Skip to main content
Epicurious
Bon Appétit

Tom Kha Gai (Chicken Coconut Soup)

4.0

(17)

Photo of Thai chicken coconut soup in a white bowl.

This silky, aromatic soup is a complete meal in a bowl.

Cooks' Note

This recipe has been updated to remove an offensive word for makrut lime, as a part of our archive repair project.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

2 stalks fresh lemongrass, tough outer layers removed
1 1" piece ginger, peeled
10 makrut lime leaves, or use 1 tablespoon lime zest and 1/4 cup lime juice
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1" pieces
8 ounces shiitake, oyster, or maitake mushrooms, stemmed, caps cut into bite-size pieces
1 13.5-ounce can coconut milk
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
Chili oil, cilantro leaves with tender stems, and lime wedges (for serving)
Cilantro leaves with tender stems
Lime wedges

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Using the back of a knife, lightly smash lemongrass and ginger; cut lemongrass into 4" pieces. Bring lemongrass, ginger, lime leaves, and broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until flavors are melded, 8-10 minutes. Strain broth into clean saucepan; discard solids.

    Step 2

    Add chicken and return to a boil. Reduce heat, add mushrooms, and simmer, skimming occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and mushrooms are soft, 20-25 minutes. Mix in coconut milk, fish sauce, and sugar.

    Step 3

    Divide soup among bowls. Serve with chili oil, cilantro, and lime wedges.

TagsSoupSoup/StewStewThaiSoutheast AsianAsianCoconut MilkMushroomVegetableChicken ThighChickenPoultryStarterDinnerGluten FreeDairy FreeEasyWeeknight MealsOne-Pot MealsSimmerBon Appétit

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App This Week
Like a cucumber-cilantro chutney sandwich and scallop piccata.
31 Easter Desserts, Each One Better Than a Chocolate Egg
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Tandoori-Style Roasted Cauliflower
Dressed in a spiced yogurt, with ginger and garlic, then roasted until caramelized and tender.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
31 Spring Cocktails for Warmer Days Ahead
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Apple-Walnut Charoset
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon
This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.