Ramen noodles don’t have to be the cheap, sodium-packed meal you remember from college. With a few fresh ingredients and a quick homemade sauce, you can transform basic ramen into a balanced, flavor-packed dinner. This healthy take uses lean air-fried chicken thighs, crisp veggies, and a sweet-and-spicy sriracha honey glaze that clings perfectly to every noodle. It’s fast, satisfying, and made entirely from real ingredients — no seasoning packets needed!
🍜 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (for marinade)
- Sea salt, to taste
- Lemon pepper seasoning, to taste
For the Ramen Stir-Fry:
- 2 blocks ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 2 green onions, chopped (greens and whites separated)
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup sriracha
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tbsp rice vinegar
👩🍳 Instructions
- Marinate and Air Fry the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken thighs with avocado oil and lemon pepper seasoning. Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice into thin strips or bite-sized chunks. - Prepare the Veggies
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tbsp avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the julienned carrot and bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until just tender but still crisp. - Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the sriracha, honey, sesame oil, cornstarch, and rice vinegar until smooth. This sauce should be glossy, thick, and slightly sweet with a kick of heat. - Combine Chicken and Veggies
Add the sliced chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in ¾ of the sriracha honey sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes to thicken and caramelize slightly. - Cook the Ramen
Meanwhile, cook the ramen noodles in boiling water for half of the time listed on the package — they should still be slightly firm. Drain immediately. - Bring It All Together
Add the noodles to the skillet along with the remaining sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated and the sauce clings to the chicken and veggies. - Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and top with chopped green onions for freshness. Serve hot — no takeout required!
💡 Tips & Variations
- Add more crunch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top.
- Boost the veggies: Add shredded cabbage, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrients.
- Make it mild: Reduce sriracha to 2 tablespoons for a gentler heat.
- Meal prep tip: The sauce thickens nicely in the fridge — just reheat with a splash of water.
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
This dressed-up ramen gives you the comfort of noodles with the balance of a healthy, homemade meal. The air-fried chicken adds lean protein, the veggies bring color and crunch, and the sweet-spicy sauce ties it all together for the perfect weeknight dinner — ready in under 30 minutes.
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