Ramen-Breaded Fried Chicken Is A Unique Take On The Classic Dish

There are many secrets harbored inside kitchens and cookbooks, and instant ramen is just the tip of the iceberg. As one of the most budget-friendly comfort foods, cups of ramen noodles can remedy almost anything. They're a quick fix to a rumbling stomach, an elixir for sore throats, and even a creative way to supposedly repair broken sinks, as reported by House Beautiful. But most importantly, they're a unique and easy solution to elevate homemade fried foods. 

However, adding extra texture and flavor to these crispy meals wasn't their initial or intended use. Instant ramen noodles were originally created in 1958 by Momofuku Ando, founder of Nissin Foods, during Japan's widespread food shortage. According to Gizmodo, Ando wanted to make accessible, long-lasting food that would provide comfort, flavor, and nourishment for Japanese citizens and, eventually, the world. Thus, the original Chikin Ramen was born. 

Now, these salty, delicious pre-packaged noodles come in an assortment of flavors and are a beloved, inexpensive favorite. Though instant ramen can still be served and slurped in a styrofoam cup, there are many ways to put this treasured food to creative use, such as in ramen-breaded crispy fried chicken. 

For years, many have tried to perfect their marinating, dredging, and breading skills to create the ultimate fried chicken. Panko, crushed-up crackers, cornflakes, cornstarch, pancake mix — you name it, it's probably been used. But one variation tops the rest for its elite crunch, mouthwatering taste, and innovative style: ramen-breaded fried chicken. 

Ramen-breaded fried chicken is a sure way to boost the classic dish, mostly because of instant ramen's variety of flavors. Some of the most popular are hot and spicy, lime chili shrimp, teriyaki, steak, and even cheese and mushroom. But the most important underlying ingredient you need (besides the essential chicken and instant ramen) is buttermilk. According to Food Network, buttermilk brings crunch and fluffiness to many foods, including fried chicken. It's made from fermented milk and bacteria, which makes it thick and long-lasting. Buttermilk is also a great marinade and works to tenderize chicken.

Chicken thighs, wings, legs, and tenders all work for this Asian-infused meal. To make ramen-breaded fried chicken, Serious Eats recommends crushing up two packages of instant noodles (we'll leave the flavoring up to you) to create the outer coating. Then, take your pre-marinated chicken from its buttermilk and ramen seasoning mixture and roll it through the textured crumbs. Once the chicken has been fried, sprinkle some extra ramen seasoning on top and serve. 

If you're a serious ramen foodie, what better way to devour this dish than on top of instant noodles? How about with edamame salad, fried rice, baby bok choy, or braised potatoes? Many flavorful umami sides would pair perfectly with this crunchy fried chicken, transforming it from a Southern-fried meal to an entirely different cuisine. And the possibilities don't stop there.

Let's say you're craving some saucy and savory pizza but don't have any crust around. Instead of going through the hassle of making a homemade crust or picking one up from the store, Hy-Vee suggests making a pizza bake from cooked (then baked) ramen noodles with cheese, sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings. This similar method can be used to make a burger with ramen buns, too. After boiling, Side Chef recommends refrigerating the noodles in a circular shape before frying them. Then, throw a patty on the pan, top it with cheese, soy sauce, and egg, and serve.

Lastly, every meal should end with something sweet. Whether cinnamon-filled or chocolate-covered, ramen is a great substitute for when ice cream is scarce or no desserts can be found. According to Simply Stacie, chocolate peanut butter ramen bars are an easy solution to satisfy your sweet tooth. These noodles can amplify any dish with their taste, comfort, and adaptability — that's the beauty of ramen.