Easy Thai Chicken Soup Recipe
Looking for a soul-warming meal that’s equal parts comforting and exotic? This Easy Thai Chicken Soup brings together creamy coconut milk, aromatic ginger and garlic, tender chicken, and a splash of lime in a recipe that’s as inviting to make as it is to eat. With each spoonful, you get just the right balance of flavors—savory, slightly sweet, and a touch of tartness—all with vibrant pops of color from bell peppers and carrots. Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or a seasoned pro, this nourishing soup is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Thai Chicken Soup plays a starring role, transforming simple kitchen staples into a dish that feels special. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to help you get the best flavor and texture while keeping things as uncomplicated as possible.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and easy to dice, these provide tender bites throughout the soup and soak up all the flavorful broth.
- Fresh garlic: Three cloves add savory depth and the essential aromatic base.
- Fresh ginger: That one-inch piece gives a subtle heat and signature zing that brightens the whole bowl.
- Coconut milk: Use one cup for creaminess—full-fat makes it extra luscious, but light keeps things lighter without sacrificing taste.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Four cups form the soup’s base, letting you control the saltiness and letting other flavors shine.
- Lime juice: A squeeze from one fresh lime added at the end enhances both aroma and taste with its fresh pop.
- Bell peppers and carrots: Toss in as much as you like for color, crunch, and natural sweetness—red, yellow, or orange peppers all work beautifully.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami and rounds out the flavors right before serving.
How to Make Easy Thai Chicken Soup
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering and prepping everything before you begin cooking, because this Easy Thai Chicken Soup comes together quickly! Dice your chicken breasts into nice bite-sized pieces (about one-inch cubes), mince the garlic cloves, and grate or finely mince your ginger. Slice your bell peppers and carrots into thin strips or rounds—however you love them. You’ll be glad to have this step done and dusted once the pot warms up!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat a tablespoon of neutral oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, keeping the heat moderate so they gently sizzle without burning. Sauté for about one minute, stirring constantly until the air smells incredible—this quick step is crucial for infusing the base of the soup with gorgeous flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add your chopped chicken directly into the pot with the garlic and ginger. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir frequently, ensuring every piece gets a nice sear and turns opaque. It usually takes about five minutes for the chicken to cook through, but you want to make sure it’s no longer pink before moving on.
Step 4: Build the Broth
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and creamy coconut milk. Stir well, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom (that’s pure flavor!). Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer—let the bubbles break the surface but don’t let it come to a rolling boil, so the coconut milk stays silky smooth.
Step 5: Add Veggies and Simmer
Toss in your bell peppers and carrots—use as much as you’d like, as their sweetness balances the savory soup. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes. This step softens the vegetables without making them mushy. The scent will make it hard to wait, but I promise it’s worth it.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice and a splash (or two) of low-sodium soy sauce. Taste and tweak with a little extra lime or soy if you want more zip or saltiness. The soup is now beautifully balanced, aromatic, and ready to serve.
How to Serve Easy Thai Chicken Soup
Garnishes
This is where you can really make the Easy Thai Chicken Soup pop! Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or Thai basil for a burst of color and fragrance. A few sliced green onions add freshness, while thinly sliced chili peppers (if you love heat) make it extra lively. A wedge of lime on the side lets everyone adjust acidity to taste right at the table.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with warm jasmine rice to soak up the creamy broth, or serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad for refreshing crunch. Soft rice noodles or even a crusty piece of bread are wonderful for dipping and make the meal extra satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home.
Creative Ways to Present
To dress things up, ladle the Easy Thai Chicken Soup into wide, shallow bowls and arrange the veggies in colorful piles. Swirl a drizzle of coconut milk on top for a pretty finish, or set out a DIY toppings bar with herbs, lime wedges, peanuts, and chili flakes to let everyone customize their own bowl just the way they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Thai Chicken Soup will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making day-two soup even more delicious! Just remember to let it cool before sealing and storing.
Freezing
This soup freezes surprisingly well! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags—just leave a little room at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The veggies may soften a bit, but the richness and aroma remain irresistible.
Reheating
Reheat your Easy Thai Chicken Soup gently on the stove over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring often. If it’s thickened overnight, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and brighten with a fresh squeeze of lime if needed!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a little richer and stay tender even if simmered a bit longer. Feel free to swap them in for an even juicier bite.
Is Easy Thai Chicken Soup spicy?
On its own, this soup is quite mild. If you crave heat, toss in thinly sliced fresh chilies, drizzle on sriracha, or add a spoonful of chili paste with your aromatics.
Can I make this soup dairy-free or gluten-free?
You bet! This Easy Thai Chicken Soup is naturally dairy-free thanks to coconut milk. For gluten-free, just ensure your soy sauce is certified gluten-free or substitute with tamari.
What other vegetables can I add?
This recipe is super versatile—try adding mushrooms, snap peas, baby corn, or spinach for extra color and nutrition. Just add more tender veggies near the end of cooking so they stay bright and crisp.
How can I add more protein?
Stir in some cooked tofu cubes, or even a handful of peeled shrimp for extra protein. Either addition turns the Easy Thai Chicken Soup into a complete powerhouse meal!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that satisfies both comfort cravings and a sense for adventure, give Easy Thai Chicken Soup a try. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, celebratory enough for guests, and endlessly adaptable to what you love or have on hand. Grab your spoon and get cozy—your new favorite soup is just a pot away!
Print
Easy Thai Chicken Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Thai Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is simple to make. With tender chicken, fragrant garlic and ginger, creamy coconut milk, and a splash of lime juice, this soup is sure to warm you up.
Ingredients
Chicken Soup:
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Juice of 1 lime
- Bell peppers and carrots (to taste)
- Low-sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic and ginger.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink (about 5 minutes).
- Add Broth and Coconut Milk: Pour in chicken broth and coconut milk, stirring well.
- Add Vegetables: Add bell peppers and carrots; simmer for about 10 minutes until tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat; stir in lime juice and soy sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Easy Thai Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup Recipe, Thai Soup
