If your dinner routine is starting to feel a little meh, let me introduce you to your new favorite cozy comfort: Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup. With just a few fresh ingredients, a slow cooker, and a craving for something bold yet soothing, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite Thai takeout—without ever leaving the house (or putting on real pants).
Whether you’re a busy mom juggling after-school chaos or a work-from-home warrior looking for something better than another sad salad, this soup is a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s got that magical mix of creamy coconut, bright lime, and just the right amount of heat to wake up your taste buds after a long day.
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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
Let’s be honest—we all need recipes that do most of the work for us. This crock pot Thai coconut soup is the ultimate “set it and forget it” situation. Just toss everything in your slow cooker in the morning (or even on your lunch break), and by dinner time, you’ve got a fragrant, flavorful soup that tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day—because, well, you have.
But here’s the kicker: it’s light yet satisfying, packed with protein and veggies, and customizable to your spice level. Plus, it reheats like a dream. Leftovers for lunch? Yes, please.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this Thai-inspired comfort in a crockpot:
- ½ onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- ½ red jalapeño, sliced (or swap in Thai chiles if you’re feeling fiery)
- 3 slices galangal or ginger (about ¼-inch thick)
- 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised and chopped into 2″ pieces
- 10 lime leaves, torn (optional but worth it!)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 cans (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream
- 2 small chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz white mushrooms, sliced
- 2-3 tablespoons brown or coconut sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce, plus more to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Layer the aromatics: Add sliced onion, garlic, jalapeño, galangal or ginger, lemongrass, and lime leaves to the bottom of your crockpot. These will infuse your soup with so much flavor.
- Add the liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk (or coconut cream if you’re going extra creamy). Stir in 1 tablespoon of fish sauce and your sugar of choice.
- Chicken time: Toss in the chicken pieces and mushrooms. Give it all a little stir to get those flavors mingling.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Your kitchen will smell incredible—you’ve been warned.
- Finishing touches: Before serving, fish out the lemongrass stalks and lime leaves if you can find them. Then stir in more fish sauce, lime juice, and green onions. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle into bowls and top with plenty of fresh cilantro. Serve as is, or pair with jasmine rice or rice noodles for a heartier meal.
Aneta’s Tips for Thai Soup Success
- Spice it up (or down): Not into heat? Skip the chilies. Want more fire? Add a drizzle of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Chicken swap: Boneless thighs work beautifully here and stay ultra-juicy. Got rotisserie chicken? Add it in the last 30 minutes.
- Coconut matters: Full-fat coconut milk gives the creamiest texture. Light coconut milk will work, but you’ll lose a little of that rich mouthfeel.
- Leftovers? Oh yes. This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen (minus the herbs) for up to 2 months.
Real Talk: Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
This crockpot Thai coconut chicken soup became a family favorite after a hectic week where all I had was a can of coconut milk, some chicken, and a prayer. I dumped everything in the slow cooker and hoped for the best—and what came out was absolute magic. Since then, it’s been my go-to for rainy nights, sick days, or whenever I need a little food hug.
My kids love it with rice, my husband asks for it by name, and I love that it tastes like a big effort—but it’s really just a crockpot doing all the heavy lifting. Total win.
FAQs about Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu and use veggie broth. Add more mushrooms or even baby bok choy for a veggie-packed version.
How spicy is it?
With just one red jalapeño, it’s got a mild, gentle heat. You can dial it up or down based on your preferences. Thai chiles will definitely bring more fire.
How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I use light coconut milk?
You can, but the soup will be thinner and less rich. If you’re watching calories, it’s still delicious—just not as luscious.
What happens to coconut milk in a slow cooker?
Coconut milk holds up pretty well in the slow cooker, especially when added at the start with the rest of the ingredients. It gives the soup that creamy, velvety texture. Just be sure not to cook it on high heat for too long—low and slow is your friend here to keep it from separating.
How to cook Thai chicken soup in a slow cooker with coconut milk?
Super simple! Start by layering your aromatics (onion, garlic, ginger, lemongrass), then add broth, coconut milk, fish sauce, and sugar. Toss in your chicken and mushrooms, cover, and cook on low for 6–7 hours. Before serving, add lime juice, green onions, and cilantro. Boom—Thai chicken soup magic.
How long does coconut soup last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this coconut chicken soup will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers are chef’s kiss. Just reheat gently to keep that creamy coconut texture intact.
Conclusion
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, cooking for picky eaters, or just craving something warm and wonderful, this Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup checks all the boxes. It’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly comforting—a true kitchen staple you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
So grab your slow cooker and let’s bring a little magic to dinner tonight. 💛
Craving More Cozy Chicken Comforts?
If you loved this Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup, here are a few more warm and satisfying recipes to keep the comfort going:
- 🥣 Creamy Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken – A fuss-free slow cooker meal that’s creamy, dreamy, and perfect for busy nights.
- 🍜 Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Craving something spicy and soul-soothing? This ramen will fire things up!
- 🌮 Creamy Chicken Taco Soup – A fun and flavorful twist on taco night, all in one steamy bowl.
- 🥕 Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew – Packed with veggies and love, this stew is pure cozy goodness.

Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup is creamy, comforting, and full of bold Thai flavors—perfect for cozy nights or busy weeknights. Made with coconut milk, tender chicken, mushrooms, and fresh herbs, it’s an easy slow cooker meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
½ onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
½ red jalapeño pepper, sliced (or 2 Thai chiles, halved)
3 slices galangal or ginger (about ¼-inch thick)
1 lemongrass stalk, pounded and cut into 2-inch pieces
10 lime leaves, torn (optional)
1 tablespoon fish sauce
4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
2 (13.5 oz) cans full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream
2 small chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz white mushroom caps, sliced
2–3 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
2–3 tablespoons fish sauce, to taste
2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2–3 green onions, thinly sliced
Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Add the onion, garlic, jalapeño (or Thai chiles), ginger, lemongrass, and lime leaves to the bottom of the crockpot.
Pour in the chicken broth, coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and sugar. Stir to combine.
Add the chicken and mushrooms. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Before serving, remove lemongrass and lime leaves if visible. Stir in more fish sauce, lime juice, and green onions.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
Notes
Mild or spicy? Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili.
Chicken options: Chicken thighs or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used.
Dairy-free & gluten-free: This soup is naturally both!
Freezer-friendly: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months (without the cilantro).
Serve with: Jasmine rice, rice noodles, or on its own for a lighter meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg