Zesty Thai Chicken Soup
Savor the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this Zesty Thai Chicken Soup, a delightful blend of hot and sour components combined with tender shredded chicken and fresh herbs. Perfect for any occasion, this soup captures the essence of Thai cuisine with its invigorating ingredients such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and tom yum paste. Share it with friends and family for a comforting meal that transports your taste buds straight to Southeast Asia.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken stock
3 cups (brought to a boil)
tom yum paste
1 tablespoon (stirred into the stock)
garlic
1/2 clove (finely chopped)
lemongrass
3 stalks (chopped)
kaffir lime leaves
2 (added whole)
chicken breast halves
2 (skinless, boneless, and shredded)
fresh mushrooms
4 ounces (thinly sliced)
fish sauce
1 tablespoon (added to the soup)
lime juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
green chili pepper
1 teaspoon (chopped)
fresh coriander
1 bunch (chopped for garnish)
fresh basil
1 sprig (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil over medium heat.
2
Add the tom yum paste and finely chopped garlic, stirring well to mix. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3
Stir in the chopped lemongrass and add the kaffir lime leaves, infusing the broth with their unique fragrance.
4
Carefully add the shredded chicken breast halves to the saucepan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
5
Incorporate the fresh mushrooms into the soup, giving it a vibrant texture and flavor.
6
Add the fish sauce, lime juice, and chopped green chili pepper to the mixture, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
7
Once everything is blended nicely, remove the soup from heat.
8
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped coriander and basil before serving warm. Enjoy your authentic Thai dining experience!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Thai Chicken Soup?
It is a vibrant Southeast Asian-inspired soup featuring shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and a signature hot and sour broth.
What are the main flavors of this soup?
The soup combines savory chicken with zesty lime, aromatic lemongrass, and a spicy kick from tom yum paste and green chili.
How much chicken stock is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of chicken stock, which is brought to a boil at the start.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves that are shredded for a tender texture.
Is this soup spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy profile due to the inclusion of tom yum paste and 1 teaspoon of chopped green chili pepper.
How much tom yum paste should I use?
You should add 1 tablespoon of tom yum paste to the boiling chicken stock.
How do I prepare the garlic?
Use 1/2 a clove of garlic and ensure it is finely chopped before adding it to the stock.
What role does lemongrass play in the soup?
Lemongrass provides a unique citrusy fragrance and flavor profile characteristic of Thai cuisine.
How much lemongrass is needed?
The recipe requires 3 stalks of lemongrass, which should be chopped before being added to the broth.
Are kaffir lime leaves used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 kaffir lime leaves are added whole to infuse the broth with their distinct aroma.
What kind of mushrooms are recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of fresh mushrooms, which should be thinly sliced.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The shredded chicken breast takes about 5 minutes to cook through in the boiling broth.
When should I add the fish sauce?
Fish sauce is added toward the end of the cooking process, along with the lime juice and green chili.
How much lime juice is needed?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice for its sour component.
What herbs are used for garnishing?
The soup is garnished with a generous amount of fresh chopped coriander and 1 sprig of fresh basil.
Is this soup considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe, utilizing fresh vegetables, lean protein, and clear broth.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs like coriander and basil are recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried in a pinch, though the taste will be less vibrant.
How do I ensure the chicken isn't overcooked?
Stir the shredded chicken occasionally and check it after 5 minutes; remove from heat as soon as it is no longer pink.
What is the serving suggestion for this soup?
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately while warm, ensuring the fresh garnishes are added last.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should check your tom yum paste and fish sauce labels to be certain.
How many green chili peppers are used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of chopped green chili pepper to add a controlled level of heat.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, the broth flavors develop over time, but it is best to add the fresh herbs just before serving.
What does tom yum paste contribute to the dish?
Tom yum paste provides a complex base of chili, galangal, and other Thai spices that define the soup's character.
How many stalks of lemongrass are in the recipe?
There are 3 stalks of lemongrass used to flavor the broth.
Is there any dairy in this soup?
No, this is a clear, broth-based soup and does not contain any dairy products.
Can I add noodles to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, you can easily add rice noodles to make it a more substantial meal.
What is the best way to shred the chicken?
You can shred the chicken breast halves using two forks or by hand after they are cooked, or shred them before cooking as the recipe suggests.
What kind of basil should I use?
While standard basil works, Thai basil is ideal for a more authentic Southeast Asian flavor profile.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
If you don't have fish sauce, you can use a small amount of soy sauce or sea salt, though the flavor will change slightly.