Tom Kha Soup (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup with Lemongrass & Lime)

Tom Kha Soup is one of Thailand’s most beloved comfort soups, known for its silky coconut broth, bright lime flavor, and aromatic herbs. The soup balances creamy, tangy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors all in one bowl. Tender chicken and mushrooms simmer in coconut milk infused with lemongrass, ginger, and lime, creating a soup that feels rich yet surprisingly fresh.

If you enjoy cozy soup recipes with bold flavor, this Thai coconut soup is a wonderful addition to your soup rotation. It’s different from traditional comfort bowls like Chicken Noodle Soup, Mediterranean Lentil Soup, or Cioppino Seafood Stew, but it delivers the same warm, satisfying feeling with a bright Southeast Asian twist.

Why You’ll Love This Thai Coconut Soup

• Creamy coconut broth with bright lime flavor

• Ready in about 30 minutes

• Cozy but light and refreshing

• Restaurant-style Thai soup made at home

• Naturally gluten-free and easy to customize

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4

Nutrition Information

• Calories: ~310 per serving

• Protein: 22 g

• Carbohydrates: 9 g

• Fat: 22 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sodium: ~780 mg

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15 ml)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, sliced (15 g)

• 1 stalk of lemongrass, smashed and cut into pieces

• 4 cups chicken broth (950 ml)

• 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz / 400 ml)

• 1 pound boneless chicken breast, sliced thin (450 g)

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (75 g)

• 1–2 Thai chilies or ½ teaspoon chili flakes

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (30 ml)

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (12 g)

• Juice of 1 lime (30 ml)

• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium soup pot over medium heat.

2. Add the garlic, ginger, and lemongrass and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Stir in the coconut milk and mix until the broth becomes creamy.

5. Add the sliced chicken and mushrooms and simmer for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

6. Stir in the fish sauce, brown sugar, and chilies.

7. Remove the lemongrass pieces if desired.

8. Finish the soup with fresh lime juice and adjust the seasoning to taste.

9. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood version often called Tom Kha Goong.

• If you cannot find lemongrass, add extra lime zest for brightness.

• A small splash of coconut cream can make the broth extra rich.

• Add sliced bell peppers or baby corn for more vegetables.

• For extra heat, drizzle a little chili oil on top before serving.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Tom Kha Soup stores well and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to keep the coconut broth smooth.

Freezing is possible, but the coconut milk texture may slightly change after thawing.

FAQ for Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

What does Tom Kha mean?

In Thai, Tom means “soup” or “to boil,” and Kha refers to galangal, an aromatic root similar to ginger used in the soup.

Can I make Tom Kha Soup vegetarian?

Yes. Replace the chicken with tofu, use vegetable broth, and substitute soy sauce or coconut aminos for fish sauce.

Is Tom Kha soup spicy?

Traditionally, it has mild heat from Thai chilies, but you can easily adjust the spice level.

What’s the difference between Tom Kha and Tom Yum?

Tom Yum has a clear, hot-and-sour broth, while Tom Kha uses coconut milk, giving it a creamy and slightly sweeter flavor.

What is Tom Kha Soup made of?

Tom Kha Soup is a traditional Thai coconut soup made with coconut milk, chicken, mushrooms, lemongrass, galangal or ginger, lime juice, and fish sauce.

Final Thoughts

Tom Kha Soup brings a wonderful balance of creamy comfort and bright Thai flavors to the table. The combination of coconut milk, citrusy lime, and aromatic herbs makes this soup feel cozy while still tasting fresh and vibrant.

If you enjoy warming bowls like this, you can explore dozens more comforting recipes in the Soups and Stews, where you’ll find everything from hearty classics to globally inspired soups perfect for any season.