Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something that warms you up and transports your taste buds straight to the streets of Thailand, you’ve hit the jackpot. This Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe is a cozy, flavorful hug in a bowl—packed with tender chicken meatballs, fragrant coconut curry broth, and fresh herbs that bring it all to life. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it over and over. Let me walk you through it so you nail it perfectly every time!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the warm spices in the curry paste to the fresh brightness of lime and herbs. Here’s what I suggest grabbing at the store.

• Yellow onion: Grating the onion adds moisture and subtle sweetness to the meatballs without big chunks.
• Kosher salt: Essential to season both meatballs and broth properly, bringing out all the flavors.
• Almond flour: This keeps the meatballs tender; you can swap for oat flour if you need nut-free.
• Red curry paste: The star of the show—choose an authentic brand like Thai Kitchen for the best taste.
• Ground dark meat chicken: Dark meat offers juiciness and flavor; lean but still moist.
• Chicken or vegetable stock: A good-quality stock makes the broth rich and savory.
• Unsweetened coconut milk: Adds creaminess and that iconic Thai richness without being too sweet.
• Water: To balance out the broth’s intensity and keep it light.
• Coconut aminos: A soy-free alternative to tamari or soy sauce that adds umami.
• Fresh ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy note that brightens the broth.
• Garlic cloves: No Thai dish is complete without garlic’s bold aroma.
• Lemongrass stalk: Optional but highly recommended for its citrusy fragrance.
• Fish sauce: Use vegan fish sauce if you’re making a plant-based version—it brings that salty depth.
• Fresh lime juice: Tangy brightness that balances the richness perfectly.
• Baby spinach: Tossed in last, it wilts beautifully adding freshness and nutrition.
• Thin rice noodles: If you want a more filling soup; omit if paleo or Whole30.
• Sliced red Thai chilis or jalapeno: For those who love a spicy kick.
• Fresh cilantro and mint leaves: Herb garnishes that bring everything alive.
• Sweet chili sauce and spicy chili paste: Great to serve on the side for customizing heat and sweetness.

Variations

I love that this Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe is super adaptable. Whether you want to make it vegan, paleo, or simply add your own spin, here are some of my favorite tweaks.

• Go Vegetarian or Vegan: Swap the ground chicken for mashed chickpeas or tofu crumbles and use vegan fish sauce to keep that savory richness. I did this once for a friend and nobody even missed the meat!
• Make It Paleo or Whole30: Just skip the rice noodles and use coconut or almond flour in the meatballs. The flavors still shine through beautifully.
• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in sliced mushrooms, shredded carrots, or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition. My kids love sneaking in the veggies this way.
• Heat it Up or Tone it Down: Adjust the amount of curry paste and chilis to your preference. I like mine moderately spicy but you can go as fiery as you want!

How to Make Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by grating half a medium yellow onion and gently squeezing out excess moisture—it helps the meatballs stay tender without getting mushy. Mix the grated onion with kosher salt, almond flour, and 2 teaspoons of the red curry paste into your ground chicken. I like to use my hands here to make sure it’s evenly combined but not overworked; you want tender meatballs, not tough ones. Chill the mixture for 10-15 minutes if you have time—it helps everything bind better.

Step 2: Form and Cook the Meatballs

Using wet hands or a small cookie scoop, form the meat mixture into bite-sized meatballs. You’ll get about 20-24 meatballs from a pound of chicken. Gently drop them into your simmering broth later, but for now, we’ll get the broth ready.

Step 3: Build the Broth

In a large pot, combine chicken stock, water, 2 cups of coconut milk, peeled ginger, garlic cloves, and lemongrass if using. Bring to a simmer and let it gently bubble for 15-20 minutes so the aromatics release their magic. During this time, you’ll discover how incredible simple ingredients become when they have time to mingle.

Step 4: Add Curry, Meatballs, and Seasonings

Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of red curry paste, coconut aminos, and fish sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning—this is where your broth really shines. Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until they’re cooked through and tender. Pro tip: avoid boiling hard as it can toughen the meatballs.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Ingredients

Add the fresh lime juice and baby spinach right before serving—spinach wilts quickly and lime brightens everything. If you’re adding rice noodles, prepare them separately according to package instructions then add to bowls before ladling soup on top.

How to Serve Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I always pile on fresh cilantro leaves, mint, and thinly sliced red chilis or jalapeño for color and that real fresh zing. A drizzle of sweet chili sauce or spicy chili paste on the side lets everyone customize their bowl’s heat and sweetness. The bright herbs really lift this soup from cozy comfort to exciting flavor explosion.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this soup with a simple bowl of jasmine rice or a crisp cucumber salad to cool down the spice. Sometimes I serve crisp fried wontons on the side for some crunch. It’s also fantastic on its own as a hearty lunch or light dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like to serve this in small porcelain bowls topped with extra herbs and edible flowers. You can also turn it into a fun noodle bar—lay out toppings like chopped peanuts, lime wedges, chilies, and fresh greens so guests build their perfect bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but I recommend adding fresh herbs and lime juice after reheating to brighten it back up.

Freezing

This soup freezes surprisingly well if you freeze the meatballs and broth separately from any noodles or spinach. That way, when you thaw and reheat, the texture stays spot on without mushiness.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low-medium heat—this keeps the broth creamy and prevents the meatballs from drying out. Add fresh lime juice, herbs, and a handful of fresh spinach just before serving to refresh the soup’s vibrant taste.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods. It’s one of those dishes where every spoonful feels like a little celebration of flavor and warmth—perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests with something exotic yet straightforward. I really hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and find it becoming a staple in your kitchen too!

Print