Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a vibrant Asian street food paradise! This Classic Chicken and Coconut Soup is not just a recipe—it's an experience that promises to tantalize your senses with its rich, creamy texture and bold, aromatic flavors. Imagine a comforting bowl of soup that combines the silky smoothness of coconut milk, the tender succulence of chicken, and a burst of zesty lime that will make your taste buds dance with excitement!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by slicing chicken breast into thin, uniform strips and mincing the ginger and garlic. Set aside fresh cilantro for garnishing.
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add minced ginger and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and lightly golden, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Add sliced chicken breast to the pot, stirring and cooking until the exterior turns white and begins to cook through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and coconut milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, ensuring it does not reach a full boil.
- Add fish sauce and reduce heat to low. Allow the soup to simmer slowly, cooking the chicken completely and melding the flavors together, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup and stir to incorporate the bright citrus flavor.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with steamed rice or crusty bread on the side.
Tips
- Slice Chicken Evenly: For uniform cooking, cut chicken breast into thin, consistent strips to ensure each bite is perfectly tender.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh ginger and garlic for maximum flavor intensity. Pre-minced versions can't compare to the vibrant taste of freshly chopped ingredients.
- Simmer, Don't Boil: Maintain a gentle simmer to prevent coconut milk from separating and to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust fish sauce and lime juice to suit your preference. Some like it more tangy, others more savory.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro isn't just a decoration—it adds a bright, herbal note that elevates the entire dish.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding lemongrass, Thai chili, or a splash of red curry paste for an extra flavor dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 85mg
