Hearty & Easy Chicken Pot Pie Ramen: The Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredibly creative and satisfying **Chicken Pot Pie Ramen**! Merging the nostalgic comfort of a classic chicken pot pie with the quick convenience of ramen noodles, this dish offers a unique twist on two beloved favorites. It’s an ideal meal for families, promising warmth, flavor, and a touch of culinary fun. Forget bland, basic ramen; this recipe elevates a simple ingredient into a truly delicious and memorable dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Comforting Ramen Recipe
As a devoted ramen enthusiast, I understand the appeal of those versatile noodle packages. They’re a fantastic base for a speedy snack or a full meal when culinary inspiration is running low. But what if you could take that humble packet of ramen and turn it into something extraordinary? This Chicken Pot Pie Ramen recipe does exactly that. It’s more than just a quick fix; it’s a delightful fusion of creamy, savory chicken pot pie goodness with the slurpable joy of ramen noodles. This dish embodies everything great about comfort food: it’s rich, flavorful, easy to prepare, and incredibly satisfying. We’re taking readily available ingredients and transforming what’s typically seen as a budget-friendly, fast meal into a gourmet-inspired experience. If you’re searching for a brilliant new way to use up those ramen noodles in your pantry, or simply craving a hearty and innovative dinner, then this Chicken Pot Pie Ramen is an absolute must-try. It’s a true game-changer for busy evenings!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Pot Pie Ramen
For this Chicken Pot Pie Ramen, you can use any brand or flavor of instant ramen noodles that you prefer. The most important thing to remember is that you will be discarding the seasoning packets, so the flavor of the packet itself won’t impact the final dish. Opt for standard blocks of ramen noodles – chicken, beef, or even oriental flavors work perfectly well as only the noodles will be used. Focus on finding noodles that cook up to a nice, al dente texture.
It might seem wasteful to discard the seasoning packets, but don’t toss them! They are packed with flavor and can be repurposed for a variety of dishes. Keep them on hand to enhance other meals. For example, you can add them to cooked plain pasta for an instant flavor boost without needing to create a sauce from scratch or use a jarred one. They also work wonderfully sprinkled over popcorn, mixed into stir-fries, or even added to a simple broth for a quick, savory soup base. Get creative and reduce food waste!
While fresh vegetables are always a great option, frozen peas and carrots are highly recommended for this particular Chicken Pot Pie Ramen recipe. Frozen vegetables are pre-cut and cook very quickly, which significantly speeds up the preparation time, making this a truly fast dinner solution. They achieve the desired tender-crisp texture in the creamy sauce without becoming overly soft or mushy, unlike some canned vegetables might. Furthermore, frozen vegetables are picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen, meaning they retain the same, if not more, nutritional value than their fresh counterparts, and often boast a longer shelf life.
Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is fantastic for its convenience; it’s already cooked, seasoned, and tender, saving you a significant amount of prep time. However, it’s certainly not a requirement! If you have other cooked chicken on hand, feel free to use it. Leftover roasted chicken, grilled chicken, or even boiled and shredded chicken breasts or thighs will work beautifully. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the skillet. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to whatever cooked chicken you have available.
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to your preference. While it’s called “Chicken Pot Pie Ramen,” you could easily use cooked ground beef, ground turkey, or even cooked shredded pork as an alternative. Just make sure that whatever meat you choose is fully cooked and drained of any excess fat before incorporating it into the sauce. This flexibility makes it a great recipe for using up leftovers or catering to different dietary preferences.
Leftovers of this hearty ramen dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, simply use the microwave or warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. When it comes to freezing cream-based sauces, I generally advise caution as they can sometimes separate or become grainy upon reheating. However, if you choose to freeze, place the cooled ramen in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will keep well for about 2-3 months. To enjoy, let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove, stirring vigorously to help the sauce re-emulsify and blend smoothly. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk during reheating to achieve the desired consistency.
Ingredients for Your Quick & Easy Chicken Pot Pie Ramen
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful fusion meal. Most of these items are pantry staples or easily found at any grocery store, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience. The full detailed recipe with measurements is included below.
Pantry & Fridge Staples:
- Ramen noodles (4 packages, seasoning packets discarded)
- Salted butter
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Frozen peas and carrots mix
- Garlic salt
- Black pepper, freshly cracked
- Dried thyme
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken broth (canned or homemade)
- Cream of chicken soup (canned)
- Cooked rotisserie chicken, cut into bite-sized chunks (or any cooked chicken)
- Heavy whipping cream
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Ramen
Creating this delicious ramen dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps for a comforting meal that’s ready in no time!
Prepare the Ramen Noodles: Begin by boiling the ramen noodles in a pot of water according to package directions, until they are al dente. This means they should be cooked through but still have a slight firmness. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside. Remember to discard the seasoning packets.
Sauté Aromatics: While the noodles are cooking, melt olive oil and salted butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in the frozen peas and carrots into the skillet. Season the vegetables generously with garlic salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir everything well to ensure the vegetables are coated with the butter and seasonings.
Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for about a minute. The flour will absorb the butter and create a thick paste, forming a roux that will thicken your sauce.
Build the Pot Pie Base: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Stir vigorously to combine, ensuring there are no lumps from the flour and the sauce starts to smooth out and thicken.
Incorporate Chicken: Add the cooked, bite-sized chicken chunks to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken thoroughly with the creamy pot pie sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes to ensure the chicken warms through completely.
Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy whipping cream. This adds richness and a silky texture to the pot pie sauce. If you find the mixture is too thick for your preference at this point, you can thin it out by stirring in a little more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Combine and Serve: Finally, add the drained, cooked ramen noodles into the skillet with the creamy chicken pot pie mixture. Gently toss everything together until the noodles are thoroughly coated in the sauce. Serve immediately, perhaps with slices of warm, crusty white bread for dipping. Enjoy your delightful Chicken Pot Pie Ramen!
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Pot Pie Ramen
- Noodle Perfection: Don’t overcook your ramen noodles! They will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. Aim for al dente so they retain some bite.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of poultry seasoning or a dash of onion powder along with the garlic salt and thyme.
- Adjusting Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add more chicken broth until it reaches your desired creamy consistency. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce, or mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it in.
- Cheese Please: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese stirred in at the end, or sprinkled on top before serving, can add another layer of deliciousness.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Pot Pie Ramen is a hearty and complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. As mentioned, crusty white bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that rich, creamy sauce. A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. For a touch of color and extra nutrition, a side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli would also be excellent choices. Don’t forget a garnish of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of freshness before serving.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can swap the chicken for cooked turkey (perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers!), or explore different vegetable combinations. Try adding corn, diced potatoes, or even some sliced mushrooms for added depth. A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle kick for those who enjoy a bit of spice. For a truly indulgent version, a sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top just before serving adds a wonderful texture and savory flavor.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this delicious ramen for days. Store any leftover Chicken Pot Pie Ramen in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days. To reheat, you can use either the microwave or the stovetop. For microwave reheating, place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. On the stovetop, gently warm the ramen in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce has thickened too much overnight, add a tablespoon or two of milk or chicken broth while reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
There you have it – a truly unique and comforting meal that brings together the best of both worlds. This Chicken Pot Pie Ramen is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can be transformed into something truly special with a little creativity. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Give it a try tonight and discover your new favorite comfort food!
WANT MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES?
- Ramen Noodle Salad
- Hamburger Ramen Noodle Skillet
- Easy Ramen Noodle Bowls
- Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
- Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
- Chicken Cobbler
- Mini Chicken Pot Pies
- Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
- Chicken Pot Pie Bubble Up
Recipe credit: Kena Peay
Full Recipe Card: Chicken Pot Pie Ramen
Chicken Pot Pie Ramen
Family-friendly, comforting and fun, this Chicken Pot Pie Ramen takes a quick and easy ingredient and turns it into a delicious dinner!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 4 packages ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets)
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1 can chicken broth
- ½ can cream of chicken soup
- 1 ½ cups store-bought rotisserie chicken, cut into bite-sized chunks (can use white or dark meat or a combination of both)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- First, boil and cook the ramen noodles until al dente. Drain thoroughly then set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, over medium heat, add olive oil and butter and allow butter to melt. Then add garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Next, add in frozen peas and carrots. Season with garlic salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir well to combine.
- Next, stir in flour until fully incorporated, forming a roux.
- Pour in chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Stir well to combine, ensuring the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and coat well with the sauce. Allow the chicken to warm back up, simmering for a few minutes.
- Then stir in the heavy whipping cream. At this point, if the mixture is too thick, stir in more chicken broth to thin to your desired consistency.
- Finally, stir in the cooked ramen noodles until they are thoroughly coated in the sauce, then serve immediately with slices of crusty white bread.
Notes
- This dish can be frozen, but be aware that cream sauces may separate upon thawing and reheating. If freezing, make sure to stir vigorously when reheating to help the sauce come back together.
- Don’t throw away the ramen flavor packets! They can be used to add flavor to other pasta dishes or broths.
- This recipe makes a generous batch, perfect for feeding a family. If desired, you can easily double the ingredients to serve a larger crowd.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Information
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used. Here’s an estimate per serving:
Calories: 506kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 27g | Sodium: 2232mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g
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