Thai Coconut Chicken Soup with Brown Rice and Vegetables is a comforting, flavorful, and nourishing dish inspired by the traditional Thai Tom Kha Gai soup. This recipe combines tender chicken strips, creamy coconut milk, vibrant vegetables, and hearty brown rice for a complete and balanced meal. Not only is it easy to make, but it also fills your kitchen with irresistibly fragrant aromas that invite the whole family to the table.
What Makes This Thai Coconut Chicken Soup So Good?
The base of the soup is coconut milk, which gives it a silky, slightly sweet flavor that balances beautifully with the zest of lime juice and the kick from ginger and red chili. Chicken adds lean protein, while brown rice and colorful vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach boost fiber and vitamins. It’s a one-bowl meal that’s both delicious and nutritious, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Health Benefits and Things to Consider
This soup offers many health benefits. Chicken is a great source of high-quality protein that helps build and repair muscles. Coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can support energy and metabolism. Brown rice, a whole grain, is rich in fiber, improving digestion and helping to keep you full longer. The mix of vegetables provides antioxidants and essential nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.
While coconut milk is delicious and nutritious in moderation, it is high in saturated fats. If you’re watching your saturated fat intake, consider using light coconut milk or cutting the amount slightly and replacing it with low-sodium chicken broth. Also, keep an eye on the sodium content of store-bought broth and fish sauce to keep the soup heart-healthy.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat or light coconut milk
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cooking your brown rice according to the package instructions so it’s ready to serve when the soup is done. While the rice cooks, wash and chop all your vegetables, slice the chicken thinly, and mince the garlic and ginger.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken
In a large soup pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the sliced chicken and cook until it’s lightly browned on the outside, about 4–5 minutes.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Add the red bell pepper, mushrooms, coconut milk, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir in the fish sauce (if using), soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and lime juice. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Add Final Touches
Add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts into the soup, about 2 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed. Feel free to add more lime juice or a pinch of salt or pepper.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
To serve, spoon some cooked brown rice into each bowl and ladle the hot soup over it. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime for a burst of freshness. Enjoy this soothing bowl of Thai Coconut Chicken Soup warm — it also stores well and tastes even better the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is loved for its balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a go-to for anyone wanting a comfort meal without relying on high-calorie or overly processed ingredients. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free and low-carb with a few easy swaps. Feel free to customize the vegetables or spice level to suit your taste, and enjoy the cozy feeling it brings with every bite.
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