Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (often called Tom Kha Gai) is a rich and aromatic soup made with tender chicken, coconut milk, and a variety of fresh herbs and spices. This soup is warm, fragrant, and has a delicious balance of flavors — from the creaminess of the coconut milk to the tanginess of lime and the heat of chili. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy meal or to impress guests with its unique flavors.
Here’s a simple and authentic recipe to recreate this delicious soup at home!
Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai) Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced (or cubed)
- 4 cups coconut milk (full-fat is best for a creamy texture)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 3-4 stalks lemongrass, cut into 3-inch pieces and smashed
- 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces (optional, but authentic)
- 3-4 slices galangal (or fresh ginger if unavailable)
- 2-3 bird’s eye chilies or Thai red chilies, smashed (adjust based on spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (preferably palm sugar)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or white button mushrooms work well)
- 1 medium tomato, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1-2 tablespoons Thai chili paste (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized cubes.
- Smash the lemongrass with the back of a knife to release its aroma and flavor.
- Tear the kaffir lime leaves into pieces to release their essential oils.
- Slice the galangal (or ginger) and set aside.
2. Make the Broth Base:
- In a large pot, combine the coconut milk and chicken broth (or water). Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chilies, and onion. Let the broth simmer for 5-10 minutes to infuse all the aromatics into the liquid. If you have a tea infuser or cheesecloth, you can tie the herbs in it to make removal easier later.
3. Add the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Add the sliced chicken to the broth, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Add the mushrooms and tomato (if using), and continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms soften.
4. Flavor the Soup:
- Add the fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice to the pot. Stir to combine. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding more fish sauce for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or lime juice for tanginess.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add Thai chili paste or more chilies at this stage.
5. Finish the Soup:
- Once the soup is ready and the flavors have melded together, remove the pot from the heat.
- Carefully discard the lemongrass stalks, galangal slices, and kaffir lime leaves if you prefer (they can be tough to eat but provide a lot of flavor to the broth).
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve with a side of steamed jasmine rice or enjoy it as a stand-alone dish.
Tips:
- For a richer soup: Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamier and thicker texture. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute with light coconut milk.
- Adjust spice level: The soup can be as spicy as you like! Adjust the amount of chilies and chili paste to your preference. If you prefer mild, you can remove the seeds from the chilies or use fewer chilies.
- Add tofu or shrimp: If you prefer a different protein, you can easily swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu. For shrimp, add them in at the last minute to avoid overcooking them.
- Substitute galangal: If you can’t find galangal, fresh ginger works as a great substitute, though galangal has a more distinct, slightly citrusy flavor.
Thai Coconut Chicken Soup is one of those dishes that is both comforting and invigorating with its balance of creamy coconut, tangy lime, and fragrant herbs. It’s a perfect soup for any time of year, whether you need something warming in the winter or a refreshing dish in the summer. Enjoy the incredible flavors of Thailand in the comfort of your own home!