Smoky BBQ chicken ramen skillet: sweet, savory, and ready in minutes—your new family favorite awaits! #bbqrecipes #ramenfusion #quickmeals
BBQ Chicken Ramen Skillet
Ready for a fun twist on comfort food? This BBQ Chicken Ramen Skillet brings sweet, smoky BBQ flavors to your favorite noodles, creating a saucy, satisfying one-pan meal that everyone will love. Tender chicken, sticky BBQ sauce, and springy ramen are topped with crispy fried onions for extra crunch.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or when you want to surprise your family with something deliciously different!
1. Yield, Time & Tools
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Tools Needed: Large skillet, medium pot, tongs
2. Ingredients
For the Chicken & Sauce:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
For the Noodles & Toppings:
- 3 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
- 2 green onions, sliced
3. Preparation Steps
A. Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, 5-6 minutes.
B. Add the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Stir in BBQ sauce and chicken broth.
- Simmer 3-4 minutes until sauce is hot and slightly thickened.
C. Cook the Ramen Noodles
- While sauce simmers, cook ramen noodles in boiling water according to package directions (usually 2-3 minutes).
- Drain well.
D. Combine Everything
- Add drained noodles to the skillet with chicken and BBQ sauce.
- Toss until noodles are evenly coated.
E. Serve It Up
- Divide into bowls or serve straight from the skillet.
- Top with crispy fried onions and sliced green onions.
4. Tips & Variations
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or corn for extra flavor.
- Try spicy BBQ sauce for a smoky kick.
- Substitute ramen with cooked rice or egg noodles.
5. Troubleshooting FAQ
Sauce too thick?
Add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.
Too sweet?
Balance with a splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce.
Noodles clumping?
Toss noodles with sauce immediately after draining.
6. Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp slaw for a BBQ-inspired meal.
- Serve with cornbread or garlic bread on the side.
- Leftovers make a great filling for wraps or quesadillas.
7. Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Make-Ahead Tips: Chicken can be cooked 1 day ahead and stored in the fridge; finish with sauce and noodles before serving.
Freezer Instructions: Not recommended; noodles can become mushy when thawed.
