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Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, vibrant, and packed with bold flavors, you’ll absolutely love this Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together so quickly — perfect for any busy weeknight or when you want to impress without stressing. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen too.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Quick and Easy: You get a deeply flavorful soup on the table in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy days.
  • Balanced Flavors: The creamy coconut milk, zingy lime, and fragrant herbs make every spoonful exciting.
  • Customizable Ingredients: You can tweak spice levels, noodles, and protein to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.
  • Comfort Meets Freshness: This soup hits that sweet spot between warming comfort food and bright Thai flavors.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe plays an important role in creating layers of flavor and texture. Choosing good-quality staples and fresh herbs really brings it all together — plus I’ve got a bunch of handy tips to help you shop and prep like a pro.

Thai Chicken Curry Soup, Thai Chicken Curry Soup recipe, spicy Thai chicken soup, quick Thai curry soup, Asian chicken soup - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with finely chopped pale yellow onion, a small white ceramic bowl holding grated fresh ginger with light beige fibrous texture, three whole uncracked garlic cloves with smooth white skins, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant deep red Thai curry paste, a small white ceramic bowl of clear chicken broth with a warm amber tint, a small white ceramic bowl with fresh pale green lime juice, an uncooked bundle of thick 3mm rice noodles with delicate white translucent strands, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy white coconut milk, a small white ceramic bowl with shredded cooked chicken showing tender white and light brown pieces, a small pile of fresh bright green torn basil leaves, a small pile of chopped fresh vibrant green cilantro, a small pile of chopped fresh green scallions, and a few wedges of fresh lime with bright green rind and pale juicy flesh arranged in perfect symmetry, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing aromatics without overpowering the delicate balance of curry and coconut milk.
  • Onion: Adds a slightly sweet base that mellows as it softens during sautéing, building savory depth.
  • Fresh ginger: Gives a subtle spicy freshness that wakes up the soup.
  • Garlic: Classic aromatic that enhances every bite without stealing the show.
  • Thai red curry paste: The star of this recipe with complex layers of chili, lemongrass, and spices—make sure to pick a brand you love!
  • Chicken or vegetable broth: Creates the flavorful liquid foundation; homemade or low-sodium store-bought works great.
  • Water: Helps balance the broth so the soup isn’t too intense or salty.
  • Lime juice: Adds that crucial bright, acidic pop to cut through richness.
  • Rice noodles: I recommend thicker varieties for a satisfyingly chewy texture, but pick what you prefer or have on hand.
  • Coconut milk: Gives the soup its creamy, dreamy body and mellow sweetness.
  • Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken keeps this recipe quick and adds tasty protein.
  • Fresh basil: Brings a sweet, aromatic herbal note that feels authentically Thai.
  • Fresh cilantro: Adds brightness and a little citrusy punch.
  • Scallions: Give a mild onion crunch that wakes up each spoonful.
  • Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning to balance flavors and taste just right.
  • Lime wedges: For that extra fresh squeeze everyone loves when serving.
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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.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe my own depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Don’t hesitate to swap or add your favorites — that’s what makes cooking fun and keeps it fresh!

  • Variation: Sometimes I add extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for crunch and color — it’s a great way to sneak in more nutrients.
  • Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, start with half the amount of red curry paste and add more as you taste.
  • Protein Swap: This soup is lovely with shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas if you want a vegetarian twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

First things first, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally so they don’t brown too fast. This step builds the savory base you want, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Bring in Ginger, Garlic & Curry Paste

Next, add the grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and the Thai red curry paste to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for about 30 seconds until you can smell those gorgeous spices bloom — careful not to burn them. It’s like aromatherapy for your kitchen.

Step 3: Add Broth, Water, Lime & Noodles

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth with water and lime juice, then add the rice noodles right into the pot. Bring everything up to a gentle boil over high heat. Watching the noodles soften and soak up the flavors is always satisfying.

Step 4: Stir in Coconut Milk & Chicken

Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the creamy coconut milk and shredded cooked chicken. Let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken warms through — my favorite moment because the kitchen smells incredible.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs & Seasonings

Turn off the heat and mix in your torn basil, chopped cilantro, and scallions. Give it a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve it immediately with lime wedges on the side — a fresh squeeze right before eating lifts the whole dish.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Timing Your Prep: I start sautéing onions while chopping ginger and garlic, then prep herbs while the soup is simmering — multitasking saves a ton of time.
  • Choosing Curry Paste: I prefer Thai Kitchen’s red curry paste since it leans flavorful over spicy, but if you’re sensitive to heat, start with less and add gradually.
  • Noodle Thickness Matters: Using thicker rice noodles gives your soup a great bite — they hold up well and don’t get mushy quickly.
  • Adjusting Liquids for Leftovers: The noodles soak up broth as the soup sits, so I add a splash more chicken broth when reheating leftovers to keep it soupy and fresh.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe

Thai Chicken Curry Soup, Thai Chicken Curry Soup recipe, spicy Thai chicken soup, quick Thai curry soup, Asian chicken soup - A white bowl filled with creamy orange broth covering soft white noodle strands arranged in the center and slightly tangled. On top, several shredded pale chicken strips are spread out, mixed with small dark green herb pieces and chopped light green onions. A bright green spinach leaf rests near the middle, surrounded by fresh cilantro leaves scattered around the edge. A wedge of lime with visible texture sits on the left side, partially submerged in the broth. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always make sure to have fresh lime wedges on the table for that last-minute squeeze— it makes a huge difference. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or a few thin slices of fresh red chili if I want extra crunch or heat. And of course, plenty of fresh cilantro and basil torn on top brighten up every bite.

Side Dishes

While this soup is a meal on its own, I often pair it with a simple cucumber salad or some crunchy spring rolls to complete the Thai vibe. A side of steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice is also fantastic if you want to stretch the meal further.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serving the soup in small coconut bowls with a garnish of edible flowers or microgreens makes for an extra special presentation. I’ve even ladled it into hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a festive twist that guests love!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, but remember the rice noodles absorb liquid, so it will thicken quite a bit.

Freezing

Personally, I’ve frozen this soup without noodles— I add fresh noodles when reheating to prevent them from turning mushy. Just freeze the soup base and chicken separately, then combine and simmer with fresh noodles later.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. This keeps the coconut milk from separating and maintains that lovely silky texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other proteins instead of chicken in this Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe?

    Absolutely! This soup is versatile. You can swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas. For shrimp, add them during the last 5 minutes of simmering so they don’t overcook. Tofu works best if pan-fried before adding for texture.

  2. What kind of rice noodles work best in this soup?

    I recommend thicker rice noodles about 3 mm wide because they hold up nicely in the soup and offer a great chew. Thin “angel hair” style noodles can become mushy fast, especially if the soup sits for a while.

  3. My soup turned out too spicy—how can I fix that?

    If the heat is too intense, try adding more coconut milk or broth to mellow it out. Another quick fix is a squeeze of lime juice or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the spice.

  4. Can I make this Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe in advance?

    Yes! You can make the base a day ahead and stir in the noodles fresh before serving. Just store the soup and cooked noodles separately to avoid mushiness.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe is one of my kitchen favorites because it’s simple, fast, and bursting with the kind of flavor that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I hope you find it as comforting and satisfying as I do. Give it a try and tweak it to your liking — you might just discover your new favorite weeknight meal!

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Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 12 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

This Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup combines fragrant Thai red curry paste, creamy coconut milk, and tender chicken with rice noodles in a comforting and flavorful broth. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal that bursts with authentic Thai flavors and fresh herbs.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion chopped finely
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 heaping tablespoons Thai red curry paste
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 3.5 ounces uncooked rice noodles
  • 1 (13.5 ounce) can full fat coconut milk
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie recommended)

Herbs and Garnishes

  • Generous handful fresh basil torn
  • Handful fresh cilantro chopped
  • Chopped scallions to taste
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Lime wedges for serving (optional)


Instructions

  1. Sauté Onion and Aromatics: Add the olive oil and chopped onion to a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion is softened and translucent.
  2. Add Ginger, Garlic, and Curry Paste: Stir in grated ginger, minced garlic, and Thai red curry paste. Cook everything together for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add Broth, Water, Lime Juice, and Noodles: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, water, and the juice of one lime. Add the uncooked rice noodles and increase heat to high. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
  4. Add Coconut Milk and Chicken, Simmer: Stir in the full-fat coconut milk and shredded cooked chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes to combine flavors and cook the noodles fully.
  5. Add Fresh Herbs and Season: Stir in torn fresh basil, chopped cilantro, and scallions. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side if desired. For leftovers, add more chicken broth when reheating as the noodles will continue to absorb liquid.

Notes

  • To save on prep time, multitask by sautéing the onion while prepping other ingredients and chopping herbs during the simmering stage.
  • The exact weight of rice noodles is flexible; thicker 3 mm noodles are preferred over very fine kinds. Brands like Thai Kitchen are recommended.
  • Thai red curry paste brands vary in spiciness; if yours is hot, reduce the amount to suit your heat preference.
  • This recipe is featured in the Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials cookbook.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

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