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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced - 1 can coconut milk - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch piece of ginger, grated - 1 red bell pepper, diced The main ingredients give Coconut Lime Chicken Soup its rich flavor. The diced chicken thighs add protein and a nice bite. Coconut milk makes the soup creamy and smooth. Chicken broth brings depth and warmth. The onion, garlic, and ginger create a fragrant base. The red bell pepper adds a sweet crunch. - 2 tablespoons fish sauce - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 cup baby spinach - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving - Salt and pepper to taste These seasonings make the soup bright and zesty. Fish sauce adds umami and depth. Lime juice gives a fresh, tangy kick. Brown sugar balances the flavors perfectly. Baby spinach adds color and nutrition. Fresh cilantro on top brings a burst of flavor. Lime wedges are perfect for serving, adding extra zing. - Best practices for dicing chicken: Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Cut the chicken into even pieces for even cooking. - Choosing fresh produce: Look for vibrant colors and firm textures. Fresh herbs should smell fragrant. Avoid any bruised or wilted items. Preparing your ingredients well makes a big difference. Diced chicken cooks more evenly, ensuring a tender bite. Fresh produce enhances the soup's flavor and nutrients. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add one pound of diced chicken thighs. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken for flavor. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. You want the chicken to brown nicely all over. Once browned, take the chicken out of the pot and set it aside on a plate. Next, lower the heat slightly. In the same pot, add one small chopped onion, three minced garlic cloves, and one inch of grated ginger. Sauté this mix for about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir frequently to keep it from sticking. You will know it’s ready when the onion turns soft and clear. This step is key for building flavor in your soup. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Pour in one can of coconut milk and four cups of chicken broth. Stir well to mix all the ingredients. Increase the heat to bring the pot to a gentle simmer. This helps the flavors meld together. After a few minutes of simmering, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add two tablespoons of fish sauce, two tablespoons of fresh lime juice, and one tablespoon of brown sugar. Stir everything again and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering time is crucial for a rich taste. To boost flavor, adjust the fish sauce and lime juice to your taste. If you want a richer taste, add more brown sugar. This soup brings a nice balance of sweet and savory. For the best mouthfeel, make sure to simmer the soup gently. This lets the flavors blend perfectly. Avoid boiling too hard, as it can break down the coconut milk. For a creamy texture, stir the soup often after adding the coconut milk. Use a large pot for cooking the soup. A heavy-bottomed pot works best to distribute heat evenly. This helps prevent sticking and burning. A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring. It won’t scratch your pot and gives you good control. For easy clean-up, consider using a pot with a non-stick surface. If you have a blender, it can help puree the soup if you like a smoother texture. To save time, use pre-chopped vegetables from the store. They can cut down your prep time significantly. Setting up your ingredients before you start cooking is key. This is called mise en place. It helps you stay organized and makes cooking smoother. Have all your ingredients ready to go. This way, you won’t rush and can enjoy the cooking process. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and vegetables to enhance the flavor of your soup. Fresh cilantro and lime juice make a significant difference! Customize the Spice Level: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes to the soup for an extra kick. Make it Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day! Experiment with Proteins: While chicken thighs are delicious, you can substitute with shrimp, tofu, or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick meal! {{image_4}} You can easily change the protein in this soup. If you want a vegetarian option, replace chicken with tofu. Firm tofu works best. Just press it to remove extra water and cube it before adding. For seafood lovers, shrimp or fish can add a nice twist. Simply add them during the last few minutes of cooking so they don’t overcook. Switching up vegetables can also add new flavors. Try using carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms. Each will bring a unique taste and color to your soup. You can even toss in some corn for sweetness. Use whatever you have in your fridge! If you love heat, this soup is easy to spice up. You can add sliced chili peppers directly to the pot. Jalapeños or Thai bird chilies work well. For a milder heat, consider red pepper flakes. Just sprinkle a little in while cooking, and adjust to your taste. Customizing the soup's spiciness is simple. Start with a small amount, then taste it. If you want more heat, add a bit more. This way, you can make it just right for you and your guests. Making this soup gluten-free is easy. Just ensure you use gluten-free fish sauce. Most brands offer gluten-free options that taste great. For a dairy-free version, the recipe is already perfect! Coconut milk gives a creamy texture without dairy. If you want it to be low-carb or keto-friendly, skip the brown sugar. You can use a keto sweetener instead to keep it low in carbs. By making these simple swaps, you can cater the soup to fit various diets without losing flavor! To store Coconut Lime Chicken Soup, let it cool first. Then, use an airtight container. This keeps the soup fresh and tasty. When stored properly, the soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Freezing the soup is a great way to save it for later. First, ensure it cools completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top because the soup expands when frozen. It can last up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, gently heat it over low to medium heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. If you use the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Check and stir in between to keep it even. You might need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep it from getting too thick. Adjust the seasoning as needed to bring back the fresh flavors. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Here are some tips for prepping: - Cook and cool: Prepare the soup fully, then let it cool to room temp. - Store properly: Place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. - Reheat gently: When ready to serve, heat it slowly on the stove. Add a bit of water if it thickens. This soup pairs well with many sides. Here are some suggestions: - Rice: Steamed jasmine or basmati rice complements the soup nicely. - Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds crunch. - Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping. - Tortilla chips: These add a fun texture and can soak up the soup. Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian. Here’s how: - Substitute chicken: Use diced tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken. - Broth swap: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. - Add veggies: Increase the amount of vegetables, like carrots or zucchini, for added flavor. These changes keep the soup tasty while making it plant-based. You now know how to make Coconut Lime Chicken Soup. We covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for better flavor. Don’t forget to try different variations to suit your taste. Proper storage helps maintain the soup’s freshness. Feel free to prepare it ahead or customize it for dietary needs. With this guide, you can create a delicious meal that warms the heart. Enjoy cooking, and savor every bite!

Coconut Lime Chicken Soup

A flavorful and creamy soup with chicken, coconut milk, and a hint of lime.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned all over. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate.
  • In the same pot, reduce the heat slightly and add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture is fragrant and the onion has become translucent.
  • Stir in the diced red bell pepper and allow it to cook with the aromatics for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Pour the can of coconut milk and the chicken broth into the pot, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the pot, then add the fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and brown sugar. Stir well again and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Just before serving, add the baby spinach to the pot, stirring it through the hot soup until it wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
  • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice if required, to suit your palate.
  • Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls. Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro on top and serve with lime wedges on the side for an added zesty touch.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the soup in shallow bowls and scatter a few cilantro leaves on top just before serving.
Keyword chicken, coconut, easy, lime, soup