Chicken Khao Soi

A rich and flavorful Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup featuring tender chicken, egg noodles, and a complex curry paste made with dried chiles, aromatics, and warm spices. Served with traditional garnishes, this comforting dish offers a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors.

6 servings
1 hr 28 min

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces large dried New Mexico or guajillo chiles, stemmed, halved, seeded
  • 2 pieces medium shallots, halved
  • 8 cloves garlic cloves
  • 1 piece 2" piece ginger, peeled, sliced
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro stems
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cans 14-ounce cans unsweetened coconut milk
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, halved lengthwise
  • 1 pound Chinese egg noodles
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce (such as nam pla or nuoc nam)
  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar or light brown sugar
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt
  • 1 as needed garnishes for serving
  • ingredient information

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Place chiles in a small heatproof bowl, add boiling water to cover, and let soak until softened, 25-30 minutes.

    30 min

  2. 2.

    Drain chiles, reserving soaking liquid. Purée chiles, shallots, garlic, ginger, cilantro stems, coriander, turmeric, curry powder, and 2 tablespoons soaking liquid in a food processor, adding more soaking liquid by tablespoonfuls, if needed, until smooth.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add khao soi paste; cook, stirring constantly, until slightly darkened, 4-6 minutes. Add coconut milk and broth. Bring to a boil; add chicken. Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is fork-tender, 20-25 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate. Let cool slightly; shred meat.

    35 min

  4. 4.

    Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions.

    8 min

  5. 5.

    Add chicken, 3 tablespoons fish sauce, and sugar to soup. Season with salt or more fish sauce, if needed. Divide soup and noodles among bowls and serve with toppings.

    5 min

Recommended to use Recipe Notes to manage your recipes