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Maruchan Chicken Flavor is one of those instant ramens that needs no introduction. It’s been on American grocery shelves for as long as most people can remember and it’s the bowl a lot of people reach for when they’re sick, tired, or just need something comforting in under five minutes. It’s less salty than the Pork Flavor from the same brand, which makes it the more approachable starting point for the Maruchan lineup.
Produced in the United States. Distributed by Japan.
What’s in the Package
You get one square block of fried wheat noodles and a single silver sachet of chicken-flavored seasoning powder.
How to Cook Maruchan Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodles
Cooking directions per package instructions:
- Boil 2 cups of water in a saucepan, add noodles and cook for 3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Turn off heat, add content of flavor packet, stir well for 1 minute until flavoring is fully dissolved. Makes two 8 oz. servings.
- Product is very hot. Allow to cool, serve and enjoy.
How Does It Taste
It tastes like chicken soup. Not restaurant chicken soup, not homemade chicken soup, but the specific version that instant ramen delivers. The kind you want when you’re sick and don’t want to think about anything.
The onion powder is the most prominent note and it’s consistent across the whole Maruchan range. Underneath it there’s that familiar MSG warmth that ties everything together. The chicken flavor is mild and comforting.
The salt level here is noticeably more restrained than the Pork Flavor. That makes this easier to build on without the salt getting in the way.
Noodles are a 2 out of 5 on thickness and they hold up well in the hot broth. Watch the cook time though. A minute too long and they lose the texture that makes them work.
How to Level Up Maruchan Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodles
Add fried garlic and fried onion. Those two additions do the most with the least effort. They reinforce the existing onion note and add a caramelized depth the powder-based seasoning can’t replicate on its own.
Add hot sauce for heat, Tapatio, Cholula, Sriracha, whatever you have.
This is also the best Maruchan flavor for fridge-clearing. Leftover rotisserie chicken, sliced steak, or any cooked protein.
Final Verdict
Maruchan Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup is the comfort food workhorse of the instant ramen world. Less salty than the Beef and Pork varieties, reliable noodles, and the nostalgic chicken soup flavor delivers every time.
Tasting Notes
- Spice Level: 0/5
- Broth Viscosity: 1/5
- Noodle Thickness: 2/5
- Noodle Type: Wavy
- Topping Suggestions: Fried Garlic, Fried Onion, Hot Sauce
How do I rate my ramen? Check out the Ramen Rating Guide.
Related Instant Ramen
- Maruchan Beef Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup
- Maruchan Pork Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup
- Maruchan Creamy Chicken Ramen Noodle Soup
- Maruchan Roast Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup
- Nissin Top Ramen Chicken
Where to buy Maruchan Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup
Community Ratings
Compared to other instant chicken ramen, this one tasted very artificial; I could taste all the chemicals.
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More to Try
- More from Maruchan: Maruchan Instant Rice Bowl Mexican Rice, Maruchan Wonton Soup Spicy Chicken
- Topping pairing: Canned Corn
- Recipe to try: Long Life Noodles
