Thai Noodle Soup with Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender shredded chicken, rice noodles, and a rich broth made from Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, and aromatic herbs. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy one-pot recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy meal that packs a punch of Thai-inspired flavors.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or coconut oil)

• 1 small yellow or white onion, finely diced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated (or ½ to 1 teaspoon ground ginger)

• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 6 tablespoons Thai red curry paste (or to taste)

• 4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth

• 2 cups water

• 13.5-ounce can full-fat coconut milk

• 3.5 ounces uncooked rice noodles (stir-fry size, not thin noodles)

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (poached, roasted, or rotisserie chicken)

• Juice of 1 lime

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced thin

• 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt (plus more to taste)

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

Directions

1. Prepare the Soup Base: Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

2. Add Aromatics: Stir in the ginger, garlic, and Thai red curry paste, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add Broth and Noodles: Pour in the chicken broth, water, and coconut milk. Add the rice noodles and shredded chicken. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until the noodles are soft.

4. Finish the Soup: Stir in lime juice, basil, cilantro, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy immediately!

Nutrients

• Calories: 225 per serving

• Carbohydrates: 21g

• Protein: 16g

• Fat: 9g

  • Saturated Fat: 2g

• Sodium: 1142mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

Why Choose Thai Noodle Soup with Chicken?

This Thai-inspired soup is a great option when you’re craving something light yet hearty. It’s not only quick and easy to make but also filled with vibrant flavors that come together effortlessly. The coconut milk adds a creamy texture while balancing the heat from the Thai red curry paste. The addition of fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and green onions brightens up the dish, giving it a refreshing contrast to the richness of the broth.

The rice noodles provide a soft, comforting texture that pairs wonderfully with the savory soup base, and the shredded chicken adds a healthy dose of protein, making this soup both filling and nutritious. Ready in just 20 minutes, this soup is ideal for busy weeknights, and it’s perfect for anyone looking for a warm and satisfying meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare.

The Key Ingredients for Thai Noodle Soup with Chicken

This simple yet flavorful soup relies on a few key ingredients that work harmoniously to create a dish packed with bold Thai flavors:

• Olive Oil or Coconut Oil: The oil is used for sautéing the onion, garlic, and ginger, creating a rich base for the soup. Coconut oil enhances the flavor with a slight tropical note, while olive oil keeps the dish a bit lighter.

• Aromatics (Onion, Garlic, and Ginger): The diced onion adds sweetness and depth to the soup, while garlic and fresh ginger provide a fragrant and spicy foundation. Together, these aromatics form the savory backbone of the soup.

• Thai Red Curry Paste: This paste is the flavor powerhouse of the dish. It adds a perfect balance of heat, savory flavor, and a bit of sweetness. The red curry paste is the key to giving the soup its authentic Thai flavor, and you can adjust the amount to suit your preferred spice level.

• Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives the soup its creamy texture, balancing the heat from the curry paste. It adds a subtle sweetness and richness that makes the soup indulgent without being too heavy.

• Rice Noodles: Stir-fry-size rice noodles are perfect for this soup as they absorb the broth and add a comforting, chewy texture. They cook quickly and soak up the flavors of the soup, making them an essential ingredient.

• Shredded Chicken: The chicken adds protein and heartiness to the soup. You can use poached, roasted, or rotisserie chicken, making this an easy dish to prepare with leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie bird.

• Fresh Herbs (Basil, Cilantro, and Green Onions): Fresh basil, cilantro, and green onions add vibrant, refreshing flavors that brighten the soup and give it a fresh contrast to the richness of the broth.

• Lime Juice: The lime juice adds a refreshing, tangy kick that enhances the other flavors and balances the creamy coconut milk.

How to Make Thai Noodle Soup with Chicken

This Thai Noodle Soup with Chicken comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making it:

Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base

Heat the olive oil (or coconut oil) in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it for about 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. This forms the base of your soup, bringing out the natural sweetness of the onion.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in the freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and Thai red curry paste. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the curry paste is well incorporated with the garlic and ginger. This step helps release the full aroma of the curry paste and spices.

Step 3: Add Broth and Noodles

Pour in the chicken broth, water, and coconut milk. Stir everything together to combine. Add the rice noodles and shredded chicken, then bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until the noodles are soft and the flavors have melded together.

Step 4: Finish the Soup

Once the noodles are cooked and the soup has thickened slightly, stir in the lime juice, basil, cilantro, and green onions. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for more heat if desired.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. For an extra burst of freshness, garnish with more basil and cilantro. If you like, you can also serve the soup with a wedge of lime on the side for an added tang.

Nutritional Benefits of Thai Noodle Soup with Chicken

This Thai Noodle Soup with Chicken is not only flavorful but also healthy. With about 225 calories per serving, it’s a light meal that still delivers plenty of protein and satisfying flavors. Each serving provides 16 grams of protein, thanks to the shredded chicken, making it a great option for a balanced, high-protein meal.

The soup also offers 21 grams of carbohydrates, which come from the rice noodles and vegetables, and 9 grams of fat, mostly from the coconut milk and olive oil. The saturated fat content is 2 grams per serving, keeping it relatively low while still providing a creamy texture. The sodium content is 1142mg per serving, so you can adjust the seasoning to your taste to keep it within your sodium limits.

The soup also provides 1 gram of fiber from the vegetables and herbs, helping with digestion and adding a little more nutritional value to the dish.

Customizing Your Thai Noodle Soup with Chicken

This soup is easily customizable to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas for making it your own:

• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more Thai red curry paste or a dash of chili flakes if you like your soup spicier. You can also add fresh chopped chilies for an extra kick.

• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and color. Just chop them up and add them along with the rice noodles for extra flavor.

• Protein: If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein source. If using tofu, consider pan-frying it to add extra texture before adding it to the soup.

• Coconut Milk: For a lighter version of the soup, you can use light coconut milk instead of full-fat coconut milk to reduce the fat content while still keeping the creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions for Thai Noodle Soup with Chicken

This Thai Noodle Soup with Chicken is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with other dishes for a complete meal:

• Spring Rolls: Serve with Thai-style spring rolls or rice paper rolls for a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.

• Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, bok choy, or baby carrots can add more fiber and nutrients to the meal.

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the soup over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a heartier dish.

• Bread: A side of warm, crusty bread can be perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Conclusion

Thai Noodle Soup with Chicken is a quick, comforting, and healthy meal that brings the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine to your table in just 20 minutes. With its rich coconut broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice noodles, this soup is a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and texture. It’s an easy dish to prepare for busy weeknights, and it’s perfect for anyone craving a warm, flavorful soup with a bit of spice. Enjoy the depth of Thai-inspired flavors and the comforting heat in every spoonful of this delicious soup!