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A bowl of Thai red curry noodle soup topped with fresh cilantro, basil, and green onions

Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup

A creamy one-pot Thai red curry noodle soup with tender chicken, rice noodles, and a rich coconut broth. Bold flavor, simple ingredients, and ready in 40 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Calories: 438

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/2-inch chunks
  • kosher salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 3 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 13.5 oz coconut milk 1 can, full-fat
  • 4 oz rice noodles
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 3 green onions thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped
  • 0.33 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef's knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season chicken chunks with salt and pepper, add to the pot, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until pieces begin to brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Do not cook through completely at this stage.
  2. Add minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and diced onion to the same pot. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant. Scrape up any browned bits as you stir.
  3. Stir in red curry paste and grated ginger. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the paste darkens slightly and becomes very fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and coconut milk. Stir well to combine. Return browned chicken to the pot and bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broth reduces slightly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
  6. Add rice noodles, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are fully tender.
  7. Remove from heat. Stir in green onions, cilantro, basil, and fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, lime, or a pinch of sugar as needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Store broth and noodles separately for best results. Reheat broth on the stovetop and add fresh noodles when serving. Substitute tofu, shrimp, or rotisserie chicken as needed. Start with less curry paste for a milder soup and stir in extra coconut milk to reduce heat further.