Here it is, the recipe with more than 13,000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews!

Here it is, the recipe with more than 13,000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews! is a medium Thai recipe that serves 4. 430 calories per serving. Recipe by NYT Cooking on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 50 min

Cost: $9.25 total, $2.31 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Chicken (fresh, preferably 85% lean)
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro (chopped, stems included for flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (peeled and grated)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 whole Jalapeño (seeded and minced; wear gloves)
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 1 cup Coconut Milk (full‑fat for richness)
  • 2 tablespoons Fish Sauce (Thai style, adds salty umami)
  • 1 whole Lime (juiced; zest optional for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (for browning meatballs)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare aromatics

    Finely chop the cilantro, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and mince the jalapeño (remove seeds if less heat is desired).

    Time: PT5M

  2. Mix meatball ingredients

    In a mixing bowl combine the ground chicken, half of the chopped cilantro, grated ginger, minced garlic, and minced jalapeño. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then gently mix until just combined. Form the mixture into 1‑inch (about 20) meatballs.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Brown meatballs

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 3‑4 minutes. Remove and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Prepare broth

    In the same pot, add the remaining cilantro, garlic, ginger, and jalapeño (optional). Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Simmer soup with meatballs

    Return the browned meatballs to the pot, add the fish sauce, and let the soup simmer gently for 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Just before serving, stir in the fresh lime juice.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Serve

    Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with any remaining cilantro or a lime wedge, and serve hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
430
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
8g
Fat
30g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Paleo‑Friendly, Keto‑Friendly

Allergens: Fish (fish sauce), Coconut

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Here it is, the recipe with more than 13,000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews!

Recipe by NYT Cooking

A fragrant Thai‑inspired soup featuring juicy chicken meatballs seasoned with cilantro, ginger, garlic and jalapeño, simmered in a creamy coconut‑milk broth brightened with lime and seasoned with fish sauce.

MediumThaiServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
17m
Prep
15m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
42m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.25
Total cost
$2.31
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Mix meatball ingredients without over‑mixing
  • Brown meatballs until nicely colored
  • Simmer soup until meatballs reach 165°F internal temperature
  • Add lime juice at the end to preserve brightness

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid burns
  • Wear gloves when chopping jalapeño to prevent skin irritation
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Thai Chicken Meatball Soup in Thai cuisine?

A

Thai Chicken Meatball Soup reflects Thailand’s love for balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors in a single dish. While meatballs are not a traditional Thai staple, modern Thai home cooking often incorporates them as a convenient protein that absorbs the aromatic broth, showcasing the cuisine’s adaptability.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of chicken meatball soup exist within Thai cuisine?

A

In central Thailand, the broth may include palm sugar for sweetness, while in the south, coconut milk and kaffir lime leaves are emphasized for a richer, more fragrant profile. Northern versions might add lemongrass and galangal instead of jalapeño for a milder heat.

cultural
Q

How is Thai Chicken Meatball Soup traditionally served in Thailand?

A

It is typically served hot in a deep bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sometimes sliced Thai chilies. It is enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner, often accompanied by steamed jasmine rice on the side.

cultural
Q

During what occasions or celebrations is Thai Chicken Meatball Soup commonly prepared in Thai culture?

A

The soup is popular during family gatherings and cooler evenings, especially in the rainy season when a warm, comforting broth is desired. It is also served at informal celebrations and street‑food festivals as a quick, satisfying dish.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Thai Chicken Meatball Soup versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include Thai fish sauce, fresh lime juice, coconut milk, and Thai bird chilies or jalapeño. Acceptable substitutes are soy sauce mixed with a dash of lime for fish sauce, bottled lime juice, and regular coconut milk if full‑fat is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Thai dishes pair well with Thai Chicken Meatball Soup?

A

Serve alongside sticky rice, a simple papaya salad (som tam), or fresh spring rolls. A side of sautéed greens with garlic, such as bok choy or morning glory, complements the soup’s flavors nicely.

cultural
Q

What makes Thai Chicken Meatball Soup special or unique in Thai cuisine?

A

The soup uniquely combines the comfort of meatballs with the classic Thai flavor triad of sweet coconut milk, salty fish sauce, and bright lime acidity, creating a balanced and aromatic bowl that is both hearty and light.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Thai Chicken Meatball Soup at home?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the meatball mixture, which makes the meat tough, and over‑cooking the meatballs, leading to a dry texture. Also, adding lime juice too early can cause the coconut milk to separate.

technical
Q

Why does this Thai Chicken Meatball Soup recipe brown the meatballs before simmering instead of adding them raw to the broth?

A

Browning creates a flavorful Maillard crust and develops fond at the bottom of the pot, which enriches the broth with deeper umami notes that a simple simmer would not achieve.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel NYT Cooking specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel NYT Cooking specializes in high‑quality, editorially curated recipes that blend classic techniques with contemporary twists, often featuring contributions from renowned chefs and food writers.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel NYT Cooking's approach to Thai cooking differ from other Thai cooking channels?

A

NYT Cooking emphasizes clear, step‑by‑step visual instruction, precise measurements, and contextual storytelling, whereas many Thai‑focused channels rely more on improvisation and oral tradition. This makes NYT Cooking’s Thai recipes especially accessible to home cooks seeking reliable results.

channel

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