This Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something warm and nourishing. The fragrant coconut broth, combined with tender chicken and fresh herbs, makes it a unique and comforting meal. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use leftover chicken, making it both practical and delicious.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- Base Ingredients
- Noodles and Coconut Milk
- Protein and Herbs
- Seasoning
- How to Make Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup
- Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- Step 2: Add Curry Base
- Step 3: Build the Broth
- Step 4: Incorporate Coconut Milk and Chicken
- Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs and Season
- Step 6: Serve
- How to Serve Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup
- Add Fresh Herbs
- Include Lime Wedges
- Pair with Crispy Spring Rolls
- Offer Extra Rice Noodles
- Serve with Jasmine Rice
- Try with a Side Salad
- How to Perfect Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup
- Best Side Dishes for Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup
- Reheating Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup vegetarian?
- What type of noodles can I use in this soup?
- How can I customize Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup?
- Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
- How do I store leftovers of Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes from start to finish, this soup fits perfectly into any busy schedule.
- Flavorful Broth: The combination of coconut milk and red curry paste creates a rich and aromatic base that elevates the taste.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins for a personal touch.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, this soup is both satisfying and wholesome.
- Easy Cleanup: One-pot cooking means less time spent on dishes, allowing you to relax after your meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for creating enough soup for the whole family while preventing splatter during cooking.
- Chef’s knife: Ensures quick and efficient chopping of vegetables, saving you prep time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 heaping tablespoons Thai red curry paste (adjust to taste; see notes)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- Juice of 1 lime
Noodles and Coconut Milk
- 3.5 ounces uncooked rice noodles (see notes)
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
Protein and Herbs
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (e.g., rotisserie chicken)
- Generous handful fresh basil, torn
- Handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- Chopped scallions, to taste
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

How to Make Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
Step 2: Add Curry Base
Stir in the ginger, garlic, and curry paste. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Add the broth, water, lime juice, and rice noodles to the pot.
Increase the heat to high and bring to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Incorporate Coconut Milk and Chicken
Stir in the coconut milk and shredded chicken.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs and Season
Stir in the basil, cilantro, and scallions.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the soup immediately garnished with an extra wedge of lime if desired.
Note that the noodles will continue to soak up liquid as the soup sits; add more broth if reheating leftovers.
How to Serve Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup
Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup is a delightful dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. To elevate your dining experience, consider these serving suggestions that complement the soup perfectly.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Basil: Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them on top for an aromatic touch.
- Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and flavor to each bowl.
Include Lime Wedges
- Lime wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side allows guests to add a zesty kick to their soup, enhancing its flavors.
Pair with Crispy Spring Rolls
- Spring rolls: These crispy bites are a perfect contrast to the creamy soup. Serve them on the side for a delightful crunch.
Offer Extra Rice Noodles
- Rice noodles: Providing additional rice noodles allows diners to customize their soup’s texture and heartiness.
Serve with Jasmine Rice
- Jasmine rice: A small bowl of fragrant jasmine rice can be served alongside, perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
Try with a Side Salad
- Thai salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy dressing complements the richness of the soup nicely.
How to Perfect Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup
To create the best version of Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup, here are some helpful tips you can follow:
- Use high-quality curry paste: A good quality curry paste will significantly enhance the flavor of your soup. Choose one that suits your spice tolerance.
- Add protein variations: For variety, try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for different textures and tastes.
- Incorporate vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color in your soup.
- Adjust coconut milk: Depending on your preference for creaminess, you can use light coconut milk for a lighter version or full-fat for richer flavors.
- Let it simmer longer: If time permits, allow the soup to simmer longer for deeper flavors. Just be mindful of noodle absorption!

Best Side Dishes for Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup
Pairing your Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup with complementary sides can enhance your meal even further. Here are some excellent choices:
- Thai Fried Rice: A flavorful mix of jasmine rice stir-fried with vegetables and spices makes a great accompaniment.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in vinegar adds crunch and acidity.
- Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt provides a protein-rich snack that balances out the meal.
- Garlic Naan Bread: Soft naan bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth of your soup.
- Vegetable Tempura: Lightly battered and fried vegetables offer a crunchy contrast to the smooth soup texture.
- Mango Sticky Rice: This sweet dessert can be served after your meal, providing a delicious ending to your dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup turns out perfect, avoid these common mistakes.
- Using too much curry paste: Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. Too much can overpower the other flavors.
- Skipping the aromatics: Sautéing onion, ginger, and garlic enhances the soup’s flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- Not adjusting for spice: Different brands of curry paste vary in heat. Taste as you go to find your ideal spice level.
- Overcooking the noodles: Rice noodles soak up broth quickly. Add them towards the end of cooking for the best texture.
- Ignoring fresh herbs: Fresh basil and cilantro add brightness. Don’t skip them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between for even warming.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth and replace chicken with tofu or additional vegetables.
What type of noodles can I use in this soup?
Rice noodles are recommended, but you can also use soba or udon noodles if you prefer.
How can I customize Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is great for meal prep and tastes even better after sitting overnight.
How do I store leftovers of Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for later use.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite proteins and veggies. Try this comforting recipe for a quick weeknight meal that will surely become a family favorite!
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Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup, a delightful dish that transports you straight to Thailand. This quick and nourishing soup features a fragrant coconut broth enriched with tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a hint of zing from lime. Ideal for busy weeknights, it takes just 20 minutes to prepare and is a fantastic way to use leftover chicken. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal or something to impress guests, this recipe is versatile and customizable to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 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
- Generous handful fresh basil, torn
- Handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- Chopped scallions, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté onion until softened.
- Add ginger, garlic, and curry paste; cook until fragrant.
- Stir in broth, water, lime juice, and rice noodles; bring to a gentle boil.
- Mix in coconut milk and shredded chicken; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add basil, cilantro, scallions, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg