Marry Me Chicken Ramen: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Ramen: Yes, you read that right! This isn’t just any ramen recipe; it’s a dish so incredibly delicious, so utterly irresistible, that it might just inspire a proposal. Imagine tender, juicy chicken simmered in a creamy, sun-dried tomato and parmesan-infused broth, all nestled amongst perfectly cooked ramen noodles. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and sophisticated, a culinary masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to create.

While the origins of the “Marry Me Chicken” moniker are shrouded in a bit of mystery, the sentiment behind it is clear: this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s believed to have originated as a simple chicken dish with Italian-inspired flavors, quickly gaining popularity for its rich taste and romantic allure. We’ve taken that concept and elevated it by incorporating it into a comforting bowl of ramen, creating a fusion dish that’s both familiar and exciting.

People adore this dish for several reasons. The creamy sauce is undeniably decadent, the sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness, and the parmesan cheese provides a savory depth that’s simply addictive. The addition of ramen noodles transforms it into a complete and satisfying meal, perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Plus, the recipe for Marry Me Chicken Ramen is surprisingly simple, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. So, whether you’re looking to impress a loved one or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary, this ramen is guaranteed to deliver!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• For the Ramen:
• 8 ounces fresh ramen noodles (or dried, cooked according to package directions)
• 2 cups chicken broth (additional, for serving)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
• Soft boiled eggs, halved (optional, for serving)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Chili oil, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with all the spices. This is where the magic starts!
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. You might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it, and we want that beautiful golden-brown color.
3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and nicely browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Don’t worry about cleaning the skillet yet; we’ll use those delicious browned bits for our sauce!

Making the “Marry Me” Sauce:

1. Now for the star of the show – the “Marry Me” sauce! In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sun-dried tomatoes will release their flavor and add a wonderful depth to the sauce.
4. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits are called “fond,” and they’re packed with flavor! Let the broth simmer for a minute or two to deglaze the pan.
5. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it with the sauce to coat. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
8. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. The basil will add a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish.

Assembling the Marry Me Chicken Ramen:

1. Cook the ramen noodles according to the package directions. If you’re using fresh ramen noodles, they usually cook very quickly, in just a few minutes. If you’re using dried ramen noodles, be sure to cook them until they’re al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
2. While the noodles are cooking, heat up the additional 2 cups of chicken broth in a separate saucepan. You want the broth to be hot but not boiling.
3. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them well.
4. To assemble the ramen, divide the cooked ramen noodles among bowls.
5. Pour the hot chicken broth over the noodles.
6. Top the noodles with the “Marry Me” chicken and sauce. Be generous with the sauce!
7. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, a halved soft-boiled egg (if using), sesame seeds (if using), and a drizzle of chili oil (if using).
8. Serve immediately and enjoy! This Marry Me Chicken Ramen is sure to impress.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like your ramen extra spicy, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add some vegetables to the ramen, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bok choy. Sauté the vegetables in the skillet before adding the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Use different noodles: If you can’t find ramen noodles, you can use other types of noodles, such as udon or soba noodles.
• Make it vegetarian: To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before cooking it. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce and cook the ramen noodles.
• Cream Cheese Variation: Some versions of “Marry Me Chicken” include cream cheese for extra creaminess. If you want to try this, add 2-4 ounces of cream cheese to the sauce along with the heavy cream. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would pair well with this rich and flavorful ramen.

Enjoy your homemade Marry Me Chicken Ramen!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another ramen recipe; it’s a culinary experience, a hug in a bowl, and quite possibly, the most delicious way to enjoy the flavors of “Marry Me Chicken” in a completely new and exciting format. I truly believe this Marry Me Chicken Ramen is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with a kick, and who isn’t looking for a little extra love in their life? The creamy, sun-dried tomato-infused broth, the perfectly cooked chicken, and the satisfying slurp of the noodles all combine to create a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different toppings to customize it to your own taste.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Spice it up! Add a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra layer of heat. A touch of gochujang paste mixed into the broth also works wonders.
* Veggie Power: Toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrients and texture. Blanched bok choy is another fantastic addition.
* Egg-cellent Choice: A soft-boiled egg, marinated in soy sauce and mirin, is the perfect complement to the richness of the broth.
* Protein Boost: Swap out the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced steak for a different protein profile.
* Noodle Nirvana: While I love using fresh ramen noodles, you can easily substitute dried ramen noodles, udon noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* Creamy Dreamy: For an even richer and creamier broth, stir in a tablespoon of mascarpone cheese or heavy cream at the end.
* Lemon Zest: A tiny bit of lemon zest can brighten up the whole dish.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a surefire way to impress your loved ones (or maybe even get a proposal!). The beauty of this Marry Me Chicken Ramen lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself. Cooking should be fun and rewarding, and I hope this recipe brings you joy in the kitchen and satisfaction at the table. Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, your variations, and your thoughts in the comments below. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you make any substitutions? What did your family and friends think? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to improve and create even more delicious recipes for you to enjoy. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to fall in love with this incredible ramen! Happy cooking!