Thai Chicken Soup Recipe
Introduction
This Thai Chicken Soup is a fragrant and comforting dish that combines creamy coconut milk with fresh herbs and spices. It’s a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, ideal for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed
- 2 inches fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, coconut milk, smashed lemongrass, and sliced ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add the diced chicken, sliced red bell pepper, and mushrooms to the pot. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked, about 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the fish sauce and lime juice. Remove the lemongrass and ginger pieces before serving.
- Step 4: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Tips & Variations
- For added heat, include sliced fresh chili or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Substitute chicken breast with thighs for a juicier texture.
- Use vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian, replacing fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
- Double the vegetables, like adding baby corn or bok choy, to boost nutrition.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling of the coconut milk. Do not freeze, as the texture of the coconut milk may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and tend to stay more tender and flavorful in the soup.
What can I substitute for lemongrass if I can’t find it?
If lemongrass is unavailable, you can use a combination of lemon zest and a small amount of ginger to mimic the citrusy aroma.
PrintThai Chicken Soup Recipe
This Thai Chicken Soup is a fragrant, creamy dish that combines tender chicken breast with aromatic lemongrass, fresh ginger, and a rich coconut milk broth. Enhanced with tangy lime juice, savory fish sauce, and colorful vegetables like red bell pepper and mushrooms, this soup delivers a perfect balance of flavors and warmth, making it an ideal comfort food with a Southeast Asian twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed
- 2 inches fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, coconut milk, smashed lemongrass stalk, and sliced fresh ginger. Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Add chicken and vegetables: Once the broth is simmering, add the diced chicken breast, sliced red bell pepper, and mushrooms to the pot. Let everything cook together until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, which should take about 15 minutes.
- Season the soup: Stir in the fish sauce for savory umami flavor and the juice of one lime for a fresh, tangy brightness. Mix well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and aroma.
Notes
- Smashing the lemongrass helps release its flavor but be sure to remove the stalk before serving as it’s tough to eat.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes during cooking.
- You can substitute chicken breast with thighs for a juicier texture.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if you want to control the salt content.
- Fresh lime juice is essential for the authentic tangy flavor; bottled lime juice may alter the taste.
Keywords: Thai chicken soup, coconut milk soup, lemongrass soup, ginger chicken soup, Thai cuisine, easy soup recipe
