Simple Comforting Thai Chicken Noodle Soup

Why You’ll Love It

Welcome! Today, we’re diving into the world of vibrant flavors and enticing aromas with this Simple Comforting Thai Chicken Noodle Soup. This dish perfectly balances creamy, spicy, and savory notes, creating a symphony of flavors in every spoonful. Originating from Thailand, where soups play an integral role in the culinary landscape, this recipe brings together traditional ingredients in a comforting, versatile dish suitable for any occasion.

Thai cuisine, known for its harmonious combination of hot, sour, sweet, and salty flavors, shines in this soup. The tangy zest of lime, the rich creaminess of coconut milk, and aromatic herbs will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Bangkok. You’ll love the complexity and depth of this soup, making it not just a meal but an experience. Plus, it’s gluten-free, can be adapted to a dairy-free diet easily, and is packed with nutritious ingredients to support your health.

Thai Chicken Noodle Soup, often known in Thailand as “Tom Kha Gai” when made with coconut milk, bridges the gap between traditional Thai comfort food and contemporary world cuisine. Thai cuisine itself is a harmonious blend of different cultural influences that have graced the region over centuries, including Chinese, Indian, and Malay kitchens which brought various spices, herbs, and cooking techniques to Thailand.

Though the foundational ingredients and techniques have remained relatively unchanged, the soup has adapted through global culinary exchanges. In somewhat recent years, it has become a beloved dish in various international Thai eateries and quickly assimilated into home cooking worldwide due to its deliciously balanced taste and ease of preparation.

Whats Needed

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather everything we need. Our mis en place incorporates the ingredients and tools required to prepare this delicious Creamy Thai Chicken Noodle Soup.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Large Onion
• 6 Large Carrots (3 rough chopped, 3 sliced into rounds)
• 1/4 Ginger (peeled and cubed)
• 12 Cloves Garlic
• 13.5 Ounce Can Coconut Milk
• 1/2 Cup Mirin
• 2 Pounds Chicken Thigh (skin removed)
• 4 Cups Chicken Bone Broth
• 1 tsp Chicken Bouillon
• 1/2 tsp Chili Powder (optional)
• 1 Bunch Cilantro (garnish)
• 1 Bunch Thai Basil (garnish)
• 1 Bunch Green Onion (garnish)
• 1 lime (garnish)
• 1 Package Rice Noodles
• Crushed Peanuts (optional)

Tools

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups

Getting started

Now that you’ve gathered all necessary ingredients and tools, it’s time to get started with making your Creamy Thai Chicken Noodle Soup. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure a flavorful and comforting dish.

Saute Your Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic, ginger, onion, and rough chopped carrot stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook until fragrant, and the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

Blend Away

Next, transfer everything into a blender along with the coconut milk and mirin. Blend until a smooth consistency is achieved.

Brown the Chicken

In the same pot begin browning the chicken in a little more olive oil. Be sure to brown the chicken on both sides. Remember, we are not cooking the chicken through just getting some color.

Build the Soup Base

Add the blended vegetables to the chicken in the pot along with the bone broth and stir everything together. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and bouillon. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes stirring occasionally. At the 20 minute mark add in your sliced carrots.

Time to Shred

Remove the chicken from the soup and shred the meat off the bone. From here, add the chicken back to the soup and check the consistency. You may need to add additional water or broth depending on the thickness. Use your best judgment.

Finishing Touches

The final steps will elevate your soup from delicious to truly memorable. Here’s how to add those finishing touches:

Cook the Noodles

Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Add the cooked noodles to your bowl, and begin to assemble. Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to get a good mix of chicken, and vegetables in each serving. Ensure the noodles are well coated with the creamy soup base.

Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped green onions, Thai basil, cilantro, crushed peanuts, and if you like a bit of extra heat, a few drizzles of hot chili oil. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy this delightful creamy Thai Chicken Noodle Soup with your family and friends. Its complex flavor profile will satisfy your cravings for something exotic yet comforting. It’s perfect for any night of the week and will surely become a regular in your meal rotation.

This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. The protein from the chicken, vitamins from the vegetables, and the healing properties of ginger and garlic make it a wholesome meal. Moreover, it’s incredibly versatile—swap out the chicken for tofu to make it vegetarian, or add your favorite vegetables to make it even heartier.

The Creamy Thai Chicken Noodle Soup combines the best of Thai cuisine with the comfort of a warm, hearty soup. With its compelling flavors and easy preparation, it’s a dish you’ll turn to repeatedly. Don’t forget to share your creation on social media and tag us—we can’t wait to see your versions of this delicious soup!

If you love this soup, give our Rich and Creamy Asparagus Soup a try!