Rating: 4.9/5
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
For those of you who claim to be Thai food lovers and enjoy the exquisite taste of creamy foods, Tom Kha Gai is for you. Thai coconut chicken soup is a classic example of flavor and texture in Thai cuisine due to beautiful coconut milk with tender chicken, lemongrass, and galangal. Tom Kha Gai is tasty as any other Thai food and choosing it to launch yourself into attempting Thai and other international food cuisines will not be a bad move at all. In the following sections, we will give you an idea as to how this Thai classic came to be, a detailed guide to making Tom Kha Gai Soup, including detailed instructions with photos, and the health benefits of the dish.
Brief look at the creation of Tom Kha Gai
- Traditional Roots: Tom Kha Gai which means ‘boiled galangal chicken’ is one of the most common Thai dishes, appreciated for being sour and slightly sweet at the same time.
- Culinary Influence: It is an Lao dish originating from the Thai’s but can also be found in the Lao’s. It has evolved from typically rice and boiled beans to varieties such as fish for the non-vegetarian, tofu for the vegetarians.
- Global Popularity: Today’s Tom Kha Gai is familiar worldwide and can be ordered in most Thai restaurants around the world because the taste is both familiar yet exotic at the same time.
Read more: The most authentic Thai beef salad recipe available online!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Tom Kha Gai soup recipe at home:
- 2 cups coconut milk (full-fat for a richer soup)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 300g chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2-3 stalks lemongrass, chopped into 2-inch pieces
- 4-5 slices galangal (or ginger as a substitute)
- 3-4 kaffir lime leaves
- 200g mushrooms (button or shiitake)
- 2-3 Thai bird chilies (adjust to spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- Fresh coriander (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Tom Kha Gai Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
In a large pot, bring the coconut milk and chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Add the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves to infuse their flavors into the liquid. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to extract the full aroma.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Mushrooms
Once the broth is infused, add the thinly sliced chicken and mushrooms to the pot. Simmer until the chicken is fully cooked, which usually takes about 5-8 minutes.
Step 3: Season the Soup
Add fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar to create the perfect balance of salty, sour, and sweet. Stir gently and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Spice It Up
For an authentic Thai heat, add the Thai bird chilies. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the number of chilies or skip them entirely. Continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the soup is ready, remove the lemongrass, galangal slices, and kaffir lime leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh coriander for a burst of color and flavor.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
Tips for a Perfect Tom Kha Gai Soup Recipe
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves are key to unlocking the authentic flavors. While some substitutions (like ginger) are possible, the real deal makes all the difference.
- Adjust to Your Taste: If you love tanginess, feel free to add more lime juice. For more depth in sweetness, increase the palm sugar.
- Protein Alternatives: Although chicken is the traditional choice, you can substitute shrimp, tofu, or even vegetables to make this soup your own.
Why You’ll Love Tom Kha Gai
Tom Kha Gai is a beautifully balanced dish, perfect for anyone looking for a flavorful but light meal. The richness of coconut milk, paired with the aromatic herbs, makes it a go-to comfort food, especially during cooler months. Plus, it’s simple and quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or even special occasions when you want to impress your guests.
With this Tom Kha Gai soup recipe, you can bring the authentic taste of Thailand to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your repertoire. Enjoy the creamy, spicy, and citrusy notes that make Tom Kha Gai an unforgettable culinary experience!
Let us know how your Tom Kha Gai turned out in the comments below!
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