This Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup is a warm, comforting bowl of bold flavors with a touch of spice. Made with tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and aromatic spices, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy meal. Whether you’re a fan of Thai cuisine or new to its exotic tastes, this soup will quickly become a household favorite.
What Is Thai Chicken Curry Soup?
Thai Chicken Curry Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish inspired by traditional Thai curries. It combines rich coconut milk, red curry paste, and fresh ingredients like ginger and lime for a tangy and slightly spicy broth. Filled with vegetables and protein, it’s a balanced, satisfying soup that’s easy to make and adaptable to your preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Healthy and nourishing: Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and immune-boosting ingredients.
- Versatile: Enjoy as a standalone soup or pair with jasmine rice for a heartier meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) coconut milk
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (150 g) sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup (30 g) baby spinach or kale
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, sliced chili, lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Building the Flavorful Base
- In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the red curry paste and cook for 1 minute to release its aroma.
Creating the Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pot.
- Stir in the coconut milk, fish sauce (if using), and brown sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cooking the Vegetables and Chicken
- Return the chicken to the pot. Add the bell pepper and mushrooms. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Finishing Touches
- Stir in the spinach and lime juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or additional lime juice.

Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced chili, and lime wedges for a pop of flavor. Pair it with jasmine or basmati rice for a filling meal, or enjoy it on its own for a lighter option.
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the soup thickens.
Freezing Instructions
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Spicier: Add extra red curry paste or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Mild version: Use less curry paste and add more coconut milk.
- Low-carb: Skip the rice and load up on leafy greens or zucchini noodles.
FAQs
Can I use green curry paste instead of red?
Yes, green curry paste will give the soup a different flavor profile with herbal and citrusy notes.
What’s a good substitute for fish sauce?
Soy sauce or tamari can be used as a substitute for fish sauce, although it may slightly alter the flavor.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup without adding the spinach and lime juice. When reheating, add these ingredients for maximum freshness.
This Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup is a delicious, nourishing meal that’s simple to prepare and full of bold flavors. Whether you’re craving a taste of Thailand or need a quick dinner idea, this recipe has you covered. Try it tonight, and let us know how it turns out!
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Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A creamy and flavorful Thai-inspired chicken curry soup that’s easy to prepare and loaded with vibrant ingredients like red curry paste, coconut milk, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) coconut milk
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (150 g) sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup (30 g) baby spinach or kale
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, sliced chili, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the red curry paste and cook for another minute.
- Create the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the coconut milk, fish sauce (if using), and brown sugar. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Vegetables and Chicken: Return the chicken to the pot, then add the bell pepper and mushrooms. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the spinach and lime juice, simmering for 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or additional lime juice as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with cilantro, sliced chili, and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red curry paste to control the spiciness.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the soup base in advance and add the spinach and lime juice when reheating.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with jasmine rice or crusty bread for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~300 per serving (may vary based on ingredients used)