Creamy Thai Khao Soi Recipe: A Bowl of Golden Comfort

Chicken khao soi is a cherished dish from northern Thailand, showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage.

A harmonious blend of bold spices and creamy coconut milk creates an irresistible fusion of flavors that captivate your taste buds.

Each ingredient is carefully balanced, adding depth and complexity to transform a simple meal into a memorable dining experience.

Fragrant herbs and aromatic curry create a warming, comforting base, while crispy noodles offer a delightful contrast to the smooth, velvety broth.

Traditional Thai cooking methods shine through in this dish, combining sophistication with comfort.

Indulge in a sensory journey that takes you straight to the heart of Chiang Mai’s vibrant food culture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 610 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Bring Chicken Khao Soi to Life

• Thai-Style Red Curry Paste: Powerful spice blend that creates the foundational complex flavor profile of the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and warmth to the curry base.
• Shallot: Provides subtle sweetness and delicate onion-like undertone.
• Fresh Red Chili: Brings vibrant heat and authentic Thai zesty kick.

• Chicken Stock: Builds rich, savory liquid foundation for the soup.
• Coconut Milk: Creamy element that provides silky texture and subtle tropical sweetness.
• Fish Sauce: Delivers umami depth and traditional Southeast Asian seasoning.
• Soy Sauce: Enhances overall saltiness and adds complex fermented notes.

• Chicken Tenders or Popcorn Chicken: Quick protein that absorbs curry flavors beautifully.
• Baby Spinach: Tender green that adds nutritional value and fresh color.
• Carrots: Introduces sweet crunch and additional vegetable nutrition.
• Scallions: Provides fresh, sharp onion accent with green and white parts.
• Honey: Balances spiciness with gentle sweetness.
• Sugar: Rounds out flavor profile and moderates heat.
• Cooking Oil: Creates smooth base for sautéing ingredients.
• Rice Noodles: Traditional Thai soup foundation that soaks up delicious broth.

Cooking Tools for Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup

• Large skillet or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking vegetables and creating the soup base.
• Baking sheet: Needed to bake and caramelize the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: Used for combining honey and soy sauce for chicken coating.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup into bowls.
• Cutting board: Helpful for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Chef's knife: Required for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Cook Chicken Khao Soi at Home

• Flavor Foundation

Create a rich base by sautéing scallions, carrots, shallots, and chili in a large pot. Introduce garlic and red curry paste to awaken deep, aromatic notes that will transform your soup into a sensory experience.

• Liquid Magic

Pour coconut milk and chicken stock into the vegetable mixture. Let the broth simmer gently, allowing flavors to dance and meld together into a harmonious symphony of tastes.

• Chicken Transformation

Coat chicken pieces with a sweet and savory honey-soy glaze. Bake until the exterior turns golden and crispy, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.

• Noodle Canvas

Layer tender rice noodles in serving bowls as the foundation for your culinary masterpiece. Ladle the fragrant coconut curry broth over the noodles.

• Final Flourish

Top the soup with crispy glazed chicken. Sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro and basil. Add a squeeze of lime and optional Sriracha for an extra flavor kick that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Thailand.

Flavor Tweaks for Coconut Curry Khao Soi

• Use store-bought popcorn chicken or tenders to save time and add a quick crispy texture without complex breading techniques.
• Adjust the red curry paste quantity to make the soup mild or super spicy based on personal heat tolerance, ensuring everyone enjoys their perfect flavor profile.
• Replace rice noodles with egg noodles, udon, or even zucchini noodles for different texture and dietary preferences without compromising the authentic Thai soup essence.
• Substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to create exciting variations that suit vegetarian, seafood, or alternative meat lovers' cravings.
• Always add fresh herbs like cilantro and basil right before serving to maintain their vibrant color, aroma, and maximum flavor impact, transforming the dish from good to restaurant-quality delicious.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Khao Soi Bowls

• Crispy Noodle Crunch: Layer extra crispy egg noodles on top of the soup for a delightful textural contrast that adds exciting crunch to every bite.
• Thai Street Food Style: Serve in wide, shallow bowls just like traditional northern Thai restaurants, allowing all the colorful garnishes to peek through the creamy broth.
• Spice Level Adventure: Offer small dishes of extra chili flakes, Sriracha, and fresh chopped chilies so everyone can customize their heat preference and make the dish uniquely theirs.
• Family-Style Feast: Set out all toppings in separate small bowls, letting diners build their own perfect bowl with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and extra sauces for an interactive meal experience.

Storing Thai Chicken Curry Soup for Later

• Quick Batch Prep: Cook double the chicken and broth on weekends, storing separately in airtight containers for easy weeknight meals. Refrigerated components stay fresh up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Separate broth and noodles before freezing. Liquid base keeps well for 2-3 months in sealed freezer containers. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently.
• Crispy Chicken Tip: Keep breaded chicken pieces separate from soup to maintain crunchiness. Reheat chicken in oven or air fryer for 3-4 minutes to restore original texture.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Store fresh garnishes like cilantro, basil, and lime wedges in sealed containers or produce bags. Keep them refrigerated and use within 2-3 days for maximum flavor and freshness.

Authentic Khao Soi Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comforting khao soi noodle soup originates from Northern Thailand, blending rich coconut curry with tender chicken and crispy noodles. Fragrant spices and contrasting textures invite diners to explore authentic Thai street cuisine with each delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb pre-made popcorn chicken or chicken tenders
• 3 oz (85 g) fresh baby spinach or frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
• 2 15-oz (425 g) cans full-fat coconut milk
• 3 cups chicken stock
• ¼ cup + 2 tbsps soy sauce (divided; add more if needed)
• 3 tbsps fish sauce
• 2 tbsps honey
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsps cooking oil (like vegetable, canola, or olive oil)
• 16-oz (450 g) package rice noodles (cooked as directed on the package)
• 1 bunch scallions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
• ¼ cup Thai-style red curry paste
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 fresh red chili, sliced

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) with rack positioned centrally for even heat distribution.
2. Flavor Foundation: In a substantial skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté white scallion segments, julienned carrots, diced shallots, and chopped chili with a pinch of sugar for 5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and red curry paste, allowing aromatics to bloom for an additional minute.
3. Broth Creation: Add fish sauce, soy sauce, and spinach leaves, briefly cooking to meld flavors. Pour in coconut milk and chicken stock, reducing heat to a gentle simmer while preparing the protein.
4. Chicken Preparation: Combine honey and soy sauce in a mixing bowl. Coat chicken pieces, arranging on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 4-5 minutes until caramelized and golden-brown, creating a crispy exterior.
5. Final Assembly: Ladle fragrant coconut curry broth into serving bowls, layering with rice noodles and topped with honey-soy roasted chicken. Garnish with fresh cilantro, Thai basil, Sriracha sauce, lime wedges, and offer additional soy sauce for personalized seasoning.

Notes

• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by controlling the amount of chili and red curry paste, ensuring a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste.
• Crispy Chicken Technique: Ensure chicken pieces are evenly coated and spread out on the baking sheet to achieve maximum caramelization and crispiness.
• Noodle Selection: Choose fresh or dried rice noodles that complement the rich, creamy broth – wider noodles work best for capturing the complex curry flavors.
• Serving Pro Tip: Add garnishes just before serving to maintain their freshness and textural contrast, preventing soggy herbs and losing the vibrant, crunchy elements.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 1600 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg