Chicken & Coconut Soup
Chicken & Coconut Soup is a warm, comforting dish combining tender chicken with creamy coconut milk and vibrant spices. It’s perfect for cozy nights, offering a balanced taste with a rich, aromatic broth that satisfies hunger and soothes the soul. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this nourishing soup is ideal for cold days or anytime you crave a wholesome, flavorful meal.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Fusion / Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Proteins
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Liquids
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Aromatics & Spices
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or 1 small fresh chili, chopped (optional)
- Salt to taste
Vegetables
- 1 cup mushrooms or bell peppers, sliced
Fresh Herbs & Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro or basil, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- Red chili slices, for garnish (optional)
- Wedge of lime, for serving
- Toasted coconut flakes (optional)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the ginger, garlic, and chosen vegetables. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and good integration with the soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a small amount of oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic and gently sauté until fragrant and golden, building a flavorful base for the soup.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and sear them for about 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned on the outside but not completely cooked through, which helps lock in moisture.
- Add Broth and Coconut Milk: Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it develop a creamy, rich consistency.
- Incorporate Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the sliced vegetables, lime juice, salt, and chili flakes if using. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in freshly chopped cilantro or basil to retain their fresh aroma and vibrant color. Serve immediately with garnishes if desired.
Notes
- Use homemade chicken broth for deeper flavor.
- Cook ginger and garlic gently to release essential oils without burning.
- Adjust the coconut milk to broth ratio to customize soup thickness.
- Add lime juice at the end to preserve its bright, fresh flavor.
- Include fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant taste and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Chicken soup, Coconut milk soup, Comfort food, Easy soup recipe, Gluten free soup, Quick chicken soup