just before reheating.
To reheat, warm the broth over medium heat until steaming, then stir in the chicken and noodles.
Avoid boiling noodles during storage, as they can become mushy.
For longer storage, the broth and chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with tofu, shrimp, or thinly sliced beef. Adjust the cooking time to ensure proteins are fully cooked but not overdone. Tofu benefits from pan-searing first for added texture.
2. How spicy is this Thai peanut ramen?
The spiciness depends on the amount of Thai red curry paste you use. Start with 1/4 cup, then taste and adjust. Adding fresh chili slices or a dash of sriracha can enhance the heat for those who love it spicy.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free noodles. Rice noodles or shirataki noodles are excellent substitutes that keep the dish flavorful and maintain the chewy texture of traditional ramen.
4. How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the broth, chicken, and vegetables in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator.
Keep the noodles uncooked and cook them just before serving. This ensures freshness, avoids mushy noodles, and makes weekday dinners stress-free.
5. What toppings can I add for extra flavor?
Consider fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of sesame oil.
For a creamy touch, a soft-boiled egg halves beautifully enhance the richness and presentation of the dish.
