This 5-ingredient slow cooker ramen is the kind of easy family supper that saves the day when everyone is busy and hungry. Using raw dry ramen noodles right in the crock pot keeps prep simple, and the noodles soak up all that savory flavor as they cook. It has that cozy, takeout-inspired feel, but it comes together with pantry-friendly ingredients and very little hands-on work, which makes it especially nice for a relaxed Parents' Day meal at home.
Serve this ramen with steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas, or a simple cucumber salad to add something fresh and crisp alongside the rich noodles. If you want to round it out even more, a plate of pot stickers, roasted edamame, or a bowl of fruit makes this an easy, family-style dinner that feels a little special without making extra work.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Parents' Day RamenServings: 4
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
1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, then add the chicken broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir gently around the chicken to help dissolve the sugar.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred.
3. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
4. Break the raw ramen noodles into large pieces, add them to the slow cooker, and press them down so they are mostly covered by the liquid. Cover and cook on low for 20 to 30 minutes, just until the noodles are tender.
5. Stir gently, then ladle the ramen into bowls and serve hot.
Add a vegetable: Stir in a couple handfuls of baby spinach, shredded carrots, or frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra color and a little more nutrition without changing the ease of the recipe.
Make it milder for kids: This recipe is naturally simple and kid-friendly, but you can use a little less soy sauce and add a splash of extra broth if your family prefers a lighter, less salty bowl.
Watch the noodle timing: Ramen softens quickly, so check it early and stir once or twice near the end. If it sits too long, the noodles can soak up too much broth and turn overly soft.
Swap the protein: Boneless chicken thighs work beautifully here if you like a richer flavor, and leftover shredded rotisserie chicken can also be stirred in near the end to cut down the cook time.