Description
This Thai-Style Chicken Meatball Noodle Soup is a vibrant, comforting dish featuring tender chicken meatballs simmered in a fragrant coconut curry broth with red curry paste, fresh ginger, garlic, and cilantro. Paired with soft rice noodles, mushrooms, and nutrient-packed greens like spinach or baby kale, it offers a delicious balance of savory, spicy, and fresh flavors, finished with a bright squeeze of lime for the perfect cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Soup & Noodles
- 6 ounces rice noodles
- 2–3 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups spinach or baby kale
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently mix until just combined, then shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs. Set aside.
- Sauté curry paste and make broth: Heat a splash of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the red curry paste and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Slowly pour in the coconut milk, then add chicken broth and brown sugar. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook meatballs and mushrooms: Add the chicken meatballs and sliced mushrooms to the simmering broth. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot. Let simmer for 10–12 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and mushrooms are tender.
- Add greens and prepare noodles: Stir in the spinach or baby kale and allow it to wilt for 2 minutes. Meanwhile, cook rice noodles according to package instructions, then rinse and drain.
- Assemble and finish: Either add the cooked noodles directly into the soup or serve noodles in bowls and ladle the soup on top. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and garnish with extra chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- You can adjust the amount of red curry paste based on your preferred spice level.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier broth.
- Rice noodles cook quickly; be sure not to overcook to avoid mushiness.
- Fresh lime juice added at the end brightens the rich flavors.
- Optional garnishes include extra cilantro, sliced chili, or crushed peanuts for added texture.
