This easy curried chicken soup is warm, flavorful, and perfect for cozy nights! With tender chicken, fragrant spices, and a hint of coconut goodness, it warms both the belly and heart.
I love how this soup is so simple to make, just toss everything in and let it simmer. Plus, the smell fills the whole house—it’s like a hug in a bowl! 🥣❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts or thighs are great for this soup. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken works well too. For a vegetarian version, chickpeas or tofu could be used instead!
Broth: Chicken broth is recommended for a hearty flavor, but vegetable broth is a perfect substitute for a vegetarian option or if you don’t have chicken broth on hand.
Curry Powder: This is key for flavor! If you don’t have it, try using garam masala or a mix of ground turmeric and cumin for a different spin. The spice blend can change the whole taste, so pick what you love!
Coconut Milk: This adds creaminess. Sweetened almond milk or soy cream can be good alternatives for a lighter option, though the flavor will be different.
Peas or Green Beans: These are optional but add a nice touch of color and nutrition. You can easily swap them for corn or diced bell peppers, based on what you have in your fridge.
How Do I Get the Most Flavor Out of My Onions and Spices?
Building flavor is essential for a great soup! Start by cooking the onions in oil until they’re soft and translucent—this usually takes about 5 minutes. It’s all about taking your time here.
- Add minced garlic and ginger next since they cook quickly. This gives the base amazing flavor.
- Toasted spices bring out their depth. Once the garlic and ginger are fragrant, add your curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and optional heat.
- Cook the spices for 1 minute. This simple step can make all the difference!
By layering your flavors this way, your soup will taste so much better—warm and inviting!
Easy Curried Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth or stock
- 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) coconut milk
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas or green beans (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Juice of half a lime (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy meal takes about 10 minutes to prep, and then about 30 minutes of cooking. In total, you’ll need around 40 minutes to have this delicious soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and translucent—this should take about 5 minutes. This is where the warmth starts to build!
2. Add the Flavors:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook these for another 1-2 minutes, until you can smell their amazing aroma wafting through your kitchen. This is the heart of your soup!
3. Toast the Spices:
Next, sprinkle in the curry powder, ground turmeric, ground cumin, and any chili powder or cayenne pepper you want for some heat. Mix everything together to coat the onions and spices, and cook for another minute. Toasting the spices enhances their flavor!
4. Brown the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Stir and cook until they start to brown slightly, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step seals in the flavor!
5. Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a delightful boil. This is where all those flavors start to blend beautifully!
6. Simmer the Veggies:
Now, add the diced carrots and potatoes. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and let it cook until the veggies are tender and the chicken is fully cooked, which will take about 15-20 minutes.
7. Creamy Finish:
Once everything is cooked, stir in the coconut milk and any peas or green beans if you’re using them. Let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes to warm everything through—trust me, it’ll smell amazing!
8. Season & Serve:
Finally, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you love a bit of zing, add the lime juice now. Serve it hot and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for that extra touch!
Enjoy this delicious curried chicken soup with warm bread or rice for a truly cozy meal! 🥣❤️
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works great. Just shred or chop it and add it during the step where you stir in the coconut milk. You’ll only need to simmer it a few minutes to heat through.
What If I Don’t Have Coconut Milk?
No problem! You can substitute with heavy cream, half-and-half, or even unsweetened almond milk for a lighter option. Keep in mind that the flavor and creaminess will vary a bit.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can keep all the spices the same for fantastic flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or coconut milk to loosen it up if it thickens. Enjoy every bite!
