Description
A comforting and aromatic Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich and creamy Thai coconut broth infused with fresh ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and mushrooms. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal with authentic Southeast Asian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 stalks lemongrass, cut into 3-inch pieces and smashed
- 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn (or zest of 1 lime)
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or white mushrooms)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1-2 Thai red chilies, sliced (or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for less heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Serving
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro for garnish
- Extra lime wedges
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, add the chicken pieces, chicken broth, coconut milk, grated ginger, lemongrass stalks, torn kaffir lime leaves, sliced mushrooms, fish sauce, brown sugar, sliced red chilies, and salt. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook the soup on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove Aromatics: About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove and discard the lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves from the soup to avoid overly intense flavors.
- Add Lime Juice and Adjust Flavor: Stir in the fresh lime juice into the soup, then taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more fish sauce, salt, or lime juice according to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve alongside extra lime wedges to squeeze over each serving for brightness.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu to make a pescatarian or vegetarian version of the soup.
- If kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass are unavailable, substitute with extra lime zest and a splash of lemongrass paste for a similar aromatic profile.
