Tom Kha Gai- Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

Tom Kha Gai is a spicy, fragrant, and creamy Thai Coconut Soup with Chicken.

If you’ve had Tom Yum, the flavors are very similar, but Tom Kha has the addition of coconut milk. This soup comes together quickly, the only challenging part may be having access to the ingredients.

Jump to:

• Ingredients to make Tom Kha Gai
• How to Serve and Store Tom Kha Gai
• Tom Kha Gai Recipe

Ingredients to make Tom Kha Gai

Galangal Root, Lemongrass, Makrut Lime Leaves, Mushrooms, Chicken, Fish Sauce, Coconut Milk, Limes, Thai Chili or Chili Oil, Green Onions, and Cilantro. 

Galangal Root- In Thai Galangal translates to ‘kha’, which is the name of this soup. Galangal is a key ingredient for Tom Kha. I’ve seen recipes that substitute ginger for galangal, since it can be challenging to find. 

I get fresh galangal from an Asian market, but you can also buy it dried online.  If you can’t get either, then try using ginger, but keep in mind the flavor will be different.  The galangal is sliced and used to flavor the broth, and is not meant to be eaten.

Lemongrass- We're using 1 stalk of lemongrass sliced into 4 in pieces. In order to release the oil from the lemongrass, gently pound it with the backside of a knife. You’ll start to smell the citrus aroma right away. 

I’ve been able to find lemongrass at my local grocery store, however an Asian Market will definitely have it. Just like the galangal, lemongrass is used to flavor the soup and not meant to be eaten. 

Makrut Lime Leaves- This is another ingredient that can be challenging to find. The oil and aroma is used to flavor the soup and give it a hit of citrus. Like the lemongrass, the lime leaves get pounded with the back of a knife. They are also not meant to be eaten and can be removed before serving.

If you cannot find fresh lime leaves, dried lime leaves can be substituted. And if you don’t have either, try using some fresh lime zest to mimic the flavor of the leaves.

Mushrooms- I used an enoki white mushroom that I got from my Asian Market, but sliced monterey or baby bella mushrooms can be used as well. 

Chicken- This is the ‘Gai’ part of the recipe. I’m using sliced chicken breast in this recipe. Other options can be, chicken thighs, leftover turkey, seafood, or vegetables for a meatless version.

Fish Sauce- This gives the soup a salty and umami flavor. Fish sauce is pretty accessible and can be found at most stores. For a vegan version, use salt instead. 

Coconut Milk- This is what distinguishes Tom Kha from Tom Yum. Use canned coconut milk, and I prefer using the full fat kind. Be sure to give the can a good shake before adding it to the soup.

Lime Juice- I like to add the lime juice just before serving either in each individual bowl, or into the soup if you plan on serving all the soup. If I plan on having leftovers then I don’t add the lime juice since it can cause the coconut milk to curdle. 

Thai Chili or Chili Oil- Traditionally Tom Kha is served a very pale color but spicy from adding whole Thai Bird's eye chilis. I added one in my recipe for a tiny hint of spice since my kids eat this soup too.

However in most restaurants here in the states, you’ll find Tom Kha with chili oil. It gives the soup a bright orange color that looks more appetizing. I prefer to add chili oil to my individual bowl before serving. 

Green Onions and Cilantro- When serving Tom Kha Gai, garnish each bowl with diced green onions and cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve and Store Tom Kha Gai

Tom Kha Gai is best served right away. If you plan on having leftovers, then don’t add the lime juice, green onion, or cilantro. These can be added when you reheat the soup. I recommend storing leftovers for no more than 3 days. If you made the soup with seafood, then 1-2 days is what I recommend for leftovers. 

As mentioned above, the Galangal, lime leaves, and lemongrass are not meant to be eaten. They are just to flavor the soup. You can remove them prior to serving into bowls.

In Thailand, Tom Kha is served as a main meal with a side of Jasmine rice. This is my favorite way to eat it!  Here in the states, most Thai Restaurants serve it as an appetizer or accompaniment to a main meal.

Try the non coconut version of this soup: Tom Yum

I also have a Vegetarian Tom Kha Tofu