One of our favorite dishes when we visited Thailand was this Tom Kha Gai. I even learned how to make it in a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai after going to a local market and learning all about Thai ingredients and cooking. This recipe uses aromatic flavors like lemongrass, ginger, and Thai chilies in a creamy coconut milk base, making it rich and flavorful without being too heavy. Plus, the dish is packed with wholesome ingredients like tender, thinly sliced chicken breast, fresh mushrooms, tomatoes, and cilantro. Can’t get enough of Thai food? Explore more with my tasty recipes for Easy Thai Drunken Noodles, Thai Chicken Pizza, Thai Sticky Mango Rice, Easy Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles, and Grilled Thai Pork Tenderloin with Coconut Lime Peanut Sauce!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Chicken Breasts – Tender and lean, they cook quickly and absorb all the flavors of the broth. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option. Fish Sauce – Adds that essential salty umami flavor that’s key to Thai cooking. Coconut Oil – This helps to sauté the shallots and adds richness to the soup’s base. Shallots – Bring a subtle sweetness to balance the spicy and tangy flavors. Chicken Stock – The foundation of your soup, bringing depth and heartiness. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegan-friendly option. Full-fat Coconut Milk – The creamy backbone of this dish, adding richness without being too heavy. Light coconut milk works if you prefer a lighter texture. Thai Red Curry Paste – A burst of heat and complexity. Adjust the amount to control the spice level. Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – For seasoning, of course. Add to taste! Granulated Sugar – Just a touch to balance out the tangy and spicy elements. Lime Zest – Adds brightness and zing to the broth. Fresh Ginger – Aromatic and slightly spicy, it’s a key player in the overall flavor. Lemongrass Stalks – Pounded and cut into pieces to release its citrusy fragrance. White Mushrooms – Earthy and tender, they soak up all the flavors of the broth. Tomatoes – Add a bit of sweetness and acidity to the soup. Thai Red Chilies – For heat! Feel free to add more if you like it extra spicy. Fresh Lime Juice – This brightens up the flavors right before serving. Fresh Cilantro – A fresh garnish that adds an herbaceous note to the soup. Rice (Optional) – A perfect side to soak up all that delicious broth, or serve it directly in the soup for a heartier meal.
How to Make Tom Kha Gai
Tips for Success
If you can, use fresh lemongrass and galangal for the best flavor. These ingredients give the soup its authentic, aromatic taste. Don’t skip marinating the chicken! It adds an extra layer of flavor and ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy. When adding the lime juice, do it at the end of cooking to preserve its brightness. Cooking it too long can make the soup bitter. Keep an eye on the chicken while it cooks. Thinly sliced chicken cooks quickly, and you don’t want to overcook it, which could make it dry. Taste as you go! Adjust the balance of salty, tangy, and spicy by adding more fish sauce, lime juice, or Thai chilies based on your personal preferences.
Substitutions and Variations
If you can’t find Thai red chilies, use serrano peppers or even red pepper flakes for heat. Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat, or even use shrimp or white fish for a seafood version. If you’re avoiding sugar, skip the granulated sugar and use a small amount of palm sugar or leave it out entirely for a less sweet version since the coconut milk has a natural sweetness of it’s own. One of the tips I learned in my Thai cooking class is that American Thai food tends to have more added sugar for the American palate while authentic Thai cuisine uses palm sugar and less of it.
More Tasty Soups to Cozy Up to
Homemade Wonton Soup Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Classic French Onion Soup Lentils and Sweet Potato Soup Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Creamy Butternut Squash Soup The Best Loaded Baked Potato Soup
If you’re looking for a lighter meal, serve it alongside a fresh CPK Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad with lime and chili dressing to complement the soup’s rich coconut base. A crunchy vegetable side like German Cucumber Salad also works beautifully to balance the creamy, spicy flavors of the soup.
