Name: Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 cans (13.5 oz each) coconut milk; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp red curry paste; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 2 tbsp lime juice; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 green onions, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: chili garlic sauce to taste

This Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup is a comforting, creamy, and mildly spicy bowl of goodness. Infused with Thai-inspired flavors like ginger, garlic, lime, and coconut milk, this soup simmers low and slow in the crockpot, making it perfect for busy days. It’s satisfying on its own but can also be served with rice or noodles. Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple and hands-off this recipe is. I just toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic. The flavors develop beautifully while it simmers, and the result is a rich, creamy soup with just the right kick of heat and tang. It’s perfect for meal prep or when I want something warm, nourishing, and a little exotic without spending hours in the kitchen.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Coconut milk
Chicken broth
Fresh ginger
Garlic cloves
Red curry paste
Fish sauce
Brown sugar
Mushrooms
Red bell pepper
Lime juice
Fresh cilantro
Green onions
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chili garlic sauce for added spice

directions

I start by placing the chicken, coconut milk, chicken broth, ginger, garlic, red curry paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, mushrooms, and red bell pepper into the crockpot.
I cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Once the chicken is done, I remove it, shred it with two forks, then return it to the crockpot.
I stir in the lime juice, chopped cilantro, and green onions, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
If I want extra heat, I add some chili garlic sauce before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. The total cooking time is around 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high, with just 10 minutes of prep time needed at the start.

Variations

I sometimes use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor. For a vegetarian version, I swap the chicken for tofu and use vegetable broth. If I want it more filling, I serve it over rice or rice noodles. Adding baby spinach or bok choy near the end gives it a nice veggie boost.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze the soup (without the lime juice and herbs) for up to 2 months. When reheating, I warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot, then I stir in fresh lime juice and herbs just before serving.

FAQs

How spicy is this Thai coconut chicken soup?

It has a mild kick from the red curry paste, but I can adjust the heat by adding more or less or including chili garlic sauce if I want it spicier.

Can I use light coconut milk?

Yes, I can use light coconut milk for a lower-fat version, but I find that the soup is creamier and more flavorful with full-fat coconut milk.

Can I make this soup on the stovetop?

Yes, I can. I just sauté the aromatics first, add the ingredients, and simmer until the chicken is tender. It usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

What can I use instead of fish sauce?

If I don’t have fish sauce or prefer not to use it, I substitute it with soy sauce or tamari. It won’t have the same depth, but it still tastes great.

Can I add noodles to this soup?

Absolutely. I like to add cooked rice noodles at the end before serving. It turns the soup into a more filling, hearty meal.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup is one of my favorite set-it-and-forget-it meals. It’s cozy, flavorful, and flexible enough to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether I’m meal prepping or just craving a warm bowl of comfort, this soup always hits the spot.