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Irresistible Thai Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai)

A close-up of a creamy bowl of Irresistible Thai Chicken Soup topped generously with fresh cilantro.
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Follow this recipe to make a rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced Thai coconut chicken soup featuring authentic aromatics like galangal and lemongrass.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced thinly
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 inch piece galangal, sliced (or ginger if galangal is unavailable)
  • 6 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup straw mushrooms or button mushrooms, halved
  • 1-2 Thai chilies, bruised (adjust to your spice preference)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Add the lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and bruised chilies to the pot. Simmer gently for 10 minutes to infuse the broth with the herbs.
  4. Stir in the coconut milk, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Heat through, but do not allow the soup to boil rapidly once the coconut milk is added.
  5. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes until tender.
  6. Remove the lemongrass, galangal pieces, and kaffir lime leaves before serving, as these are generally not eaten.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more fish sauce for saltiness or sugar for sweetness if needed.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use fresh galangal and kaffir lime leaves; dried versions will not provide the same aromatic depth.
  • If you prefer a clearer soup, use less coconut milk or substitute half of it with water or more broth.
  • Adjust the number of chilies carefully; the heat builds as the soup sits.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdreams.com/irresistible-thai-chicken-soup-recipe/