This Thai Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft noodles for a comforting meal that’s both tasty and nourishing.
The smell while it simmers is truly magical! I love having a big bowl topped with fresh herbs. You can even add some chili for that extra kick—it’s like a cozy adventure! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vegetable Oil: This is for sautéing. You can easily swap with olive oil or coconut oil. I like coconut oil for an extra hint of flavor in Thai dishes!
Garlic and Ginger: Both are essential for that bold, aromatic flavor. If you’re out of fresh, you can use garlic powder and ground ginger, but fresh is always best if you can get it.
Thai Red Chilies: Adjust the number of chilies to control the heat. If you can’t find them, use crushed red pepper or even a bit of sriracha. Just be careful with the amount if you’re aiming for milder soup!
Red Curry Paste: This brings the dish to life! If you’re looking for a less spicy option, try yellow curry paste. Store-bought versions are convenient, or you can make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
Coconut Milk: It’s crucial for that creamy consistency. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use light coconut milk or even unsweetened almond milk, but it won’t be as rich.
Fish Sauce: Adds depth. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, try soy sauce or tamari. You might miss some of the distinct flavor, but it will still taste great!
How Do You Shred Chicken Perfectly?
Shredding chicken can be a bit tricky if you haven’t done it before. Here’s a simple way to do it using two forks:
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes so it’s cool enough to handle.
- Use a fork in each hand. Grab one chicken breast and pull it apart by pulling the forks in opposite directions. The meat will easily separate!
- Continue shredding until you have all the chicken pulled into bite-size pieces.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—this soup is pretty forgiving!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Rice Noodles?
Rice noodles are light and a great texture for this soup, but they can be easy to mess up. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Boil water in a pot and add the rice noodles. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 4-6 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain them and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking further. This helps keep them from sticking together.
- If you prefer to soak them, use hot water instead of boiling—it takes about 20-30 minutes for them to soften.
This keeps your noodles tender and ready to soak up all that delicious broth!
Delicious Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1-2 Thai red chilies, sliced (adjust spice level to taste)
- 1 tbsp red curry paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz rice noodles (soaked or cooked according to package instructions)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup napa cabbage or bok choy, roughly chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Fresh Thai basil leaves (optional) for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Time Needed:
This Thai Chicken Noodle Soup will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. So, in just 40 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious and comforting bowl of soup!
Instructions:
1. Sauté Aromatics:
In a large pot over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil. Once it’s warm, add the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced Thai red chilies. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant, making your kitchen smell like a little piece of Thailand!
2. Add Red Curry Paste:
Stir in the red curry paste and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
3. Mix in Broth and Coconut Milk:
Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk. Stir well to combine everything and create a creamy base for the soup.
4. Flavor the Broth:
Add the fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and all the flavors mingle together.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Add the whole chicken breasts to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pot and use two forks to shred it into pieces. This is the fun part!
7. Add Vegetables:
Return to the pot and add the sliced mushrooms, chopped red bell pepper, and napa cabbage. Simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and vibrant.
8. Combine Everything:
Put the shredded chicken back in the pot, and add the soaked or cooked rice noodles and sliced green onions. Heat everything through for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to become a comforting, warm soup.
9. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your soup! Adjust the flavors with additional fish sauce, lime juice, or a bit more chili if you want a spicy kick.
10. Serve It Up:
Ladle the delicious soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and Thai basil leaves if you’re using them. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor!
Enjoy your flavorful, warming Thai Chicken Noodle Soup with family and friends! It’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a comforting bowl of goodness.
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even cooked beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp will only need a few minutes to cook, while tofu should be cubed and added with the vegetables to heat through.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The fish sauce can be substituted with soy sauce or tamari for flavor without the fishy taste!
What Should I Do if I Have Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the noodles absorb too much broth, you can add a little water or broth to rehydrate them.
Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
Definitely! To increase the heat, you can add more Thai red chilies or a dash of sriracha or chili paste. Just be sure to taste along the way so you can adjust to your preferred spice level!
