Coconut Lemongrass Chicken Soup
Experience the delightful flavors of Southeast Asia with this creamy Coconut Lemongrass Chicken Soup. Bursting with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients, this soup combines tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich coconut milk broth enriched with zesty lime and fresh herbs. It's a quick and healthy meal that not only warms the soul but also tantalizes the taste buds, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken broth
3 cups (homemade or store-bought)
Grated lime rind
1 teaspoon (freshly grated)
Fresh lime juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Chopped fresh lemongrass
1 tablespoon (peeled and finely chopped)
Thai fish sauce
2 tablespoons (as needed)
Minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon (peeled and minced)
Chopped seeded Thai chile
1/2 teaspoon (fresh, chopped)
Chicken breast
1 lb (skinless, boneless, cut into bite-sized chunks)
Light coconut milk
1 (14-ounce) can (canned)
Fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine the chicken broth, grated lime rind, lime juice, chopped lemongrass, fish sauce, minced ginger, and chopped Thai chile.
2
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the bite-sized chicken chunks to the pot and stir in the light coconut milk.
4
Continue to cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5
Just before serving, sprinkle the soup with fresh cilantro to add a burst of flavor and garnish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coconut Lemongrass Chicken Soup?
It is a creamy Southeast Asian-inspired soup that features tender chicken simmered in a rich coconut milk broth infused with lime, lemongrass, and ginger.
How long does it take to cook the chicken in this soup?
The chicken chunks take approximately 3 to 5 minutes to cook through once added to the simmering broth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this soup is considered gluten-free.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of skinless, boneless chicken breast cut into bite-sized chunks.
How much coconut milk is required?
You will need one 14-ounce can of light coconut milk.
What provides the spicy kick in this soup?
The heat comes from 1/2 teaspoon of chopped and seeded fresh Thai chile.
How do I prepare the lemongrass?
The lemongrass should be peeled and finely chopped before adding it to the broth.
Can I use store-bought broth?
Yes, you can use either homemade or store-bought chicken broth for this recipe.
How much lime juice is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice.
What garnish is recommended?
Freshly chopped cilantro is used as a garnish to add a burst of flavor before serving.
How long should the broth simmer before adding the chicken?
The mixture of broth and aromatics should simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this soup considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and quick meal that uses fresh ingredients and light coconut milk.
What gives the soup its savory 'umami' flavor?
Two tablespoons of Thai fish sauce provide the essential savory depth to the broth.
How much ginger is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of peeled and minced fresh ginger.
Can I use regular coconut milk instead of light?
While the recipe specifies light coconut milk, you can use regular coconut milk for a richer, more indulgent texture.
How much lime rind is used?
One teaspoon of freshly grated lime rind is added to the broth.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients used in this Coconut Lemongrass Chicken Soup.
What is the first step in making the soup?
The first step is to combine chicken broth, lime rind, lime juice, lemongrass, fish sauce, ginger, and Thai chile in a large saucepan.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as 'quick' and 'easy,' making it perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Should the Thai chiles be seeded?
Yes, the recipe suggests using seeded Thai chiles to control the level of spice.
What type of saucepan should I use?
A large saucepan is recommended to accommodate the 3 cups of broth and other ingredients.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food because it is a warming and soul-soothing soup.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is Southeast Asian, combining creamy, zesty, and aromatic elements.
How much chicken broth do I need?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of chicken broth.
When do I add the lime rind?
The lime rind is added at the beginning of the cooking process with the broth and aromatics.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried ginger?
The recipe specifically calls for minced fresh ginger.
Can I serve this soup for a gathering?
Yes, its delightful flavors and aromatic presentation make it perfect for gatherings.
How should the chicken be cut?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized chunks to ensure even and quick cooking.
What heat level should I use to simmer the broth?
The broth should be brought to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Is the cilantro cooked in the soup?
No, the cilantro is sprinkled on top just before serving as a fresh garnish.