Authentic Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup Recipe

Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup, also known as Tom Kha Gai, is a rich, creamy, and aromatic dish that perfectly balances bold flavors—spiciness from chili, creaminess from coconut milk, and tanginess from lime juice. This comforting soup is packed with fragrant Thai herbs like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, making it an exquisite culinary experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or an exotic dish to impress guests, this soup is a fantastic choice.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Active Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Cuisine: Thai
• Course: Soup
• Servings: 4

Equipment Needed

• Medium-sized pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or ladle

Ingredients

• 2 cups coconut milk (full-fat for best flavor)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into thin strips
• 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
• 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
• 1-inch piece galangal or ginger, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 Thai red chilies, sliced (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or button), sliced
• 1 tbsp fish sauce (or more to taste)
• 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances flavors)
• 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste (optional for extra depth)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by slicing the chicken into thin strips and setting it aside. Mince the garlic, slice the galangal or ginger, smash the lemongrass stalks, and slice the Thai red chilies. Preparing everything in advance makes the cooking process seamless.

Step 2: Heat the Coconut Milk and Broth

In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, add 1 cup of coconut milk and let it simmer gently for 2 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent curdling. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Infuse the Soup with Aromatics

Add the smashed lemongrass, sliced galangal (or ginger), kaffir lime leaves, and minced garlic into the pot. Let these aromatics simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse their flavors into the broth.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add the sliced chicken into the simmering broth and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Add Mushrooms and Thai Red Chilies

Once the chicken is cooked, add the sliced mushrooms and Thai red chilies to the pot. Let them simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 6: Season the Soup

Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and a teaspoon of sugar (if using). Adjust the seasoning by adding more fish sauce for saltiness or more lime juice for acidity. If using Thai red curry paste, mix it in at this stage for an extra punch of flavor.

Step 7: Add Remaining Coconut Milk and Herbs

Pour in the remaining coconut milk and stir well. Allow it to heat through for another 2 minutes without bringing it to a full boil. This prevents the coconut milk from separating.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pot from heat and discard the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. Garnish the soup with freshly chopped cilantro and green onions. Serve hot with a side of steamed jasmine rice or enjoy on its own!

Tips for the Best Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

1. Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves enhance the authenticity of the soup.
2. Adjust Spice Levels – Thai red chilies pack heat; adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance.
3. Don’t Overboil Coconut Milk – Keep the heat at a gentle simmer to maintain a creamy texture.
4. Customize Your Protein – Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a delicious variation.
5. Pair It Well – Serve with Thai sticky rice or a light cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup Recipe is a delightful blend of spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors that make it a beloved Thai dish. It’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying, perfect for cozy nights or impressing dinner guests. Try this recipe today and enjoy the authentic taste of Thailand in your own kitchen!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.