Chicken Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai)
By Sho @ Hungry for Thai
on
Jan 8th 2025 
This easy and healthy coconut chicken soup (Tom Kha Gai ) is perfect for cozy evenings or when you're craving comforting Thai flavors, offering a milder take on the bold flavors of Tom Yum with less sourness and saltiness.
Table of Contents
👍 Best Ever Tom Kha Gai Soup (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup)
Tom Kha Gai is a beloved Thai coconut chicken soup that blends creamy coconut milk with fragrant herbs and a gentle kick of spice.
The addition of coconut milk softens the flavors, making the soup rich and creamy.
It's a dish loved by children and packed with nutrients from aromatic herbs like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, which also help relax the mind and reduce stress.
If you're searching for an easy and healthy coconut chicken soup recipe, this one's a must-try!
What you'll need
- Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, chicken breast adds a lighter texture to the soup while absorbing the rich flavors of the broth.
- Oyster mushrooms: Add a soft texture and subtle sweetness to the dish.
- Galangal: Provides a fragrant aroma and helps balance the richness of the coconut milk.
- Lemongrass: Adds a refreshing citrusy flavor to the soup.
- Shallots: Contribute natural sweetness to the broth.
- Kaffir lime leaves: Infuse the soup with a bright, citrusy aroma.
- Coriander: Enhances the aroma and adds a touch of freshness.
- Coconut milk: Creates a creamy, rich base for the soup.
- Water: Forms the base of the broth.
- Tamarind juice: Adds a balanced tanginess to the soup.
- Lime juice: Brings a fresh, zesty flavor to complement the richness.
- Palm sugar: Balances the flavors with a subtle sweetness.
- Fish sauce: Adds saltiness and depth to the dish.
- Red chili peppers (Optional): Add a touch of heat to enhance the flavor.
- Dried chilies (Optional): Bring a smoky, spicy kick to the soup.
I absolutely love Tom Kha Gai (Chicken Coconut Soup)—it's one of those dishes that brings back so many warm memories.
I still remember how, as a kid, I would pour the creamy, fragrant soup over a big bowl of jasmine rice, letting the flavors soak in with every bite.
The rich coconut milk, tangy lime, and gentle heat from galangal always made it the ultimate comfort food. 🥥🍋
If you want to try my version, check out my recipe—it's cozy, aromatic, and full of those nostalgic Thai flavors I adore. ❤️
And for my plant-based friends, you can enjoy a delicious vegan twist with this vegan Tom Kha soup. It's light, vibrant, and just as satisfying! 🌿✨
Whichever version you try, I hope it brings a little comfort and joy to your table! 💛
Why You'll Love This Thai Coconut Chicken Soup Recipe 🩷
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 20 minutes.
- Healthy: Nourishing, protein-rich ingredients.
- Comforting: Creamy, tangy, and full of flavor.
How to Cook Tom Kha Gai
⚡️ Want a quick and easy Chicken Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai) recipe? Here's a simple version that's perfect for busy days:
- In a pot, combine coconut milk and chicken broth over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, cooking for 5 minutes to release the flavors.
- Stir in sliced chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until tender.
- Add mushrooms and chilies, cooking for another 3 minutes.
- Mix in fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve with Tom Kha Gai Soup
🍚 Steamed Jasmine Rice: Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
🥢 Thai Spring Rolls: Crispy, fresh, and a great contrast to the soup.
🥭 Mango Sticky Rice: A sweet and creamy dessert to finish your meal.
🥬 Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tum): Adds a crunchy, tangy side.
FAQs
Types of "Mushrooms" commonly used in Chicken Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai):
- Straw Mushroom: This is the most popular mushroom used in Tom Kha Gai. It's easy to find, affordable, with a soft texture and easy to eat.
- Oyster Mushroom: Another popular mushroom used in Tom Kha Gai. Oyster mushrooms have a firm, soft texture with white stems and light cream-colored caps.
- Enoki Mushroom (White): This is sometimes used, but not very often. It has a firm and chewy texture, but softens when boiled. Many people like it.
- Golden Needle Mushroom: This is found occasionally, but not very often. It has a smooth texture but tends to stick to the teeth.
Can you mix coconut milk and chicken broth?
Absolutely! It's the magic combo for creamy, savory goodness.
Is coconut soup good for you?
Yes! It's full of healthy fats and antioxidants from the herbs.
Coconut cream or coconut milk for soup?
Use coconut milk for balance or coconut cream for extra richness.
What does Tom Kha taste like?
It's creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and full of herbal zing!
What's the difference between Tom Kha and Tom Kha Gai?
"Tom Kha" means galangal soup, and "Gai" means chicken—so Tom Kha Gai is the chicken version!
Make this easy and healthy coconut chicken soup recipe your new go-to for a comforting, flavor-packed meal. Let me know what you think! 😉🔽
Chicken Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai)
Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
10 minutes
Serves
2
Ingredients
Steps
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Cooking Chicken Coconut Soup(Tom Kha Gai):
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Trim the roots or stems of the oyster mushrooms and tear them into bite-sized pieces. .
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Cut the lemongrass diagonally into short or long sections, then bruise it lightly using a pestle or the back of a knife to release its aroma then slice the young galangal into thin rounds.
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Tear the kaffir lime leaves by hand. Peel the shallots and crush them gently to release their flavor.
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Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you don't like chicken skin, you can remove it, or substitute with chicken breast if preferred.
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In a pot, bring water to a gentle boil. Add the galangal, lemongrass, shallots, and kaffir lime leaves. Simmer for a few minutes to infuse the water with the aromatic flavors.
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Pour in the thick coconut milk, stirring gently to combine. Lower the heat to prevent the coconut milk from separating.
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Add chicken to the pot and cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
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Add the oyster mushrooms to the pot and let them cook until softened.
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Add fish sauce, tamarind juice, and palm sugar. Stir well and adjust the seasoning to taste.
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(Optional) Toss in the dried chilies or/and red chili peppers for a spicy kick. Let them infuse for a few minutes.
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Remove the soup from the heat and add lime juice. Stir gently and adjust the tanginess to your preference.
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Sprinkle with chopped coriander for a fresh, herbal finish. Ready to serve!
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Nutritional info
% of daily valueCalorie Breakdown
Protein
360 cal
Fat
620 cal
Carbs
216 cal
Tips
🌶️ For a spicy kick, add crushed chili flakes or a few bird's eye chilies!
🫚 Fresh galangal delivers authentic flavor.
🥥 using creamy coconut milk for a richer texture.
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