Thai Chicken Rice Noodle Soup – A Comforting Bowl Made Easy
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Thai Chicken Rice Noodle Soup. It’s fragrant, soothing, and hearty enough to be both an easy healthy Asian dinner and a quick cool lunch recipe. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing pick-me-up, this dish is versatile, light yet filling, and full of authentic Thai flavors.
If you’ve been wondering about creative things to do with chicken broth, this soup is the answer. Not only does it use broth as the flavorful base, but it also layers in spices, tender chicken, and silky noodles for a truly comforting experience. Whether you’re cooking for two and need a 2 person food recipe, or serving a family meal, this Thai classic is a must-try.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Soup Different from Other Easy Asian Soups
Unlike creamy noodle curry recipes, this Thai soup is clear yet packed with depth. The broth simmers with aromatics like ginger, garlic, and lemongrass, creating a fragrant foundation. Add in fish sauce, soy sauce, or lime juice, and you get a complex flavor profile—savory, tangy, and slightly spicy.
Many easy Asian soups rely on shortcuts, but this dish finds the perfect balance between convenience and authenticity. It’s ready in under an hour, yet tastes like it’s been simmering all day. That makes it ideal not just for quick dinner ideas Thai food style, but also for anyone who wants a wholesome bowl of comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Thai Chicken Rice Noodle Soup
Essential Broth Ingredients – Things to Do with Chicken Broth
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed
- 3 slices fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
This broth base makes the soup aromatic and flavorful. Using broth in this way showcases just how many delicious things to do with chicken broth there are beyond basic soups.
Noodles for a Light Yet Filling Meal
- 6 oz rice noodles (medium or thin)
Rice noodles cook quickly and make this a satisfying yet light meal. Depending on preference, they can be cooked until soft or left slightly al dente.
Protein and Vegetables for Easy Healthy Asian Dinner
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced for garnish
These ingredients make the soup hearty while keeping it in the category of easy healthy Asian dinner ideas.
Spices, Herbs, and Curry Flavors
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for spice)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Thai basil for garnish
- Optional: a spoonful of red curry paste for a twist into noodle curry recipes
Step-by-Step Preparation of Thai Chicken Rice Noodle Soup
Preparing the Broth Base for a Hot and Soup Recipe
In a large pot, bring chicken broth, lemongrass, ginger, and garlic to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes to let the flavors infuse. Strain out the aromatics before continuing. This step ensures a clean yet fragrant broth that’s perfect for a hot and soup recipe.
Cooking the Chicken and Noodles Perfectly
Add chicken breasts directly into the simmering broth and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until just cooked through. Remove, shred with a fork, and return to the pot. Cook rice noodles separately according to package instructions, then drain and add them to the broth.
Bringing It Together with Aromatics and Garnishes
Stir in carrots, onions, and spinach. Cook just until vegetables are tender-crisp. Finish with soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes. Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro, Thai basil, and scallions.
Kitchen Tools You Need for Broth Dinner Recipes
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Strainer for removing aromatics
- Tongs for handling chicken
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Ladle for serving
These simple tools make it easy to prepare this and other broth dinner recipes at home.
Serving Suggestions: From 2 Person Food Recipes to Family Meals
Cool Lunch Recipes with Thai Soup
This soup isn’t just for dinner—it’s light enough for a cool lunch recipe. Pair it with a fresh salad or spring rolls for a balanced meal.
Dinner Ideas Thai Food Style
Serve alongside other Thai-inspired dishes like pumpkin juice Harry Potter style for kids at themed dinners, or spooky food appetizers if you’re preparing a festive spread. For everyday meals, try pairing it with fall pumpkin muffins for a sweet contrast.
Why This Belongs Among the Best Easy Asian Soups
With its quick preparation, flavorful broth, and balanced nutrition, Thai Chicken Rice Noodle Soup easily joins the list of easy Asian soups. Unlike heavy creamy soups, it’s light yet satisfying, making it suitable year-round. It’s also customizable—you can adjust spice levels, swap vegetables, or make it vegetarian.
Health Benefits of Thai Chicken Rice Noodle Soup
Light Yet Filling: A Healthy Balance
The chicken adds lean protein, while rice noodles provide energy without being too heavy. Fresh vegetables and herbs boost vitamins and minerals, making this soup one of the most easy healthy Asian dinner choices.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options
Using rice noodles and avoiding soy sauce (or substituting with tamari) ensures this meal can be gluten-free. It’s naturally dairy-free, too, making it suitable for many diets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Noodle Curry Recipes
- Overcooking rice noodles: They soften quickly, so always cook separately and add at the last minute.
- Skipping the aromatics: Lemongrass and ginger are essential for depth—don’t leave them out.
- Not tasting the broth: Always adjust fish sauce, soy sauce, or lime juice to taste at the end.
- Adding vegetables too early: Overcooked veggies lose color and crunch. Add just before serving.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Broth-Based Soups
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent soggy noodles, keep broth and noodles separate if possible. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. This makes it one of the best broth dinner recipes for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Chicken Rice Noodle Soup
Can this be made as a 2 person food recipe?
Yes, simply halve the ingredients for a cozy dinner for two.
What noodles work best for this soup?
Medium-width rice noodles are ideal, but you can also try thin vermicelli for a lighter texture.
Can I use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely—this is one of the smartest things to do with chicken broth and leftovers. Add shredded chicken during the final minutes of cooking.
How can I make the broth spicier or milder?
Add more chili flakes or fresh Thai chilies for heat. For milder flavor, omit chili entirely and let diners add spice to their bowls.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action: Warm Up with Thai Chicken Rice Noodle Soup
This Thai Chicken Rice Noodle Soup is more than just a meal—it’s comfort in a bowl. Perfect as a quick lunch, a cozy 2 person food recipe, or part of a full dinner ideas Thai food spread, it’s versatile and deeply satisfying. From flavorful broth to chewy noodles, it’s proof that easy Asian soups can be both nourishing and exciting.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends, pin it for later, and subscribe to our blog for more flavorful broth dinner recipes and authentic noodle curry recipes.
PrintThai Chicken Rice Noodle Soup – A Comforting Bowl Made Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
Thai Chicken Rice Noodle Soup is a comforting, flavorful bowl made with tender chicken, silky rice noodles, and an aromatic broth infused with garlic, ginger, and Thai herbs. Light yet hearty, this easy Asian soup is perfect for cozy dinners, cool lunch recipes, or quick healthy meals that come together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles (medium-width, soaked until pliable)
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1–2 Thai chili peppers, sliced thin (optional)
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup baby bok choy (or spinach)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- ½ cup fresh cilantro and Thai basil leaves
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Soak rice noodles in hot water until pliable but still firm. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Broth: Heat oil in a large pot. Add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook Chicken: Add sliced chicken and simmer until fully cooked.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in carrot, bell pepper, and bok choy. Cook until just tender.
- Assemble Soup: Divide noodles into bowls. Ladle hot broth with chicken and vegetables over the noodles.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro, Thai basil, lime wedges, and chili slices if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Noodle Tip: Keep noodles and broth separate for storage to avoid sogginess.
- Curry Variation: Add red curry paste and coconut milk for a noodle curry soup.
- Storage: Refrigerate broth separately up to 3 days; freeze broth up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg




