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Healthy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup - Light, Comforting, and Full of Flavor

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Coconut milk: 1 can (13.5 oz), full-fat for creaminess or light for fewer calories.
  • Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced.
  • Chicken broth: 4 cups, low-sodium.
  • Lemongrass: 2 stalks, trimmed and lightly smashed (or 1–2 tablespoons lemongrass paste).
  • Ginger or galangal: 2–3 inches, sliced into coins.
  • Kaffir lime leaves (optional but great): 3–4 leaves, torn.
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, smashed.
  • Mushrooms: 2 cups, sliced (shiitake or cremini work well).
  • Fish sauce: 2–3 tablespoons, to taste.
  • Lime juice: Juice of 2 limes, plus extra wedges for serving.
  • Chili: 1–2 Thai chilies or 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat).
  • Coconut sugar or honey: 1 teaspoon (optional, balances acidity).
  • Vegetables (optional): 1 cup sliced carrots, baby bok choy, or bell pepper.
  • Fresh herbs: 1/2 cup cilantro and/or Thai basil, chopped.
  • Green onions: 2, thinly sliced.
  • Oil: 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste.

Method
 

  1. Build the aromatic base: Warm oil in a pot over medium heat. Add lemongrass, ginger, and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant, stirring often.
  2. Add broth and simmer: Pour in chicken broth and add kaffir lime leaves if using. Simmer gently for 10 minutes to infuse flavor.
  3. Slip in the chicken: Add sliced chicken and mushrooms (and any sturdy veggies like carrots). Simmer 6–8 minutes, just until chicken is cooked through.
  4. Stir in coconut milk: Reduce heat to low. Add coconut milk and bring back to a gentle simmer. Do not boil hard to keep the coconut milk smooth.
  5. Season: Add fish sauce, lime juice, and coconut sugar or honey if using. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acidity. Add chilies for heat.
  6. Finish and serve: Remove lemongrass, ginger slices, and lime leaves. Stir in green onions and fresh herbs. Ladle into bowls and serve with extra lime.