Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe
Introduction
This easy Thai chicken curry soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any day. It combines creamy coconut milk, fragrant curry paste, and tender chicken for a satisfying meal that cooks up quickly.

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 works well)
- Generous handful fresh basil, torn
- Handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- Chopped scallions to taste
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in grated ginger, minced garlic, and Thai red curry paste. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, water, and lime juice. Add the uncooked rice noodles. Increase heat to high and bring to a gentle boil.
- Step 4: Stir in the coconut milk and shredded chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer gently for 10 minutes so flavors meld and noodles soften.
- Step 5: Add torn basil, chopped cilantro, and scallions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.
Tips & Variations
- If the soup thickens too much over time, add more chicken broth when reheating to adjust the consistency.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep, or substitute with cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Adjust the amount of Thai red curry paste to control spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding extra broth or water as needed to loosen the noodles and restore soup consistency.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil and cilantro?
Fresh herbs provide the best flavor and aroma for this soup. However, if you only have dried herbs, add them sparingly during cooking, as their flavor is more concentrated and less vibrant.
What type of rice noodles should I use?
Thin or medium-width rice noodles work well for this soup. Look for ones labeled “rice vermicelli” or similar. They soften quickly when simmered, making them perfect for this recipe.
PrintEasy Thai Chicken Curry Soup Recipe
This Easy Thai Chicken Curry Soup is a vibrant and comforting dish combining creamy coconut milk, aromatic Thai red curry paste, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it features tender shredded chicken, delicate rice noodles, and a zesty lime finish, all cooked on the stovetop for a rich and flavorful experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Main 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
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- Add Ginger, Garlic, and Curry Paste: Stir in the grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and 4 heaping tablespoons of Thai red curry paste. Cook for approximately 30 seconds to release the fragrant spices and flavors.
- Add Liquids and Noodles: Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, 2 cups of water, and the juice of 1 lime. Add the uncooked rice noodles. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the noodles to soften.
- Incorporate Coconut Milk and Chicken: Stir in the full-fat coconut milk and 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to heat through.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Season: Remove the pot from heat and stir in a generous handful of torn fresh basil, chopped fresh cilantro, and chopped scallions to taste. Season with salt and pepper as needed for your preferred taste.
- Serve: Serve the soup immediately with optional lime wedges on the side. Note that the noodles will absorb more liquid if left to sit; add more chicken broth when reheating leftovers to adjust consistency.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- Red curry paste can vary in heat—adjust quantity according to your spice preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit chicken.
- If the soup thickens too much when reheated, add extra broth or water to achieve desired consistency.
- Rice noodles cook quickly in the hot broth; avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
Keywords: Thai chicken curry soup, easy Thai soup, coconut milk soup, red curry soup, chicken noodle soup, Thai recipes

