Description

Tom Kha Gai is a creamy, aromatic Thai coconut chicken soup that blends rich coconut milk with fragrant herbs, tender chicken, and a hint of spice. This comforting and flavorful dish is easy to prepare and perfect for any season.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

2 tbsp coconut oil
4 cups chicken broth
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger (sliced) or galangal
2 stalks lemongrass (smashed, cut into 3-inch pieces)
1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1–2 tbsp fish sauce (to taste)
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tsp sugar
2–3 Thai chilies, sliced
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat coconut oil in a pot over medium heat.
Add garlic, ginger, and lemongrass. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

2. Simmer the Broth & Coconut Milk

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the coconut milk and mix well.

3. Cook the Chicken

Add sliced chicken and let it cook for 8-10 minutes until fully tender.

4. Add the Mushrooms

Stir in sliced mushrooms and simmer for another 5 minutes until softened.

5. Season the Soup

Add fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chilies. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Serve & Garnish

Remove the lemongrass pieces before serving.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Visual Cue: The chicken should be fully opaque and tender, while the coconut broth remains creamy without curdling.
Temperature Test: The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Taste Balance: A well-cooked Tom Kha Gai should have a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors. Adjust fish sauce, lime, and sugar accordingly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Soup
Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: ~350 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Tom Kha Gai, Thai coconut soup, chicken coconut soup, Thai soup, lemongrass soup, creamy chicken soup, Thai recipes