Tom Kha Gai (Thai Chicken Coconut Soup)

A classic Thai soup featuring tender chicken simmered with galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and coconut milk, finished with fresh herbs and lime juice for a creamy, aromatic, and tangy dish. This recipe is adapted for a small condo kitchen and uses accessible ingredients and ready-made coconut milk.

MediumThaiServes 4

Printable version with shopping checklist

Source Video
34m
Prep
28m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 12m
Total

Cost Breakdown

Total cost:$15.25
Per serving:$3.81

Critical Success Points

  • Deboning and cutting chicken properly for tenderness.
  • Properly bruising and slicing aromatics for maximum flavor.
  • Simmering soup gently after adding chicken and herbs.
  • Adding coconut milk after chicken is cooked to prevent greasiness.
  • Adding lime juice off heat to avoid bitterness.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with care; wash hands and utensils after contact.
  • Be cautious when slicing galangal and bruising herbs.
  • Take care with hot liquids and steam when adding ingredients to boiling soup.
  • Bird's eye chili can irritate skin and eyes; wash hands after handling.