Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of Chicken Red Curry Soup the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful. This vibrant and creamy Thai curry soup with chicken is a fusion of bold flavors, combining the richness of coconut milk soup with the fiery kick of red curry paste. Whether you’re craving something soothing on a winter night or looking for a light yet flavorful meal in summer, this easy recipe delivers. Packed with tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and a silky broth, it’s the ultimate in comforting soup recipes that comes together in just under 30 minutes.
Ingredients for Chicken Red Curry Soup
To make this flavorful curry soup, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and fresh aromatics. These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy broth with just the right balance of heat and brightness.
Curry Soup Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste – adds a bold, spicy Thai flavor
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil – for sautéing the aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped – adds depth to the broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – enhances the curry’s fragrance
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger (optional but recommended)
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk – gives the soup its creamy, rich texture
- 2 cups chicken broth – forms the base of the soup
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce – for umami and saltiness (or use soy sauce for a milder taste)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar – balances the heat and acidity
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button mushrooms work well)
- Juice of 1 fresh lime – brightens and balances the richness
- Fresh Thai basil or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles (optional, for serving)
How to Make Red Curry Soup (Step-by-Step)
Follow this easy step-by-step chicken curry soup guide to create a cozy, flavor-packed meal in just 30 minutes. This method ensures the chicken stays tender and the broth turns out rich and aromatic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. - Add the Red Curry Paste
Spoon in 2 tablespoons of red curry paste and stir it into the aromatics. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes to release the essential oils this deepens the curry flavor and forms the base of your broth. - Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken breast pieces to the pot. Stir well to coat them in the curry paste. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the chicken is lightly seared on the outside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet). - Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk. Stir in fish sauce, brown sugar, and mushrooms. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld while cooking the chicken in curry broth until fully done. - Add Vegetables & Lime
Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and simmer for another 3–4 minutes until just tender. Finish with fresh lime juice to brighten the soup. - Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, extra lime juice, or a splash more fish sauce depending on your preference. - Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls. Optionally, serve over jasmine rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh Thai basil or cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to eat with curry soup to make it a complete and satisfying meal? Here are a few perfect curry soup pairings that complement the creamy, spicy flavor of this Thai-inspired dish.
Best Sides to Serve with Chicken Red Curry Soup
- Steamed Jasmine Rice
This is the most traditional and comforting choice. The soft, fragrant grains soak up the rich broth beautifully, mellowing out the spice and adding heartiness. - Crusty Bread or Garlic Naan
For a fusion twist, serve the soup with crusty bread or garlic naan. These are ideal for dipping and sopping up every last drop of coconut curry goodness. - Rice Noodles or Vermicelli
If you’re craving a noodle bowl, pour the soup over freshly cooked rice noodles to turn it into a full noodle soup experience. - Cucumber Salad or Asian Slaw
Add a fresh contrast with a cool cucumber salad or lightly dressed Asian slaw. These sides add crunch and balance the spice with freshness. - Grilled Pineapple or Mango Slices
Sweet and slightly charred tropical fruits make a fun and flavorful side, cooling the palate between spicy spoonfuls.
Pro Tip:
Serve the soup in deep bowls with a wedge of lime on the side and a sprinkle of fresh herbs (like cilantro or Thai basil) to allow guests to customize flavor to their taste.
Tips & Variations
This chicken red curry soup is super adaptable! Whether you’re cooking for different diets or just want to mix things up, here are some creative ways to customize your curry soup.
Vegetarian Thai Curry Soup
Swap out the chicken for your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and snap peas for a satisfying, meat-free option. This makes a comforting and nourishing vegetarian Thai curry soup.
Tofu Curry Soup
For a protein-packed vegan version, use firm tofu. Cube and pan-fry it separately for extra texture before stirring it into the soup at the end. The tofu absorbs the curry flavor beautifully and creates a rich, fulfilling tofu curry soup.
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Soup
Craving something spicier and more herbaceous? Add fresh chopped Thai chilies and a handful of Thai basil for a bolder, more aromatic take on this dish. This spicy Thai basil chicken version pairs wonderfully with a squeeze of extra lime and extra red curry paste.
Chickpea Curry Soup
Replace the chicken with canned or cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian protein swap. Chickpeas hold their shape well and add a nutty, earthy flavor. This twist turns it into a delicious chickpea curry soup that’s budget-friendly and great for meal prep.
Bonus Tip:
Don’t hesitate to toss in whatever veggies you have on hand baby spinach, zucchini, bamboo shoots, or kale are all excellent additions!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
This curry soup is not only delicious fresh off the stove, but it’s also perfect for prepping in advance. Whether you’re meal prepping or storing leftovers, here’s everything you need to know about how to store curry soup and make it last.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can fully prepare this soup 1–2 days in advance. In fact, the flavors deepen over time, making it one of the best make-ahead soup recipes. Cook as directed, let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Reheat gently over medium heat to avoid curdling the coconut milk.
- Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much after refrigeration.
Freezing Curry Soup
Yes, you can absolutely freeze this soup! For best results:
- Cool completely before freezing.
- Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1 inch of space at the top.
- Label and date it will keep well for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. The texture may slightly change due to the coconut milk, but the flavor remains rich and satisfying.
Storage Time Guidelines
- In the fridge: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
- In the freezer: Up to 3 months
Perfect for Summer or Winter
One of the best things about Chicken Red Curry Soup is its year-round appeal. Whether you’re chasing warmth on a chilly evening or craving something light but flavorful on a summer day, this dish delivers.
Winter Warming Soup
With its rich coconut milk base, tender chicken, and spicy red curry paste, this soup is the ultimate winter warming soup. It’s perfect for cozy nights, paired with jasmine rice or crusty bread to keep you full and satisfied.
Summer Light Curry
Despite its depth of flavor, this soup is surprisingly light, making it a great option for warmer months. Skip the rice, add extra veggies, and serve with lime wedges for a refreshing summer light curry that doesn’t feel too heavy.
A Soup for All Seasons
This is truly a soup for all seasons easy to adjust, easy to love. Make it spicy and hearty for cold days or fresh and citrusy for warm ones. Either way, it’s a go-to recipe that fits any weather or mood.
Nutrition Information
If you’re watching what you eat, this healthy Thai curry soup fits beautifully into a balanced lifestyle. It’s rich in protein, full of nutrient-dense ingredients, and can be adapted to suit low-carb or dairy-free diets.
- Estimated Calories: ~350 calories per serving (based on 4 servings with chicken breast and full-fat coconut milk)
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~10–12g
- Fat: ~22g (mostly from healthy fats in coconut milk)
- Fiber: 2–3g
Make It a Low Carb Curry Soup
To keep it lower in carbs:
- Skip the rice or noodles
- Add more non-starchy vegetables (like spinach or zucchini)
- Use light coconut milk (optional, but slightly lowers fat content)
Whether you’re calorie-conscious or just looking for a warming, nutritious option, this is one of the best healthy Thai curry soups that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Fun Ideas & Add-Ins
Looking to switch things up? These fun twists will turn your soup into a customized, crave-worthy dish for any occasion.
Add Shrimp to Curry Soup
Substitute or add shrimp alongside chicken for a seafood flair. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a juicy, briny bite that pairs beautifully with red curry.
Red Curry Noodle Soup Twist
Turn your curry soup into a full noodle bowl by adding cooked rice noodles or vermicelli. Top with bean sprouts, green onions, and a soft-boiled egg for a hearty twist on red curry noodle soup.
Curry Soup for Meal Prep
This soup stores and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep. Portion into airtight containers, freeze or refrigerate, and reheat for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken in curry soup?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving hack. Just shred the cooked chicken and add it in during the final 5 minutes of simmering. Since it’s already cooked, you only need to warm it through in the curry broth.
Is curry soup spicy?
It can be, depending on the red curry paste you use and how much you add. Most store-bought Thai red curry pastes offer a medium heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by using less curry paste or adding a splash of coconut milk or sugar to mellow the heat.
What is red curry paste?
Red curry paste is a Thai seasoning blend made from red chilies, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, shallots, kaffir lime, and spices. It’s the essential base for many Thai curries and soups, offering a balance of heat, aromatics, and depth.
Is this a dairy-free soup?
Yes! Since it uses coconut milk instead of cream, this curry soup is naturally dairy-free, making it a great option for those with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities.
🔗 Explore More Recipes
If you enjoyed this Chicken Red Curry Soup, you’ll love these related dishes:
- Try more Easy Thai Recipes for vibrant, authentic flavors.
- Craving more comfort food? Don’t miss our collection of American Curry Soups with a cozy twist.
- Looking for weeknight inspiration? Explore our top Dinner Recipes with Chicken.
- Coconut milk fan? Discover even more Coconut Milk Recipes that are creamy and delicious.
- Want a plant-based alternative? Check out our Easy Thai Red Curry Soup that’s just as flavorful and adaptable!
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to Thai-inspired cooking or a longtime lover of bold, comforting flavors, this Chicken Red Curry Soup is sure to win you over. It’s creamy, spicy, nourishing, and incredibly easy to prepare making it the ideal go-to for busy nights and cozy weekends alike.
So why not try this curry soup today?
Serve it over rice, toss in some noodles, or freeze a batch for later it’s flexible, flavorful, and fun.
Pin this recipe to your favorite weeknight dinner board.
Share it with friends who love quick, healthy meals.
And don’t forget to make it your new weeknight favorite.