This Thai Coconut Soup really hits the spot during the autumn months. So fresh and flavorful, this chicken soup is not too heavy, not too dense, just the perfect creamy soup with the delicious combination of coconut and lime. It’s easy to make, with roasted chicken from the deli at your grocery store, rice and yummy spices that give this soup a unique flavor.
What is Thai Coconut Soup?
Thai coconut soup is also known as Tom Kha Gai, a creamy, rich, slightly sour and salty soup that has a warming spicy flavor. Some versions are simpler than others, but some Thai coconut soups can contain fish sauce, shrimp, and other delicious, interesting things.
Ingredients in this Coconut Chicken Soup Recipe
Butter – you can sauté the carrots in olive oil or coconut oil too. Start cooking at medium heat. Carrot – shredded Thai seasoning – see below Chicken stock – you can substitute vegetable stock, if desired. Cilantro – fresh Unsweetened coconut milk Deli-roasted chicken – from the grocery store, shredded. You can also use shredded chicken breast or chicken that has been diced into one inch pieces. Long-grain rice – previously cooked Lime – juiced Soy sauce Extra cilantro – for garnish Lime wedges
Spices Needed for Thai Seasoning
Before making this recipe, double check to see that you have all the spices needed to give this soup that tropical taste. You probably already have these spices in your pantry, because they’re kitchen staples, which is also what makes this soup so easy to put together. Here’s what you need:
Cinnamon (gives the soup a warm scent and flavor that can’t be beat) Curry Powder (I love the sweet and savory flavor of curry, which gives this dish more depth and brightness) Ginger (you can grate fresh ginger into this soup, or use dried ginger. It’s hot and zesty yet sweet and warm with a slightly woodsy flavor) Chili Powder (Here’s where you can add extra heat to the soup if you like. It’s aromatic and spicy, so good!) Paprika (With its sweet, bright color, it tastes a little like red bell peppers in a powder form)
Entirely Optional Additions and Substitutions
I find this simple Thai soup to be simply perfect! But, if you want to add anything to the pot, these vegetables and the like would taste delicious!
Mushrooms add an earthy flavor and a wonderful, soft texture to the soup. Top with bean sprouts for extra crunch. Red bell pepper is sweet and a little spicy, a great addition to the flavors in the pot! Green onions are a little earthy with a hint of spice, perfect for garnish. Tofu is a great protein addition, with a fun, squishy texture! Red Curry paste or green curry paste gives the soup a hotter, spicier flavor. Stir in just a bit to taste. For more seasoning, add a teaspoon of Thai basil, which is a bit bolder and spicier than sweet basil. Garlic – dice a couple of cloves garlic for a more intense flavor. Add broccoli, asparagus, peppers, or any veggies you like. Turn this into Thai chicken noodle soup by switching out the rice for rice noodles, if desired. Dice some lemongrass into the soup of a light, fragrant aroma that tastes delicious!
Suggestions for Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
Do yourself a favor and get a rotisserie chicken from the deli section of your grocery store. It’s deliciously seasoned and shreds up perfectly for this coconut soup. Invest in a really good blender. I love my Blendec blender for soups like this one, which makes it so easy to give the soup a creamy, smooth texture. Don’t skip the coconut milk. You can find coconut milk in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. It gives the soup a sweet cream coconut flavor that is to die for! Any kind of rice will work for this recipe but I especially like using long grain rice. Make sure to cook it separately and add the already cooked rice to the soup. Serve a big bowl of soup along side some homemade fry bread or some sweet coconut bread.
Storing Your Leftovers
This Thai coconut soup recipe will last longer than the night you make it, and your family will thank you! If want to make some for a rainy day, place it in freezer-safe containers, either zip bags or Tupperware, and place in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you just have enough for the refrigerator, allow your soup to cool completely and place in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, either microwave or place on the stovetop at a low simmer. Read More: 35+ Quick and Easy To Follow Dinner Ideas Your Family Will Surely Love
More Thai Recipes to Try
If you love the coconut and lime flavors of this Thai Coconut Soup, try some of our other favorite Thai recipes and serve up a huge feast for your next dinner party!
How to Make Thai Coconut Soup
recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens
Thai Chicken Enchiladas
Thai Peanut Dressing
Thai Chicken Salad
Thai Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Yogurt Dip
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