Thai Chicken Soup Recipe – Warm, Comforting & Flavorful
If you love the comfort of soup and crave the zesty, vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine, you’re in the right place. This Easy Thai Chicken Soup is a quick, wholesome meal you can prepare on busy weeknights or enjoy as a cozy weekend lunch.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a steaming bowl of aromatic, coconut-infused soup ready to serve your family.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Thai Chicken Soup
Thai food is famous for its bold flavors: think tangy lime, creamy coconut milk, fresh herbs, and a gentle kick of spice. This simple recipe brings all those classic tastes to your kitchen without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or a seasoned foodie, you’ll appreciate how approachable and satisfying this soup is.
Thai Chicken Soup is:
- Quick to prepare (ready in 30 minutes)
- Packed with lean protein and veggies
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
- Customizable to your taste
Let’s get started and see how you can make this Thai soup at home!
Ingredients for Thai Chicken Soup
Before you begin, gather these fresh and pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs (boneless, skinless)
- Coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
- Chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- Lemongrass stalks (or lemongrass paste)
- Fresh ginger (sliced or grated)
- Garlic cloves (minced)
- Red bell pepper (sliced thin)
- Mushrooms (button or shiitake, sliced)
- Fish sauce (adds umami depth)
- Lime juice and lime wedges
- Thai red curry paste (for flavor and gentle heat)
- Brown sugar (balances flavors)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Green onions (sliced, for topping)
Optional Add-ins
- Rice noodles or cooked jasmine rice
- Baby spinach or bok choy
- Chili flakes or fresh red chili (for extra spice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Thai Chicken Soup. Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll find it easy to follow.
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
- Trim the tough outer layer from the lemongrass and slice it into 2-inch pieces. Gently crush the pieces with the side of a knife to release their flavor.
- Peel and slice the ginger.
- Mince the garlic.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on the outside (they don’t need to be cooked all the way through yet). Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
- In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Add the lemongrass, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the Thai red curry paste and cook for another minute to release its flavors.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
- Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk.
- Add the brown sugar and fish sauce.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return the chicken to the pot, along with mushrooms and red bell pepper.
- Simmer for about 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Flavors
- Remove the lemongrass stalks and ginger slices with a slotted spoon.
- Stir in the lime juice.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning—add more fish sauce, lime, or a pinch of sugar as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
- Top with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and extra lime wedges.
- If desired, add a scoop of cooked rice or a handful of rice noodles to make it even more filling.
Tips for the Best Thai Chicken Soup
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer texture. Light coconut milk works if you prefer a lighter soup.
- Don’t skip the fish sauce—it’s essential for authentic Thai flavor. If you need a vegetarian substitute, use soy sauce and a bit of seaweed.
- Customize the veggies to your liking. Snap peas, carrots, or baby corn all work well.
- Control the spice by adjusting the amount of red curry paste or adding fresh chili as a garnish.
Make It Ahead and Store
This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making for even tastier leftovers! Reheat gently on the stove. If you add rice or noodles, store them separately to prevent them from soaking up too much liquid.
Health Benefits of Thai Chicken Soup
Thai Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here’s why:
- Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which supports muscle and tissue health.
- Coconut milk provides healthy fats and a creamy texture without dairy.
- Lemongrass, ginger, and lime are packed with antioxidants and can help with digestion.
- Vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Enjoying this soup can be a comforting way to boost your intake of healthy ingredients.
Variations to Try
- Thai Chicken Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai): Add a few kaffir lime leaves and swap some of the chicken broth for more coconut milk for extra creaminess.
- Spicy Thai Soup: Increase the red curry paste or add sliced Thai bird chili for more heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
What to Serve with Thai Chicken Soup
This soup is satisfying on its own, but you can round out your meal with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Thai spring rolls
- Cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette
Pair with a glass of iced Thai tea for a refreshing finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Tom Yum and Tom Kha Gai?
Tom Yum is a Thai hot and sour soup made with clear broth, often flavored with lemongrass, lime, and chili. Tom Kha Gai is a creamy chicken soup with coconut milk, making it richer and milder. This Easy Thai Chicken Soup recipe is closer to Tom Kha Gai because of the coconut milk.
Can I use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Just shred the cooked chicken and add it during the last few minutes of simmering to heat through. This saves time and still gives you plenty of flavor.
Is there a substitute for fish sauce?
If you don’t have fish sauce, you can use soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free) in a pinch. For a deeper flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Can I freeze Thai Chicken Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently. If you’ve added noodles or rice, they may become soft after freezing, so it’s best to add them fresh when reheating.
How do I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Replace the chicken with cubed tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and swap fish sauce for soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.
Easy Thai Chicken Soup
This Easy Thai Chicken Soup brings the bold, zesty flavors of Thai cuisine into your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Creamy coconut milk, tangy lime, and aromatic herbs combine with tender chicken and fresh vegetables for a wholesome, naturally gluten- and dairy-free meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or coconut)
- 2 stalks lemongrass (or 2 tsp lemongrass paste)
- 2 inches fresh ginger, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms (button or shiitake), sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced, for topping
- Lime wedges, for serving
Optional Add-ins:
- Rice noodles or cooked jasmine rice
- Baby spinach or bok choy
- Chili flakes or fresh red chili
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 428Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 759mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 37g
The nutrition information provided is an estimate calculated using an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands, measurements, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or use your own preferred nutrition calculator.
- Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar (No Frying!) - August 29, 2025
- Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Salad: A Perfect Fall Recipe - August 29, 2025
- The Ultimate Strawberry Shortcake Recipe: A Classic American Dessert - August 29, 2025
