Coconut Curry Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free! (2024)

by Jennifer Debth

22 Comments

4.87 from 15 votes

ThisCoconut Curry Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is quick and easy, healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free! It’s packed with veggies, rotisserie chicken, spices, and more!

Quick Navigation

  • General
  • Ingredients
  • How to make
  • Get the recipe
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • What chicken to use
  • What noodles to use
  • How to make creamy
  • Variations
  • Pairing suggestions
  • How to store
  • Nutrition information

I am a total sucker for Thai flavors…Thai chicken naan pizza, slow cooker Thai chicken soup, Thai peanut noodles, crockpot Thai chicken curry…and now this coconut curry chicken noodle soup!

It’s like the American classic but with Thai flavors…and it’s AWESOME!

Ingredients

This coconut curry chicken noodle soup recipe is healthy, dairy-free, gluten-free and packed with so much flavor.

  • Olive Oil– used to sauté the veggies for a crisp-tender texture so they hold up in the soup.
  • Celery, Carrots, Red Bell Pepper, and Yellow Onion– a colorful veggie blend to give this soup more texture and a boost of nutrition.
  • Garlic– adds a subtle nuttiness.
  • Salt, Pepper, Ground Ginger, and Crushed Red Pepper Flakes– a simple earthy and spicy seasoning blend.
  • Peanut Butter– adds delicious nutty flavor that goes so well with the creamy soup.
  • Red Curry Paste– adds a warm, ginger-y, garlicky flavor and kick of heat.
  • Dark Brown Sugar– provides a warm sweetness to round out the heat from the curry paste.
  • Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth and Lite Coconut Milk– a flavorful and creamy base for the chicken noodle soup.
  • Fish Sauce– adds depth of flavor.
  • Cooked Chicken– I use rotisserie chicken for easy prep but feel free to cook your own chicken if preferred.
  • Lime Juice– gives a slightly tangy flavor to cut the creaminess just a little.
  • Rice Noodles– I use Annie Chun Rice Noodles Pad Thai.
  • Cilantro, Peanuts, and Green Onions– for garnish!

How to make

The absolute easiest 30 minute dinner EVER coming right up!

  1. Heat a large stockpot over medium heat, then add in olive oil, celery, carrots, bell pepper, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the veggies are tender.
  2. Stir in peanut butter, curry paste, and brown sugar then whisk in broth, coconut milk, and fish sauce.
  3. Mix in cooked chicken then bring to a simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Stir in lime juice then serve over cooked noodles and garnish with cilantro, green onions, and peanuts!

Pro tip

Keep the soup and noodles separate. If you mix the pasta in to the broth mixture, it will soak up too much of the liquid.

What chicken to use

I use an already cooked rotisserie chicken so there is less prep involved but you can definitely cook your own chicken if preferred.

Whatever you do, you’ll need about 4 cups of chicken for the soup.

What noodles to use

I use Annie Chun Rice Noodles Pad Thai but really any noodles will work!

Try egg noodles, lo mein noodles, ramen noodles, or even just regular spaghetti noodles.

How to make creamy

This coconut curry chicken noodle soup is already pretty creamy but if you prefer a creamier soup, use full-fat coconut milk rather than lite.

You can also stir in a splash of half-and-half or heavy cream or use a cornstarch slurry.

Pro tip

To make a cornstarch slurry, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of the liquid of your choice (half-and-half, heavy cream, or coconut milk.) Stir that into the soup, little bits at a time, until it’s reached your desired texture.

Coconut Curry Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free! (2)

Variations

I love this soup is-is but feel free to switch things up, if preferred!

  • Make it low carb.Swap the rice noodles for zucchini noodles instead.
  • Add more veggies.Potatoes, kale, broccoli, squash, mushrooms, you name it.
  • Make it vegetarian.Leave out the chicken and use tofu instead. Make sure you use veggie broth!
  • Use a different grain.Swap the noodles for brown rice, white rice, quinoa, etc. Whatever you use, make sure you cook it first.
  • Spice it up.This soup already has a bit of a kick but add cayenne pepper, more red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of Sriracha if you like it even spicier.

What to serve with coconut curry chicken noodle soup

This coconut curry chicken noodle soup is packed with veggies, carbs, and lean protein so it’s already a full meal. However, a delicious side dish or two never hurt anyone!

  • Chicken Satay
  • Roasted or Steamed Veggies with Thai Peanut Sauce
  • Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls
  • Chicken Naan Pizza

Coconut Curry Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free! (3)

How to store

Leftover soup will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.

To reheat,thaw in the fridge if frozen then microwave or warm on the stove and serve over cooked noodles!

Pro tip

If you have leftover noodles, store them separately from the soup.

– Jennifer

Coconut Curry Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free! (4)

Coconut Curry Chicken Noodle Soup

4.87 from 15 votes

ThisCoconut Curry Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is quick and easy, healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free! It's packed with veggies, rotisserie chicken, spices, and more!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 6 people

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Equipment for this recipe

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Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 2 large carrots diced
  • 1 large red bell pepper diced
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste (I used 1 teaspoon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes omit or lessen if you don’t like spicy foods
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter use the all natural, just nuts, no sugar added variety
  • 1 (4 oz) jar red curry paste I used the whole jar, but could start with less if you’re worried about the spice level
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar packed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 2 (14 oz) cans lite coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 1 pound cooked chicken about 4 cups - I used leftover rotisserie chicken
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1 (8 oz) package Annie Chun Rice Noodles Pad Thai cooked according to package directions (I followed the soak method) - you can use another noodle if desired
  • Chopped cilantro for garnish
  • Chopped salted roasted peanuts for garnish
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat a large stockpot over medium heat.

  • Once hot, add in olive oil, celery, carrots, bell pepper, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

  • Cook, stirring regularly, until veggies are tender, about 5-10 minutes.

  • Stir in peanut butter, curry paste, and brown sugar.

  • Slowly whisk in broth, coconut milk, and fish sauce.

  • Stir in cooked chicken.

  • Bring to a simmer.

  • Once simmering, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes (you'll probably need to lower heat to LOW to keep the mixture at a simmer).

  • Stir in lime juice, then taste and re-season, if necessary.

  • Place desired amount of cooked noodles* into serving bowls and top with hot soup.

  • Garnish with cilantro, green onions, and peanuts.

  • Enjoy!

  • Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!

Rate This Recipe

STORING

Room Temp:N/A

Refrigerator:3-4 Days**

Freezer:2-3 Months

Reheat:If frozen, thaw in fridge then microwave or heat on stove

*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions

Notes

*You don’t want to stir the cooked noodles into the big pot of soup, because they soak up too much liquid and get soggy.

**Store leftover soup and leftover cooked noodles in separate containers in the fridge.

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Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Coconut Curry Chicken Noodle Soup

Amount Per Serving

Calories 596 Calories from Fat 243

% Daily Value*

Fat 27g42%

Saturated Fat 12g75%

Cholesterol 48mg16%

Sodium 1952mg85%

Potassium 683mg20%

Carbohydrates 60g20%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 17g19%

Protein 24g48%

Vitamin A 8505IU170%

Vitamin C 43.3mg52%

Calcium 80mg8%

Iron 2.1mg12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.

Keywords: coconut milk, curry, healthy

Enjoy this recipe?

Tag @showmetheyummy on Instagram and hashtag it #showmetheyummy

Course: Main Dish, Soup

Cuisine: Thai

Coconut Curry Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free! (2024)

FAQs

Can you use coconut cream instead of coconut milk in curry? ›

It is thicker, has a higher fat content and is scoop-able throughout. Coconut milk and cream are mostly interchangeable in recipes such as curries and soups. If you prefer a richer flavour and texture, try coconut cream or vice versa. However, be careful when substituting coconut milk and cream in baked goods.

Can you use milk instead of coconut milk? ›

If you prefer to go the coconut-free route (or if you don't have coconut shreds, cream, oil, water, or butter on hand), you can use plain old milk — whichever kind you prefer. Whatever you're making won't have the same flavor as it would with coconut, which may make things like curries taste a little flat.

How to thicken chicken noodle soup without cream of chicken? ›

Add Flour Or Cornstarch

You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute.

Can you use oat milk instead of coconut milk in curry? ›

Oat milk

Unlike most plant milks, oat milk doesn't curdle and can be used in recipes that require high heat. Swap it in at a 1:1 ratio. It's naturally sweet and higher in carbs than coconut milk (7).

What happens if I use coconut cream instead of milk? ›

The good news about coconut cream and coconut milk is that although they may be different consistencies, they're very similar. You can use coconut cream in place of milk if you dilute it with additional water. Different coconut cream brands vary on fat content.

What is a dairy free alternative to coconut milk? ›

If you don't like the taste of coconut milk (or some people also avoid coconut milk as it has a high fat content) then you could use either soy milk or almond milk as alternatives.

What is a substitute for coconut milk in curry? ›

10 substitutes for coconut milk
  • Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and body much like coconut milk does in a sauce. ...
  • Heavy cream. Some curries or Indian dishes call for heavy cream as a thickener, so this is another choice that works well. ...
  • Half and half. ...
  • Sour cream. ...
  • Milk. ...
  • Cashew cream. ...
  • Almond milk. ...
  • Soy milk.
Dec 16, 2023

What kind of milk is used in curry? ›

Wet: Wet curries, such as those found in Thailand, are often made in an abundance of liquid including broth, coconut milk or cream, yogurt or sofrito-like legume or vegetable purees.

What is the best substitute for coconut milk? ›

Soy milk, yoghurt,nuts milk,thickened milk can be used as a substitute for coconut milk. If you want to thicken the gravy you can also use groundnuts,cashewnut and even ground water melon seeds.

How do you thicken soup without gluten or dairy? ›

Mix mix 1 tablespoon of arrowroot starch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth then stir into the soup. May need to double or triple that depending on how much soup you have. Simmer gently to thicken. The advantage of arrowroot starch over cornstarch is that it does not break down as quickly when heated.

How can I thicken soup without gluten? ›

If you don't have cornstarch handy, flour is a similar alternative that can be used to thicken soup (for a gluten-free option, you can also use arrowroot flour). There are a few ways to incorporate flour into soup, which work to avoid clumping and the raw taste of flour.

How do you make soup thicker without dairy? ›

Add Cornstarch

Mix a little cornstarch into cool broth or water, then stir it into the soup pot. It will take a few minutes of simmering to see the soup develop the desired thickness, but it the outcome will be amazing!

Which is healthier coconut or oat milk? ›

Nutritional differences

Oat milk is higher in carbohydrates and fiber, making it a good option for those looking to increase their fiber intake. Coconut milk is lower in fiber and higher in saturated fat. The calories depend on the brand, but I've found that most coconut milk cartons are lower calorie than oat milk.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of coconut milk? ›

Evaporated milk adds a delicious thickness and creaminess to whatever you pair it with, and is a great choice for baking. Coconut milk, on the other hand, is much thinner, but still creamy. It's a great way of adding the delicious coconut flavor to different things, and has some solid nutritional benefits!

What is better for you almond or oat milk? ›

Depends. If you're aiming to lose weight or are diabetic, almond milk with its lower sugar and calorie content might be right for you. On the other side, oat milk is high in fiber and nutrients, which boosts heart health and immunity, and helps muscle grow.

Can you use coconut cream for Thai curry? ›

Both coconut cream and milk are staples in Thai cuisine, often used as a base for soups and curries. Choosing the right coconut milk can make all the difference to your dish.

How do I dilute coconut cream to coconut milk? ›

To get it to the texture of canned coconut cream, whisk it with a teaspoon or two of the coconut water until smooth. To make coconut milk out of coconut cream: Mix 3 tablespoons coconut cream into 1 tablespoon water to make about ¼ cup coconut milk.

Does coconut cream thicken curry? ›

Coconut milk or cream:

For a rich and creamy curry, coconut milk or cream can be a fantastic thickening agent. They not only add creaminess but also a delightful tropical flavour. Simply pour in some coconut milk or cream and let it simmer until your sauce reaches the desired consistency.

Does Thai curry use coconut milk or coconut cream? ›

The majority of Thai curries are made with coconut milk as the main liquid, which produces creamier curries, but they're not necessarily “rich.” The amount of coconut milk can vary by quite a lot, depending on the texture one is looking for: massaman curry, for example, is quite rich because it uses coconut milk and is ...

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