Description
Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup is a flavorful Thai coconut chicken soup made with tender chicken thighs, creamy coconut milk, aromatic lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, fresh ginger, and spicy Thai chilies. This comforting soup is slow-cooked for hours to develop rich, vibrant flavors and is garnished with fresh cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges for a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger or galangal
- 3 kaffir lime leaves (torn, optional)
- 2 stalks lemongrass (cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed)
- 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced, shiitake or white button)
- 2–3 Thai chilies or 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken pieces, chicken broth, coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, grated fresh ginger or galangal, torn kaffir lime leaves (if using), smashed lemongrass stalks, sliced mushrooms, Thai chilies or chili flakes, sliced onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the soup on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare for Serving: Before serving, carefully remove the lemongrass pieces and kaffir lime leaves from the soup as they are tough and not meant to be eaten.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more fresh lime juice, fish sauce, or chili to suit your preference for tanginess, saltiness, or heat.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and lime wedges for added freshness and brightness. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- To make a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable broth along with soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
- Galangal and kaffir lime leaves are traditional ingredients that add authentic flavor, but if unavailable, you can use fresh ginger and lime zest as good alternatives.
- Adjust the spiciness by modifying the amount of Thai chilies or chili flakes to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Thai
