Name: Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-483845H42M19S
Total time: PT-483845H42M19S
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: ½ onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; ½ red jalapeño pepper, sliced (or 1-2 Thai chiles, halved); 3 slices galangal or ginger (about ¼-inch thick); 1 lemongrass stalk, pounded and cut into 2-inch pieces; 10 kaffir lime leaves, torn (optional); 1 tbsp red Thai curry paste; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cans (13.5 oz each) full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream; 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (or tofu or shrimp as alternatives); 8 oz white mushrooms, sliced; 2-3 tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar; 2-3 tbsp fish sauce (or coconut aminos for a vegan option); 2-3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice; Sliced green onions; Chopped fresh cilantro

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Convenient: Utilizes a slow cooker for effortless preparation; just set it and forget it.
Rich Flavor: Combines aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, galangal (or ginger), and kaffir lime leaves with creamy coconut milk.
Customizable: Easily adaptable for various dietary preferences, including paleo, Whole30, and vegan options.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Aromatics:
- ½ onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- ½ red jalapeño pepper, sliced (or 1-2 Thai chiles, halved)
- 3 slices galangal or ginger (about ¼-inch thick)
- 1 lemongrass stalk, pounded and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 10 kaffir lime leaves, torn (optional)
Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon red Thai curry paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans (13.5 ounces each) full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream
Protein and Vegetables:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (or tofu or shrimp as alternatives)
- 8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced
Seasonings:
- 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce (or coconut aminos for vegan option)
- 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Prepare the Aromatics: In the base of your slow cooker, combine the sliced onion, chopped garlic, sliced jalapeño, galangal or ginger slices, lemongrass pieces, torn lime leaves, and red curry paste.
Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the aromatics in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cook Base: Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours. After cooking, use a slotted spoon to remove and discard the solids (onion, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, lime leaves).
Add Coconut Milk, Protein, and Mushrooms: Stir in the coconut milk, chicken pieces (or tofu/shrimp), and sliced mushrooms
Continue Cooking: Cover and cook on high for an additional hour or low for 2 hours, until the protein is cooked through.
Season the Soup: Stir in the brown sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 6
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: Total of 3-4 hours (including both cooking phases)

Variations

Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth. Ensure fish sauce is substituted with coconut aminos or soy sauce.
Seafood Option: Substitute chicken with shrimp; add them during the second cooking phase and cook until pink and opaque.
Spice Level: Adjust the number of Thai chiles or jalapeños to suit your heat preference.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth or water if the soup has thickened.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Is there a substitute for galangal?

If galangal is unavailable, fresh ginger is a suitable substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Can I freeze this soup?

It’s not recommended to freeze soups containing coconut milk, as the texture may change upon thawing.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Increase the amount of Thai chiles or add a dash of chili paste to boost the heat.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup offers a convenient and flavorful way to enjoy traditional Thai cuisine at home. With its rich coconut broth, aromatic spices, and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.