Name: Coconut Lime Chicken Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai-inspired
Ingredients: 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced; 1 cup coconut milk; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; Juice of 1 lime; Bell peppers and carrots, sliced (as desired); Low-sodium soy sauce, to taste; Cooking oil (for sautéing)

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If you love soups that are both nourishing and bursting with flavor, this Coconut Lime Chicken Soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s warm, creamy, citrusy, and lightly spiced, with tender chunks of chicken, vibrant veggies, and a rich broth made from coconut milk and chicken stock. Inspired by Southeast Asian flavors, this soup comes together quickly and delivers that crave-worthy balance of sweet, sour, and savory in every spoonful.

Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just craving something cozy yet refreshing, this soup has your back. One pot, easy ingredients, and a finish of fresh lime juice make it unforgettable.

Coconut Lime Chicken Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Meal: All ingredients cook in one pot for minimal cleanup.
Naturally Dairy-Free: Coconut milk adds creaminess without the need for dairy.
Loaded with Flavor: Fresh garlic, ginger, lime, and soy sauce bring the depth.
Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or use leftover chicken.
Hearty but Light: Satisfying without feeling heavy.

Ingredients

Yip: you can find a full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
1 cup coconut milk
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Juice of 1 lime
Bell peppers and carrots (to taste)
Low-sodium soy sauce (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger. Slice bell peppers and carrots.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook Chicken
Add the chopped chicken to the pot and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside.

Step 4: Add Broth and Coconut Milk
Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a light simmer.

Step 5: Simmer with Vegetables
Add sliced bell peppers and carrots. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 6: Finish with Lime and Soy Sauce
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice and soy sauce to taste.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Optionally garnish with cilantro or green onions.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sliced Thai chilis during the sauté step.
Use Leftover Chicken: Add pre-cooked shredded chicken and skip the browning step.
Add Noodles: Rice noodles or soba make this a more filling main dish.
More Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
Vegan Option: Swap the chicken for tofu and use vegetable broth.

Heating and Storage

Store: Keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm over medium-low heat on the stove or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
Freeze: This soup freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and offer a richer flavor.

What type of coconut milk should I use?

Full-fat canned coconut milk gives the best creaminess, but light coconut milk works too.

Is this soup spicy?

Not by default, but you can easily add spice if you like heat.

Can I use store-bought broth?

Yes, just make sure to use low-sodium so you can control the saltiness.

How do I make this vegetarian?

Swap chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I add rice or noodles?

Definitely! Cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles make a perfect addition.

Do I need to blend this soup?

Nope! This is a brothy soup with whole pieces of chicken and vegetables.

Can I meal prep this?

Absolutely. Make a big batch and store in the fridge or freezer for quick meals all week.

What if I don’t have fresh lime?

Bottled lime juice will work in a pinch, though fresh is always better.

How do I make this more filling?

Add noodles, rice, or beans for extra heartiness.

Conclusion

This Coconut Lime Chicken Soup is everything you want in a quick comfort meal—zesty, rich, and nourishing. It delivers Southeast Asian-inspired flavors in an easy-to-make format that fits perfectly into any busy lifestyle. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, one pot, and 30 minutes, you’ll have a soup that’s light, flavorful, and totally satisfying.

Linda