Name: Simple Thai Chicken Soup for Busy Nights
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk; 2 tbsp red curry paste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 2 carrots, julienned; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp soy sauce; Juice of 1 lime; Cilantro + green onions (for garnish)

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Quick note

This page shows a simple Thai chicken soup you can make fast on busy nights. Read the short steps and tips below.

introduction

This soup cooks fast and tastes rich and warm. It uses coconut milk and red curry paste for a bold taste. It is easy to change to fit what you have at home. If you like simple soups, try our clean chicken mushroom soup for another quick meal idea.

why make this recipe

Fast to cook, about 20 minutes.
Uses simple ingredients many cooks have.
Warm, spicy, and creamy — great for quick dinners.
One pot and little cleanup.

how to make Simple Thai Chicken Soup for Busy Nights | Better Than Takeout

Start by heating a little oil in a pot. Sauté garlic and ginger until they smell good. Stir in the red curry paste so it wakes up and mixes with the oil. Add the chicken broth and coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the thinly sliced chicken, julienned carrots, and sliced red bell pepper. Cook 8–10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice last so the bright flavors stay fresh. For other weeknight seafood ideas, see the baked cod coconut lemon cream sauce recipe.

Ingredients :

1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
2 tbsp red curry paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 carrots, julienned
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
Juice of 1 lime
Cilantro + green onions (garnish)

Directions :

Sauté garlic and ginger in a little oil until fragrant.
Stir in curry paste, then add broth and coconut milk; bring to a simmer.
Add chicken, carrots, and bell pepper; cook 8–10 minutes until chicken is done.
Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice.
Garnish with cilantro and green onions; serve hot.

how to serve Simple Thai Chicken Soup for Busy Nights | Better Than Takeout

Serve it hot in bowls. Add extra lime wedges for people who like more tang. Top with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions. You can add cooked rice or rice noodles to make it more filling.

how to store Simple Thai Chicken Soup for Busy Nights | Better Than Takeout

Cool the soup to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove; do not boil hard after adding coconut milk. You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

tips to make Simple Thai Chicken Soup for Busy Nights | Better Than Takeout

Slice the chicken thin so it cooks fast and stays tender.
Taste after adding fish sauce; it is salty, so add slowly.
Use fresh lime juice for the best bright flavor.
For a richer flavor, let the soup sit 10 minutes off the heat before serving.
If you want another hearty chicken soup idea, try the chicken parmesan pasta soup.

variation (if any)

Add rice noodles at the end for a noodle soup.
Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
Add baby spinach or bok choy for more greens.
Make it milder by using less red curry paste.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw first or cut into small pieces and add a few minutes more to cook.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. This recipe is dairy-free already because it uses coconut milk.

Q: Is fish sauce necessary?
A: It adds authentic umami. You can swap with a little extra soy sauce if you need a vegetarian version (use vegetarian fish sauce if available).

Q: Can I make this spicy?
A: Yes. Add more red curry paste or a dash of chili flakes.

Q: Can I store without coconut milk?
A: You can keep broth-only and add coconut milk when you reheat to keep the texture fresh.

Conclusion

For another coconut-curry noodle idea, see this Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup – Damn Delicious which uses similar flavors in a noodle bowl. If you want a stir-fry noodle meal with Thai taste, try Better Than Takeout Thai Drunken Noodles. – Half Baked Harvest.