I’m so excited to share this Thai Chicken Soup Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whenever I’m craving something cozy but crave a little brightness and spice too, this soup hits every note perfectly. You’ll find that it’s rich, creamy, and packed with that classic Thai zing thanks to ingredients like coconut milk, lime, and red curry paste.

What’s really special about this Thai Chicken Soup Recipe is how fast and easy it comes together, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s a fantastic weeknight go-to when you want something comforting but still a little adventurous. Plus, it’s super versatile—I’ve made it with noodles, extra veggies, or even swapped chicken for tofu. You’re going to love how satisfying and fresh it tastes!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy Comfort: Ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights without sacrificing flavor.
  • Layered Flavors: The combo of peanut butter, red curry paste, and lime makes this soup uniquely delicious and balanced.
  • Flexible Ingredients: Swap noodles or protein easily depending on what you have on hand.
  • Family Favorite: My family gobbles it up every time, which speaks volumes about how tasty it is!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Thai Chicken Soup Recipe combine to create a rich, savory broth with a gentle heat and creaminess. Most are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store, and they all work together beautifully.

  • Sesame Oil: Adds a subtle, nutty aroma that sets the tone for the soup’s deep flavors.
  • Green Onions: Use both white and green parts for mild onion flavor and freshness.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch to balance the soup.
  • Garlic: A must for that classic aromatic base.
  • Ginger: Fresh or powdered, it gives a bright, warming zing you’ll adore.
  • Thai Red Curry Paste: The heart of the soup’s bold, spicy character—don’t skip it!
  • Chicken Broth: Use a good quality broth for the best depth.
  • Coconut Milk: Brings creamy richness and soft sweetness.
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds a subtle nutty creaminess that enhances the broth wonderfully.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds salty umami flavor that deepens the broth.
  • Fish Sauce: Just a splash for authentic savory depth.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances the spice and acidity with a gentle sweetness.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that cooks quickly and shreds effortlessly.
  • Rice Noodles: Or substitute with ramen noodles or angel hair pasta if needed.
  • Lime: Fresh squeezed for a bright, tangy finish that wakes up the soup.
  • Cilantro (Optional): For garnish and herbal freshness.
  • Chopped Peanuts (Optional): Gives a wonderful crunchy texture you’ll love.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Thai Chicken Soup Recipe because it’s so adaptable. You can easily make it your own by playing with proteins, veggies, or even noodles—whatever your mood or pantry calls for!

  • Vegetarian Version: I’ve swapped chicken for extra-firm tofu and used veggie broth instead, and it turned out just as comforting and flavorful.
  • Spicier Kick: Adding extra red curry paste or a dash of chili flakes is my go-to when I want things hotter.
  • More Veggies: Throw in mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn for added crunch and nutrition.
  • Noodle Alternatives: If you don’t have rice noodles, ramen noodles or angel hair pasta work great and give a slightly different texture.

How to Make Thai Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then toss in your chopped green onions, red bell pepper, garlic, ginger, and red curry paste. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until you can smell all those beautiful aromas coming together. This part is key because it’s where the soup gets its foundation of flavor—don’t rush it, but don’t let things burn either.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, coconut milk, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar all at once. Whisk everything together so the peanut butter melts smoothly into the broth, creating a wonderfully creamy and rich base. This combination is where the magic truly happens, so take a moment to appreciate how the flavors layer in.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the boneless chicken breasts into the pot and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. This step ensures your chicken stays tender and juicy. I recommend checking with a fork to make sure it shreds easily before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Add Noodles

Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks—it’s really satisfying and quick. Return the shredded chicken right back into the soup. Then add your rice noodles and simmer for just 2-3 minutes until they soften up nicely. Be careful not to overcook the noodles or they’ll get mushy.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Lime

Take the pot off the heat and squeeze in the juice of a large lime. Give everything a good stir to bring that bright, citrusy note front and center. This final touch really elevates the soup and balances all the rich, spicy flavors perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making Thai Chicken Soup Recipe

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and lime juice make a noticeable difference in flavor compared to dried or bottled alternatives.
  • Don’t Skip the Peanut Butter: It adds amazing creaminess and balances the spice better than additional coconut milk alone.
  • Monitor Your Noodles: Rice noodles cook really fast once added, so keep a close eye to prevent them from turning mushy.
  • Shred Chicken Off Heat: Removing and shredding the chicken separately keeps it tender and prevents overcooking in the broth.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Soup Recipe

Two white bowls filled with a reddish-orange broth base with thin white noodles in the center. On top of the noodles are chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, and green cilantro leaves spread evenly. Thin lime slices rest on the broth's surface near the edges of the bowls. The bowls are placed on a blue wooden textured surface with some lime halves and a white cloth napkin nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with fresh chopped cilantro and a handful of chopped peanuts for an extra crunch and herbal brightness. A wedge of lime on the side is essential so everyone can adjust the tanginess to their taste. Sometimes I add a drizzle of chili oil or fresh sliced chili for more heat—it adds a lovely depth!

Side Dishes

Serve this soup with simple jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad to refresh your palate. When my family’s extra hungry, steamed dumplings or spring rolls make a perfect accompaniment and round out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve Thai Chicken Soup in pretty ceramic bowls with a scattering of edible flowers or finely sliced red chilies on top. Another fun idea is to place the soup in mini coconuts for a tropical vibe—delightful and Instagram-worthy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Thai Chicken Soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually store the noodles separately if I can, to keep them from soaking up too much broth and turning mushy.

Freezing

I recommend freezing this soup without the noodles for best texture. Place the soup in a freezer-safe container and it will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh cooked noodles before serving.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it looks too thick. If you stored noodles separately, add freshly cooked noodles right before serving to keep them from overcooking.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Thai Chicken Soup Recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute if you prefer darker meat. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, but will take a few minutes longer to cook through. Just make sure they reach the proper internal temperature for safety.

  2. What if I can’t find Thai red curry paste?

    If you can’t find Thai red curry paste, you can use a store-bought curry paste labeled “red” or even a bit of red chili paste mixed with some curry powder. Adjust the amount to taste to avoid overpowering the soup.

  3. Can I make this soup spicier or milder?

    For spicier soup, add extra red curry paste, chili flakes, or fresh chili peppers. For a milder version, reduce the amount of curry paste and avoid extra chilies. The lime and peanut butter help mellow the heat, so adjust according to your preference.

  4. What noodle alternatives work best for this soup?

    Rice noodles are traditional and cook quickly, but if you don’t have them, ramen noodles, angel hair pasta, or even thin spaghetti work well. Just adjust cooking time based on the noodle type.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Chicken Soup Recipe really feels like a personal treasure in my kitchen. It’s one of those recipes I return to over and over because it’s fast, nourishing, and full of flavor that somehow manages to feel both exotic and homey. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you don’t need to be a pro cook or have a pantry full of rare ingredients. Just a few simple steps and ingredients bring this vibrant, comforting bowl to your table. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be wanting it on repeat too!

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Thai Chicken Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 114 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Thai

Description

This flavorful Thai Chicken Soup combines creamy coconut milk, spicy red curry paste, and tender shredded chicken with rice noodles for a comforting and aromatic meal perfect for any day of the week.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Soup Base

  • 1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
  • 4 Green Onions (white and green parts, chopped)
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper (chopped)
  • 3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Minced Fresh Ginger or 1/2 teaspoon Ginger Powder
  • 2 Tablespoons Thai Red Curry Paste
  • 5 cups Chicken Broth
  • 1 Can (13.5 oz) Coconut Milk
  • 1/3 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
  • 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons Fish Sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 4 ounces Rice Noodles (see note)

Garnishes (Optional)

  • 1 Large Lime (juiced)
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Peanuts

Instructions

  1. Heat oil and sauté aromatics: Heat the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped green onions, red bell pepper, minced garlic, ginger, and Thai red curry paste. Cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to release the flavors.
  2. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, coconut milk, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Whisk together until well combined to create a rich, flavorful soup base.
  3. Cook chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
  4. Shred chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and shred them with two forks. Immediately return the shredded chicken to the soup to soak up the flavors.
  5. Add noodles: Add the rice noodles to the simmering soup and cook for 2-3 minutes just until the noodles soften but don’t become mushy.
  6. Finish soup: Remove the pot from heat, squeeze in the juice of the large lime, and stir to combine all the flavors evenly.
  7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra lime juice, chopped cilantro, and peanuts if desired for added freshness and crunch.

Notes

  • If rice noodles are unavailable, substitute with 1-2 packages of ramen noodles (discard spice packets) or angel hair pasta for a similar texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 375 ml)
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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