There’s something magical about making Thai Chicken Coconut Soup at home. The moment you combine the rich coconut milk with the tender chicken and aromatic herbs, your kitchen transforms into a cozy Thai eatery. I absolutely love how this recipe captures the essence of Thai cuisine with its vibrant flavors and delightful fragrance. Each spoonful is a warm hug, bursting with the zing of lime and the warmth of spices. It’s a dish that brings comfort on a chilly evening or a bright note to any gathering. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be craving it again and again!

Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Thai Chicken Coconut Soup. It’s all about fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors that come together beautifully. Gather these items, and you’ll be on your way to a fragrant, comforting bowl of goodness!
For the Soup
Chicken
1 lb Chicken Breast, diced
Coconut Milk
1 can Coconut Milk
Chicken Broth
2 cups Chicken Broth
Fish Sauce
1 tbsp Fish Sauce
Lime Juice
1 tbsp Lime Juice
Sugar
1 tbsp Sugar
Fresh Cilantro
1 tbsp Fresh Cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Aromatics
Galangal
1 inch Galangal, sliced
Lemongrass
2 stalks Lemongrass, chopped
Kaffir Lime Leaves
3 leaves Kaffir Lime Leaves
Thai Red Chilies
2 pcs Thai Red Chilies, whole
How to Prepare Instructions
Step 1
Let’s get started! In a large pot, combine the diced chicken breast, chicken broth, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and those vibrant Thai red chilies. Stir it all together, and then turn the heat up to high. You want to bring this mixture to a rolling boil. The moment the aromas fill your kitchen, you’ll know you’re on the right track! This initial step takes just a few minutes, so keep an eye on it!
Step 2
Once you’ve reached a glorious boil, it’s time to add in the star of the show: the coconut milk! Pour it in slowly and watch as it swirls into the pot, creating a beautiful creamy texture. Next, add the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar, and give it a gentle stir to combine everything. Lower the heat to a simmer and let it bubble away for about 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the flavors meld together, and your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
Step 3
Now for the best part! Once the soup has simmered, it’s time to serve it up hot. Ladle the delicious soup into bowls and don’t forget to garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It adds a lovely touch and a pop of color! You’re ready to dig in, and trust me, every spoonful is a delight. Enjoy the comforting warmth of your homemade Thai Chicken Coconut Soup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cook time, you can have a flavorful meal ready in under an hour!
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combination of coconut milk and tender chicken creates a luscious texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer Thai chilies to suit your taste buds.
- Fresh Ingredients: The vibrant herbs and spices bring authentic Thai flavors right to your kitchen.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup is sure to impress!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Thai Chicken Coconut Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips that I swear by! First, don’t skip on fresh ingredients—using fresh galangal and lemongrass elevates the flavor dramatically. If you can’t find them, check your local Asian market or online. Also, when adding the chilies, remember that you can always start with less and add more later. It’s easier to increase the heat than to tone it down! Lastly, let the soup simmer gently; this allows the flavors to fully develop without losing that creamy texture. Trust me, these little tweaks make a world of difference!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to put your own twist on this Thai Chicken Coconut Soup! For a veggie-packed version, toss in some sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby spinach during the simmering stage. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu if you’re looking for a seafood or vegetarian option—both are delicious! Experimenting with herbs is another great idea; try adding Thai basil or mint for an extra burst of flavor. And if you love a bit of zing, a splash of chili oil or a squeeze of extra lime juice can elevate this soup to a whole new level. Enjoy making it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover Thai Chicken Coconut Soup is a wonderful treat to have on hand! To store it, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days—perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners later in the week. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just be sure to leave a little space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it seems a little thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of chicken broth or coconut milk to bring it back to that luscious consistency. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used, so these numbers are approximate. For each bowl of this delightful Thai Chicken Coconut Soup, you can expect around 350 calories, 30g of protein, 22g of fat, and 12g of carbohydrates. Enjoy this nourishing meal, but remember to adjust based on your personal ingredients!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Thai Chicken Coconut Soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and you’ll be set for a delicious meal later on.
Q2: Is this soup spicy?
The spice level is adjustable! If you’re sensitive to heat, start with fewer Thai red chilies, and taste as you go. You can always add more if you want that extra kick!
Q3: Can I use other proteins in this recipe?
Yes, you can! While chicken is a classic choice, shrimp or tofu work beautifully as well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
Q4: What if I can’t find galangal?
If galangal is elusive, you can substitute it with ginger, although the flavor won’t be exactly the same. It will still add that warming spice you want!
Q5: Can I freeze the soup?
Definitely! This soup freezes well. Just remember to leave some space in the container, as it will expand. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat gently!

Thai Chicken Coconut Soup
Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 lb Chicken Breast, diced
- 1 can Coconut Milk
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 tbsp Fish Sauce
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tbsp Fresh Cilantro, chopped for garnish
Aromatics
- 1 inch Galangal, sliced
- 2 stalks Lemongrass, chopped
- 3 leaves Kaffir Lime Leaves
- 2 pcs Thai Red Chilies, whole
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine chicken, chicken broth, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai chilies. Bring to a boil.
- Add coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
