If you love comforting, vibrant, and easy-to-make soups, this Thai Chicken Curry Soup is a must-try! Bursting with bold Thai flavors like coconut milk, red curry paste, and fresh herbs, this soup is quick to prepare and full of taste. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, this recipe is ideal for a cozy weeknight meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful soup will become a regular on your dinner table.

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Why You’ll Love This Thai Chicken Curry Soup
This Thai Chicken Curry Soup is a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and aromatic flavors. It’s packed with Thai-inspired ingredients like ginger, lime, and curry paste, bringing you an authentic taste that’s easy to achieve. The rich coconut milk adds a silky texture, while the rice noodles provide a satisfying bite. Plus, this recipe is not only quick to make, but it also works wonders for using up leftover chicken, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, creating a flavorful base.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Garlic: Brings a savory, aromatic element to the dish.
- Ginger: Provides a zesty and slightly spicy kick.
- Red curry paste: Infuses the soup with bold, spicy flavors.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth adds a savory foundation.
- Water: Balances the broth, ensuring the right soup consistency.
- Lime juice: Brightens up the soup with a touch of acidity.
- Rice noodles: Absorb the broth, giving the soup a satisfying texture.
- Coconut milk: Creates a rich, creamy texture and balances out the spice.
- Shredded chicken: Adds protein and heartiness to the soup.
- Basil, cilantro, and scallions: Fresh herbs that provide a burst of flavor and color.
- Salt & pepper: Enhances and balances the overall taste.
- Lime wedges: Optional, for serving with a fresh citrusy touch.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to make this soup a bit lighter or adjust it to your taste preferences, here are some ingredient swaps:
• Coconut milk: Use a lighter version of coconut milk if you want a less creamy soup.
• Rice noodles: Substitute with any noodle of your choice, like soba noodles or egg noodles, if you prefer a different texture.
• Chicken: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use grilled or sautéed chicken breasts or thighs.
• Herbs: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try substituting with fresh parsley for a milder flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they become soft and translucent.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red curry paste. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, water, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the noodles: Stir in the rice noodles and cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate the coconut milk and chicken: Once the noodles are tender, stir in the coconut milk and shredded chicken. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Finish with herbs: Just before serving, stir in fresh basil, cilantro, and scallions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.

Tips & Tricks
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a spicier soup, you can use a spicier red curry paste or add Thai chili peppers. You can also top your soup with sriracha or chili flakes for more heat.
- Reheat carefully: If you have leftovers, be mindful that the noodles will absorb the broth over time. When reheating, add more chicken broth to restore the soup’s original consistency.
- Make it a meal: This soup is filling on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a more substantial meal.
- Storage tips: You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. The soup can be frozen, but note that the noodles may lose some texture upon thawing.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Thai Chicken Curry Soup is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, but you can enhance the meal with a few additions:
- Side dishes: A side of Thai quinoa salad or crispy bean sprouts will complement the flavors of the soup beautifully.
- Sauces: Drizzle with a bit of fish sauce for added depth, or serve with a side of fresh sriracha for a spicier kick.
- Noodle variations: Swap rice noodles for glass noodles or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Make-ahead: If you’re meal prepping, this soup is great for making ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
Health Benefits of Thai Chicken Curry Soup
- Packed with chicken, ginger, and coconut milk, this Thai Chicken Curry Soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a good source of protein and healthy fats. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion, while coconut milk offers a creamy texture and a boost of energy. This soup is also gluten-free (if using rice noodles) and can easily be adjusted to suit various dietary preferences.
- This Thai Chicken Curry Soup is a versatile, flavorful dish that is quick to make, satisfying, and packed with vibrant Thai flavors. Whether you’re making it for dinner tonight or enjoying leftovers the next day, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Conclusion
In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a bowl of this comforting and flavorful Thai Chicken Curry Soup that’s perfect for any season. With its vibrant mix of spices, creamy coconut milk, and fresh herbs, this soup offers an irresistible balance of taste and texture.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking for a quick lunch, this recipe delivers both convenience and deliciousness. So, gather your ingredients, and let this Thai-inspired soup become a regular part of your weekly rotation!
FAQ
Can I make Thai Chicken Curry Soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup is great for meal prepping. You can make it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, simply add a bit more broth as the noodles will absorb some of the liquid over time.
How do I make Thai Chicken Curry Soup spicier?
If you prefer a spicier version of this soup, use a spicier red curry paste or add chopped Thai chilies or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also serve the soup with a drizzle of sriracha for an extra heat kick.
Can I use other types of noodles in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute rice noodles with other types of noodles such as soba noodles, egg noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a gluten-free alternative. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodle you use.
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Thai Chicken Curry Soup
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Thai Chicken Curry Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish made with coconut milk, red curry paste, and fresh herbs. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and a great way to use leftover chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped finely
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 heaping tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- Juice of 1 lime
- 3.5 ounces uncooked rice noodles
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie recommended)
- Generous handful fresh basil, torn
- Handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- Chopped scallions, to taste
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the ginger, garlic, and red curry paste, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, water, and lime juice. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add the rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the coconut milk and shredded chicken. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the basil, cilantro, and scallions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- If you like it spicier, use a spicier red curry paste or add chopped Thai chilies.
- This soup can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. The noodles will absorb the broth over time, so add extra broth when reheating.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use light coconut milk.
- Feel free to substitute rice noodles with other types of noodles or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg