Chicken Thai Noodle Soup with Red Curry Recipe

This Thai noodle soup is quick, simple, and bursting with vibrant flavors from tender chicken, red curry paste, creamy coconut milk, and fresh herbs. Ready in about 35 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and bright.

Red Curry Thai noodles with chicken and basil in a white bowl.

⭐️ Why this recipe works

  • Balanced flavours: Thai red curry paste, coconut milk and lime give a satisfying mix of spicy, creamy and tangy notes.
  • Nutrient-rich: Chicken and mixed vegetables make this soup filling and nutritious.
  • Quick and easy: Ready in around 35 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
  • One-pot meal: Minimal cleanup since everything cooks together.

🧾 Ingredients overview

Ingredients for Thai Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Garlic – minced, for savory depth.
  • Ginger – minced, for warmth and aroma.
  • Chicken – diced boneless skinless chicken for protein.
  • Red onion – thinly sliced for sweetness and texture.
  • Yellow pepper – thinly sliced for color and crunch.
  • Thai red curry paste – the main flavor component; adjust for heat.
  • Sweet corn – tin or frozen, adds sweetness and contrast.
  • Coconut milk – gives a creamy, silky broth.
  • Chicken stock – use fresh or from a cube to build savory depth.
  • Rice noodles – dried rice noodles soften in the broth and make the dish heartier.
  • Soy sauce – adds umami and seasoning.
  • Honey – balances heat with a touch of sweetness (substitute palm sugar for authenticity).
  • Lime juice – brightens the finished soup.
  • Coriander – chopped, for a fresh, citrusy note.
  • Basil – chopped, aromatic and sweet.

👩🏻‍🍳 Here’s how to make it

Chicken Thai Noodle Soup with Red Curry — step-by-step
Step 1 & 2 of Thai Noodle Soup
  1. Brown the chicken: Heat oil in a pan and brown the diced chicken. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, gently brown the ginger and garlic. Add a splash of water to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits.
  3. Cook the onion: Add the red onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Reserve a little onion for garnish.
  4. Combine vegetables and curry paste: Add the yellow pepper, sweet corn and Thai red curry paste; stir to coat the vegetables.
  5. Add liquids: Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the chicken stock and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  6. Cook the noodles: Add the rice noodles and simmer until soft, about 5 minutes (or cook separately and add at the end to avoid overcooking).
  7. Finish with flavourings: Stir in soy sauce, lime juice, honey, chopped coriander and basil.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with the reserved red onion and extra basil.
Thai red curry noodle soup with basil and peppers.

📖 Variations

  • Protein: Swap chicken for tofu, shrimp or thinly sliced beef.
  • Vegetables: Add mushrooms, bok choy, spinach or baby corn.
  • Noodles: Use egg noodles or vermicelli instead of rice noodles.
  • Spice level: Increase or decrease the red curry paste to suit your heat tolerance.
  • Vegetarian option: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and tofu instead of chicken.
  • Sweetener: Replace honey with agave syrup, brown sugar or palm sugar for authentic balance.

💡 Chef’s Guide: Expert Tips

Here are a few practical tips to lift the dish:

  • Use palm sugar for authenticity: Swap honey for palm sugar to better balance heat and acidity.
  • Char some vegetables: Quickly char the red onion and yellow pepper in a hot pan to add a smoky note.
  • Toast spices: If adding dried spices, lightly toast them first to release their oils and fragrance.

🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers

  • Fridge: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in a suitable container for up to 3 months (note: noodles may soften more after freezing).
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock to adjust consistency.

❓Recipe FAQs

What can I add to make the soup more filling?

Add extra protein (tofu, shrimp, more chicken), stir in cooked jasmine rice, or increase the noodle portion.

How can I enhance the umami flavour?

A splash of fish sauce or a small spoonful of miso paste deepens the savory profile.

How do I make the soup less spicy?

Reduce the red curry paste and remove seeds from any fresh chilis you use.

How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

Cook noodles separately and add them to each bowl just before serving, or add them to the hot broth only at the end.

If you try this Chicken Thai Noodle Soup with Red Curry, please leave a comment and a star rating — feedback helps others find recipes they’ll love.

Red Curry Thai noodles with chicken and basil in a white bowl.

Easy Chicken Thai Noodle Soup with Red Curry

A vibrant, aromatic soup with red curry, creamy coconut milk and fresh herbs — comforting and bright.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Author: Deborah Rainford

Ingredients

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, minced
  • 250 g (½ lb) boneless skinless chicken, diced
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow pepper, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
  • 200 g (1¼ cups) sweet corn, tin or frozen
  • 400 ml (1¾ cups) coconut milk
  • 400 ml (1¾ cups) chicken stock
  • 300 g (10½ oz) dried rice noodles
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 bunch coriander, chopped
  • 1 bunch basil, chopped

Instructions

  • Brown the Chicken: Heat oil and brown the diced chicken; set aside.
  • Sauté Aromatics: Brown ginger and garlic in the same pan; deglaze with a splash of water.
  • Cook Onion: Add red onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Reserve a little for garnish.
  • Combine Vegetables and Curry Paste: Stir in yellow pepper, sweet corn and red curry paste.
  • Add Liquids: Return chicken, add chicken stock and coconut milk, bring to a boil then simmer.
  • Cook Noodles: Add rice noodles and simmer until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Finish: Stir in soy sauce, lime juice, honey, chopped coriander and basil.
  • Serve: Divide into bowls and garnish with reserved red onion and extra basil.

Notes

  • Slow cooker method: Brown chicken first, then add garlic and ginger, stock and cook on low 6 hours (or high 3 hours). In the last 30 minutes add pepper, corn, coconut milk, soy sauce, noodles, honey and herbs.
  • Customisations: Add mushrooms, baby corn or extra greens for texture.
  • Adjust spice: Vary the curry paste to control heat.

Nutrition

Calories: 695 kcal | Carbohydrates: 95 g | Protein: 24 g | Fat: 26 g | Saturated Fat: 19 g | Sodium: 880 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 15 g

Meet the Chef!

Hi, I’m Debs, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef sharing approachable, budget-friendly recipes to help you cook delicious meals at home.

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