Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe

Cozy Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe for Homemade Warmth

Comfort meets exotic flavors in this hearty Thai chicken curry soup recipe that promises to warm your soul.

Fragrant spices dance through a rich, creamy broth packed with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables.

Each spoonful transports you to the bustling streets of Bangkok, where culinary magic happens.

The combination of coconut milk, lemongrass, and perfectly balanced curry paste creates a symphony of taste.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this simple yet impressive dish.

You’ll love how quickly this soup comes together, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Grab a bowl and let this soul-satisfying soup become your new comfort food obsession.

What’s Great About Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup

  • Enjoy a quick and easy Thai-inspired soup that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen.
  • Swap chicken for tofu, adjust spice levels, or add extra veggies to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences.
  • Pack a complete meal into a single pot with protein-rich chicken, nourishing broth, and vibrant herbs that deliver both comfort and nutrition.
  • Impress family and friends with a restaurant-style soup that's simple to prepare and guaranteed to warm hearts and satisfy hunger.

Thai Chicken Curry Soup: What’s In It

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that adds substance and flavor to the Thai curry soup.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Ginger, Garlic: Classic flavor base that builds depth and complexity in the soup.
  • Red Curry Paste: Provides authentic Thai spice and warmth to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
Liquid and Noodle Components:
  • Chicken Broth, Vegetable Broth, Water: Creates the soup's foundational liquid and provides depth.
  • Rice Noodles: Soft, quick-cooking noodles that absorb the soup's rich flavors.
  • Coconut Milk: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and authentic Thai character.
  • Lime Juice: Bright, acidic element that brings freshness to the soup.
Fresh Herbs and Garnish:
  • Basil, Cilantro, Scallions: Fresh herbs that add brightness, color, and traditional Thai herb notes.
  • Lime Wedges: Optional garnish for adding extra citrus zest at serving.
Cooking Oils:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing aromatics and starting the soup base.

How To Cook Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup

Step 1: Fire Up the Aromatics

Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and dance them around the pot until they turn soft and see-through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Wake Up the Flavors

Drop in:
  • Freshly grated ginger
  • Minced garlic
  • Red curry paste

Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with an incredible aroma.

Be super careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Build the Liquid Base

Pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Water
  • Lime juice

Crank the heat to high and bring the liquid to a gentle boil.

Slide in rice noodles and watch them cook – they’ll be ready in just a few minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Goodness

Lower the heat to medium-low.

Splash in coconut milk and fold in shredded chicken.

Let everything simmer and mingle for about 10 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Sprinkle Fresh Happiness

Just before serving, shower the soup with:
  • Basil
  • Cilantro
  • Chopped scallions

Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as you like.

Step 6: Serve with a Smile

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Place lime wedges on the side for an extra flavor punch.

Pro tip: The noodles will keep soaking up liquid, so add more broth if you want a soupier consistency, especially for leftovers.

Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe Advice

  • Toast curry paste briefly in oil before adding liquids to unlock rich, complex taste profiles and enhance overall aroma.
  • Add rice noodles just before serving to maintain perfect texture and prevent them from becoming mushy during storage or reheating.
  • Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or rotisserie chicken for flexible meal preparation that suits different dietary preferences and protein needs.
  • Adjust red curry paste quantity to manage heat intensity, ensuring the soup matches your personal spice tolerance without overwhelming flavors.
  • Chop herbs immediately before adding to preserve vibrant color, intense flavor, and nutritional value of cilantro and basil.

Reheat And Store Thai Chicken Curry Soup Easily

  • Store leftover Thai chicken curry soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the soup separate from garnishes to maintain their freshness and texture.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing noodles, as they may become mushy when thawed.
  • Warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage. Bring to a gentle simmer, ensuring it's heated thoroughly.
  • Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots.

What Complements Thai Chicken Curry Soup

  • Enhance Thai Chicken Curry Soup Pairing
  • Brew Crisp Thai Iced Tea: Sweeten the meal with traditional Thai iced tea, whose creamy and bold flavor perfectly balances the soup's spicy and aromatic profile.
  • Select Bright Sauvignon Blanc: Choose a chilled white wine with citrus notes that complements the lime and herbal elements, cutting through the coconut milk's richness.
  • Create Fresh Cucumber Salad: Prepare a light cucumber salad with rice vinegar and chili flakes to provide a cool, crunchy side that refreshes the palate between curry soup bites.
  • Serve Jasmine Rice Bed: Plate a small portion of fluffy jasmine rice underneath or beside the soup, allowing diners to soak up extra broth and add textural contrast.

Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe Ideas

  • Vegan Thai Curry Soup: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth, and add extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for protein and texture.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap rice noodles with zucchini noodles or rice noodles certified gluten-free, ensure curry paste is gluten-free, and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
  • Seafood Thai Curry Soup: Substitute chicken with shrimp, scallops, or white fish like cod, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking delicate seafood.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice, use coconut milk sparingly, and increase protein content with more chicken or seafood.

FAQs

  • What makes Thai chicken curry soup different from other soups?

Thai chicken curry soup combines unique flavors like coconut milk, red curry paste, and fresh herbs that create a complex, vibrant taste profile unlike traditional Western soups.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The spice level depends on the red curry paste used. You can control heat by choosing mild or hot curry paste, or adjusting the amount added to suit your preference.

  • Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or even beef. Each protein will bring its own unique flavor to the soup while maintaining the Thai-inspired profile.

  • Are rice noodles necessary for this recipe?

While rice noodles are traditional, you can replace them with other noodles like egg noodles or even skip noodles entirely for a lower-carb option. The soup will still be delicious and authentic.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe

Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Warm comfort meets Thai culinary magic in this chicken curry soup that blends creamy coconut richness with aromatic spices. Delightful layers of flavor dance across your palate, inviting you to savor each spoonful of pure comfort and exotic charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie)

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 can (13.5 ounces/400 milliliters) full-fat coconut milk
  • 3.5 ounces (100 grams) uncooked rice noodles

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 handful fresh basil, torn
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Scallions, chopped (as desired)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Lime wedges (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high temperature for 2-3 minutes until shimmering.
  2. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, stirring periodically to prevent burning.
  3. Introduce freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and red curry paste, cooking quickly until aromatic without scorching.
  4. Pour chicken or vegetable broth, water, and lime juice into the pot, increasing heat to high and bringing mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Carefully add rice noodles, allowing them to cook rapidly for 2-3 minutes until tender but not mushy.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly incorporate coconut milk, creating a creamy liquid base.
  7. Gently fold in shredded chicken, letting the soup simmer for 8-10 minutes to develop rich flavors and slightly thicken consistency.
  8. Immediately before serving, sprinkle fresh basil, cilantro, and chopped scallions throughout the soup.
  9. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
  10. Ladle soup into serving bowls, accompanied by lime wedges for an extra citrusy kick.
  11. Note that noodles will continue absorbing liquid, so consider adding extra broth when reheating for optimal texture.

Notes

  • Select rice noodles that cook quickly to maintain a perfect texture without becoming mushy during simmering.
  • Consider using rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken to speed up meal preparation and reduce cooking time.
  • Adjust curry paste quantity based on personal spice tolerance, starting with less and gradually increasing for desired heat level.
  • Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian-friendly version of this comforting soup.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star