There’s something instantly soothing about a warm bowl of creamy coconut chicken soup. My love for this recipe started years ago, inspired by a chilly autumn night in Chiang Mai. I was standing in a tiny street kitchen, wrapped in steam and spice, watching an old chef stir coconut milk into a bubbling pot with the ease of someone who’s done it a thousand times. The scent of lemongrass and ginger, the way the soup hugged the bowl, it felt like a culinary embrace. This version brings that same warmth into your home, with easy-to-find ingredients and beginner-friendly steps. Whether you’re fending off a cold, warming up after a rainy walk, or just craving comfort, this creamy coconut chicken soup delivers on all fronts.
In today’s post, you’ll get the full recipe, detailed instructions, pro tips, variations (including gluten-free options), and storage advice. It’s a favorite for a reason: flavorful, flexible, and always satisfying.
Print
Creamy Coconut Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A warm, comforting, and fragrant coconut chicken soup inspired by a street kitchen in Chiang Mai. Perfect for cold nights, rainy days, or when you’re craving cozy flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like sunflower or avocado)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1–2 Thai chilies (optional)
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce
- Juice of 1 lime (plus wedges for serving)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or white button)
- 1 cup shredded carrots or thin bell pepper strips
- 1 stalk lemongrass, halved and bruised (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or Thai basil for garnish
- Optional: rice noodles or steamed jasmine rice
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, and Thai chilies. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sliced chicken breasts and sauté until just starting to color.
- Pour in chicken broth and add lemongrass. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Lower heat to medium-low. Add coconut milk, mushrooms, carrots, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Simmer gently for another 10 minutes (do not boil).
- Remove lemongrass. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (lime, fish sauce, or sugar).
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime. Serve hot with crusty bread or rice.
Notes
Use full-fat coconut milk for best texture. Add noodles or rice for a heartier meal. Soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients for Creamy Coconut Chicken Soup
When making a rich, velvety soup like this, the key lies in quality ingredients. The coconut milk gives it body, the chicken brings protein and heartiness, while ginger, garlic, and lime lift the flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like sunflower or avocado)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1–2 Thai chilies (optional, for heat)
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth (look for low-sodium)
- 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce
- Juice of 1 lime (plus wedges for serving)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or white button)
- 1 cup shredded carrots or thin bell pepper strips
- 1 stalk lemongrass, halved and bruised (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or Thai basil for garnish
You can also add rice noodles or steamed jasmine rice to make this coconut chicken soup more filling.
Internal tip: If you enjoy warm bowls with vibrant flavors, you’ll also love this spicy ramen lasagna or this viral cottage cheese sweet potato bowl as cozy dinnertime options.
How to Make Creamy Coconut Chicken Soup (Step-by-Step)
This creamy coconut chicken soup is designed to be foolproof. It comes together in under 40 minutes and fills your kitchen with a comforting, fragrant aroma.
Step 1: Sauté your aromatics
Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic, ginger, and Thai chilies. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add chicken and broth
Add the sliced chicken breasts and sauté until they’re just starting to color. Then pour in your chicken broth and lemongrass. Let everything simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 3: Stir in coconut milk
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the coconut milk, mushrooms, carrots, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Simmer gently for another 10 minutes. Be careful not to boil, as this can cause the coconut milk to separate.
Step 4: Taste and adjust
Remove the lemongrass stalks if used. Taste your soup, add more lime juice for tang, a splash more fish sauce for umami, or a pinch of sugar for balance.
Step 5: Serve hot
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime. Serve with crusty bread or rice.
This coconut chicken soup pairs beautifully with a light salad or sides like neiman marcus chicken casserole if you’re feeding a larger group.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Coconut Chicken Soup
Even though this creamy coconut chicken soup is beginner-friendly, a few tips can help make it outstanding:
- Slice chicken thinly so it cooks evenly and stays tender.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamy texture. Light versions can make the soup watery.
- Don’t overboil after adding the coconut milk. Keep the heat gentle to preserve the soup’s smoothness.
- Layer your seasoning gradually, taste as you go. Some limes are more sour than others, and fish sauce can vary in saltiness.
For more cozy meal prep ideas, check out this high protein hamburger helper, a simple one-pot wonder.
Delicious Variations and Swaps
This creamy coconut chicken soup is versatile. You can adjust it to dietary needs or your personal taste easily.
Gluten-Free
The soup is naturally gluten-free when made with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Be sure to double-check your chicken broth too.
Vegetarian Version
Swap the chicken with tofu cubes and use vegetable broth instead. Add extra mushrooms or even chickpeas for added body.
Low-Carb Option
Skip noodles or rice and load up with extra veggies like zucchini ribbons or spinach.
Spicy Thai Style
Add 1–2 tablespoons of Thai red curry paste before pouring in the broth for a spicier, deeper flavor. Garnish with sliced red chilies for extra heat.
Serve With Style
Want to make it a meal? Pair this soup with a light bite like this cloud bread breakfast sandwich or a simple green salad topped with shredded carrots and sesame seeds.
Storage & Reheating Tips
One of the best things about this creamy coconut chicken soup is how well it stores. It actually tastes even better the next day.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen over time.
- Freezer: Let it cool completely, then freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat Gently: Warm on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling the coconut milk. If it thickens, add a splash of broth or water.
Leftovers pair perfectly with dishes like onion boil or a creamy pasta like dirty martini pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best coconut milk for creamy coconut chicken soup?
Full-fat canned coconut milk works best for a silky texture. Avoid the boxed versions or coconut drinks.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this soup tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store in the fridge and gently reheat before serving.
What can I use instead of chicken?
Tofu, shrimp, or even chickpeas work well. For a vegetarian version, replace the broth with vegetable stock and skip the fish sauce.
How do I make it spicier or milder?
For more heat, add chili flakes or Thai red curry paste. To make it milder, omit chilies and start with just a hint of ginger.
Conclusion: Comfort in a Bowl
Creamy coconut chicken soup is more than a recipe, it’s a ritual. The warmth of ginger, the richness of coconut milk, and the brightness of lime make every spoonful comforting and balanced. Whether you need an easy weeknight meal or a cozy cure for cold weather, this soup delivers with flavor and simplicity. You don’t need special tools or culinary training, just a pot, a few ingredients, and a desire for something truly delicious. Bookmark this one; it’s bound to become a staple.
And if this cozy bowl made your day, don’t miss out on our marry me dip, a creamy, crave-worthy appetizer perfect for entertaining.