Quick & Easy Thai Curry Chicken Soup

Quick & easy Thai curry chicken soup is one of those lifesaver recipes I make when I want something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor—without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a vibrant, spicy, and creamy soup with tender chicken, coconut milk, and the bold kick of red curry. Best of all, it comes together fast and fills my bowl with big, satisfying taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this soup because it’s so simple to make, yet tastes like I’ve been simmering it for hours. Thai red curry paste brings instant depth and spice, while the coconut milk smooths everything out with a rich, silky texture. The chicken cooks quickly and absorbs the flavor beautifully. It’s the kind of meal I can throw together with pantry staples and still end up with something that feels like takeout—but better and fresher.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced

• Thai red curry paste

• Coconut milk

• Chicken broth

• Garlic, minced

• Ginger, minced

• Onion, sliced

• Carrots, sliced

• Bell peppers, thinly sliced

• Fish sauce or soy sauce

• Lime juice

• Oil (like vegetable or sesame oil)

• Optional: rice noodles or jasmine rice, fresh cilantro, Thai basil, or chili flakes for topping

directions

1. I heat oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the garlic, ginger, and onion until soft and fragrant.

2. I stir in the red curry paste and cook it for 1–2 minutes to bring out the flavor.

3. I add the sliced chicken and cook until just browned on the outside.

4. I pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, then stir to combine.

5. I add carrots and bell peppers, then bring the soup to a gentle simmer.

6. I season with fish sauce or soy sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

7. If I’m using noodles, I add them directly to the soup and let them cook until tender.

8. I serve the soup hot, topped with herbs, chili flakes, or a wedge of lime for extra flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes me 10–15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in just about 30–35 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I add spinach or bok choy toward the end of cooking for a green boost. For a vegetarian version, I skip the chicken and use tofu and veggie broth. I’ve also stirred in a spoonful of peanut butter for a Thai peanut twist. If I’m craving extra spice, I add fresh chili slices or sriracha.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup reheats well on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it thickens too much, I just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. If using noodles, I sometimes cook them separately and add them just before serving to keep them from getting too soft.

FAQs

Can I use curry powder instead of red curry paste?

Red curry paste has a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate, but in a pinch, I’ve used curry powder with a bit of chili paste or hot sauce for heat. The flavor won’t be the same, but it still tastes great.

What type of coconut milk should I use?

I always use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture. Light versions work too, but the soup will be thinner.

Is this soup spicy?

It depends on the curry paste. Some brands are milder, others are very hot. I taste as I go and adjust with more paste or lime juice for balance.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day. I just reheat gently and add fresh herbs before serving.

What can I serve with this soup?

It’s filling on its own, but I sometimes serve it with steamed jasmine rice, naan, or a simple cucumber salad for a cooling side.

Conclusion

Quick & easy Thai curry chicken soup is the kind of recipe I turn to when I want big flavor with minimal effort. It’s creamy, spicy, and completely satisfying—everything I want in a comforting meal. Once I’ve tried it, I find myself making it again and again, especially on busy nights when I still want something that feels homemade and special.