Heavenly Tom Kha Soup Recipe: A Foolproof Thai Comfort Classic

Slow cooker tom kha soup represents a magical culinary journey through southeast Asian flavors.

Rich coconut milk creates a silky backdrop for intense aromatics and delicate proteins.

Authentic spices dance across your palate with remarkable complexity and depth.

Bright citrus notes interweave with earthy undertones, creating a harmonious balance that feels both comforting and exotic.

Traditional ingredients enhance into a soul-warming meal that soothes and energizes simultaneously.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected seasonings elevate this dish beyond ordinary soup expectations.

Prepare to experience a remarkable taste adventure that celebrates southeast Asian cooking traditions.

Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup): A Cozy Comfort

• Unleash Effortless Thai Flavors: This slow cooker recipe transforms complex Thai cuisine into a simple, hands-off cooking experience that delivers restaurant-quality taste without extensive preparation.
• Nutrition-Packed Comfort Bowl: Packed with high protein, balanced healthy fats, and vibrant vegetables, this soup provides a wholesome meal that satisfies hunger and nourishes your body with essential nutrients.
• Sensory Explosion in Every Spoonful: The combination of creamy coconut milk, spicy jalapeño, zesty lime, and aromatic lemongrass creates a multi-layered taste profile that dances across your palate with each incredible bite.
• Meal Prep Champion: Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot wonder can be prepared in advance, stores beautifully, and offers delicious convenience for those seeking quick yet extraordinary meals without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup

• Chicken Broth: Foundational liquid base for a rich, flavorful soup.
• Onion, Garlic, Jalapeño, Ginger: Classic aromatic vegetables that build deep flavor layers.
• Lemongrass, Lime Leaves: Traditional Thai herbs that provide authentic citrusy and fragrant notes.
• Red Curry Paste: Concentrated spice blend that adds complex, authentic Thai flavor.

• Chicken: Tender protein that absorbs the soups delicious flavors.
• Mushrooms: Earthy fungi that add texture and umami depth to the soup.

• Coconut Milk: Creamy ingredient that creates a rich, smooth soup base.
• Brown Sugar: Balances heat and adds subtle sweetness.
• Fish Sauce: Salty, umami condiment that amplifies overall soup flavor.
• Lime Juice: Bright, acidic element that freshens the soup.
• Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh herb garnishes that provide color and sharp, clean taste.

How to Make Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup That’s Full of Flavor

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Base

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Sliced jalapeño
• Grated ginger
• Lemongrass stalks
• Lime leaves
• Red curry paste
• Chicken broth

Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours to develop rich, deep flavors.

Step 2: Add Protein and Vegetables

• Coconut milk
• Chicken pieces
• Sliced mushrooms

Cook on high for 1 hour or on low for 2 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 3: Balance the Flavors

• Brown sugar
• Fish sauce
• Fresh lime juice

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

• Fresh cilantro
• Chopped green onions

Ladle into warm bowls and enjoy this comforting Thai-inspired soup immediately.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup

• Boost Flavor Depth: Crush lemongrass and bruise lime leaves before adding to release maximum aromatic oils and intensify the soup's authentic Thai taste.
• Chicken Perfection: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more tender and juicy meat that absorbs the complex broth flavors better than chicken breasts.
• Spice Control: Adjust red curry paste amount based on heat preference – start with less and add more gradually to customize the soup's spiciness.
• Freshness Finale: Add fresh cilantro and green onions just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, enhancing the soup's overall presentation.
• Ingredient Swap: Replace fresh lemongrass with lemongrass paste if unavailable, ensuring you maintain the signature citrusy, herbal undertone of traditional Tom Kha.

Storing Leftover Tom Kha Soup to Keep It Fresh

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Tom Kha soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor.
• Freezing: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Note that coconut milk may separate slightly when reheated, but a quick stir will restore its creamy texture.

Pair Tom Kha Soup with These Side Dishes

• Pair with Jasmine Rice: Scoop fluffy jasmine rice alongside the soup to soak up the rich, creamy broth and balance the spicy, tangy flavors.
• Match with Thai Iced Tea: Cool down the soup's heat with a sweet and creamy Thai iced tea, creating a perfect flavor harmony that complements the coconut and spice notes.
• Serve with Crispy Spring Rolls: Add some crunch with light, golden spring rolls that contrast the soup's silky texture and provide a delightful appetizer to round out the meal.
• Complement with Sauvignon Blanc: Choose a crisp, citrusy white wine that cuts through the soup's richness and echoes the lime and herbal undertones of the dish.

Fun Variations of Tom Kha Soup

• Veggie Lovers' Version: Replace chicken with tofu or mixed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the soup's rich, aromatic profile.
• Seafood Switch: Swap chicken for shrimp or white fish like cod, creating a lighter ocean-inspired rendition that complements the coconut and lemongrass base.
• Spice Enthusiast's Remix: Increase red curry paste and add fresh chili peppers for an extra fiery kick, perfect for those who enjoy more intense heat in their Thai-inspired soup.
• Quick Instant Pot Adaptation: Convert the slow cooker method to an Instant Pot, reducing cooking time while preserving the authentic flavor profile of traditional Tom Kha soup.

Tom Kha Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tom Kha Soup brings Thai culinary magic to comfort dining with rich coconut broth and tender chicken. Fragrant lemongrass, ginger, and galangal create an authentic flavor profile that transports palates straight to Bangkok’s bustling street kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 small chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• ½ onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• ½ red jalapeño pepper, sliced
• 3 quarter-inch slices galangal or ginger
• 1 lemongrass stalk, pounded with the side of a knife, cut into 2-inch-long pieces
• 10 lime leaves, torn (optional)
• 8 ounces white mushroom caps, sliced
• 2–3 green onions, thinly sliced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 (13.5-ounce) cans full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Combine aromatic vegetables including diced onion, minced garlic, finely chopped jalapeño, grated fresh ginger, bruised lemongrass stalks, and torn lime leaves with red curry paste in the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth (or 946 milliliters) over the ingredients and create a fragrant base.
2. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop deep flavors by cooking on high temperature for 2-3 hours or low temperature for 4-6 hours, enabling the spices and herbs to infuse thoroughly.
3. Carefully remove the whole aromatics like lemongrass stalks and lime leaves to prevent stringy textures in the final soup.
4. Introduce boneless, skinless chicken pieces (approximately or 454 grams) and sliced mushrooms into the liquid. Pour in full-fat coconut milk (or 414 milliliters) to create a creamy consistency.
5. Continue cooking on high for 1 hour or low for 2 hours until chicken is perfectly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6. Enhance the soup’s flavor profile by stirring in brown sugar (), fish sauce (), and freshly squeezed lime juice ().
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices as needed for balanced flavors.
8. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro and thinly sliced green onions for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantity or using different chili variations.
• Fish sauce brings umami depth, enhancing the soup’s authentic Thai flavor profile.
• Fresh ingredients like lemongrass and lime leaves create vibrant, aromatic undertones.
• Cooking on low temperature ensures tender chicken and allows flavors to meld gradually.
• Mushrooms absorb surrounding spices, adding earthy complexity to the coconut broth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 1500mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 30g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 100mg