5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Parents’ Day Ramen
This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Parents’ Day Ramen is an easy family dinner that combines tender shredded chicken, savory broth, sweet brown sugar, soy sauce, and soft ramen noodles. Everything comes together in the slow cooker, making it a convenient choice for busy evenings when you want a warm, satisfying meal without a lot of hands-on cooking.
The raw ramen noodles are added near the end so they can soak up the flavorful broth without becoming overly soft. The result is a cozy, takeout-inspired dinner that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for a relaxed Parents’ Day meal at home.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ramen
- Only 5 main ingredients
- Easy slow cooker preparation
- No complicated cooking techniques
- Uses affordable pantry staples
- Tender shredded chicken in a savory-sweet broth
- Great for a family-style dinner
- Easy to customize with vegetables or different proteins
Ingredients
You only need five main ingredients:
- 2 packages raw dry ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
The combination of soy sauce and brown sugar gives the broth a savory-sweet flavor that pairs nicely with the chicken and ramen.
How to Make Slow Cooker Parents’ Day Ramen
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar, stirring gently around the chicken to help dissolve the sugar.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred.
Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Break the dry ramen noodles into large pieces and add them to the slow cooker. Press the noodles down so they are mostly covered by the liquid.
Cover and cook on LOW for another 20 to 30 minutes, checking the noodles toward the beginning of that time because ramen cooks quickly.
Once the noodles are tender, stir everything gently and ladle the ramen into bowls. Serve hot.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Ramen
Because this ramen has a rich, savory broth, fresh and crunchy sides work particularly well.
Serve it with steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas, or cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
For a larger family-style meal, add pot stickers, roasted edamame, or a simple bowl of fresh fruit.
Easy Variations
Add Vegetables
For extra color and variety, stir in baby spinach, shredded carrots, or frozen peas during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
Make It Milder
If you’re serving children or prefer a lighter flavor, reduce the amount of soy sauce slightly and add a little extra broth.
Use Chicken Thighs
Boneless chicken thighs can be substituted for the chicken breasts if you prefer richer, more tender meat.
Use Rotisserie Chicken
Leftover shredded rotisserie chicken can also be used. Add it toward the end instead of slow-cooking raw chicken, which can shorten the overall preparation time.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ramen
Don’t add the ramen too early. The noodles cook quickly and can become overly soft if they remain in the slow cooker for too long.
Check the noodles early. Start checking after about 20 minutes and stir gently once or twice as they cook.
Don’t forget to discard the seasoning packets. The recipe uses the dry ramen noodles but relies on the chicken broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar for the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless chicken thighs work well if you prefer a richer flavor.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Baby spinach, shredded carrots, and frozen peas can be added during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
How long do the ramen noodles cook?
The ramen noodles cook for approximately 20 to 30 minutes on LOW after being added to the slow cooker.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes. Shredded rotisserie chicken can be stirred in near the end to reduce the cooking time.
Final Thoughts
This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Parents’ Day Ramen is an easy way to turn a handful of everyday ingredients into a cozy family meal. Tender chicken, ramen noodles, and a savory-sweet broth come together with very little effort, making it a practical choice for busy families.
Serve each bowl with fresh vegetables or simple sides, and you have an easy slow cooker ramen dinner that’s comforting, filling, and perfect for sharing at home.
