Chicken Khao Soi Recipe (Thai Curry Noodle Soup)

Name: Chicken Khao Soi Recipe (Thai Curry Noodle Soup)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 3 cups coconut milk (divided into 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) and 1 3/4 cups (420 ml)); 3 tbsp + 1 tsp red curry paste; 1 1/2 tbsp yellow curry powder; 4 chicken drumsticks; 3 tbsp palm sugar; 3 tbsp fish sauce; 2 lb fresh egg noodles; neutral oil (as needed for frying noodles); pickled mustard greens (garnish to taste); finely chopped shallots (garnish to taste); lime wedge (garnish to taste); red pepper flakes (garnish to taste)

Chicken khao soi is an authentic Northern Thai noodle soup combining tender chicken, creamy coconut-curry broth, and crispy fried noodles—a beloved Chiang Mai street-food classic.

🌍Thai 🏷️Authentic 🏷️Chicken legs 🏷️Comfort food 🏷️Spicy

Chicken Khao Soi Recipe (Thai Curry Noodle Soup)

Total

40 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Hungryinthailand · by Praew

Ingredients

3 cups coconut milk (divided into 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) and 1 3/4 cups (420 ml))
3 tbsp + 1 tsp red curry paste
1 1/2 tbsp yellow curry powder
4 chicken drumsticks
3 tbsp palm sugar
3 tbsp fish sauce
2 lb fresh egg noodles
neutral oil (as needed for frying noodles)
pickled mustard greens (garnish to taste)
finely chopped shallots (garnish to taste)
lime wedge (garnish to taste)
red pepper flakes (garnish to taste)

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Instructions

1
Wash the drumsticks and score each one twice.
2
In a wok or pot, simmer 1 1/4 cups (300ml) of coconut milk over medium heat. It’s ready when it thickens, and you see the oil start to separate.
3
Stir in the red curry paste and yellow curry powder. Mix well until the paste fully blends into the coconut milk.
4
Place the drumsticks into the curry base and coat them well. Then pour in the rest of the coconut milk.
5
Add the fish sauce and palm sugar. Simmer gently for 20–30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. If the curry gets too thick, add a splash of water (about 100 ml or just under 1/2 cup) to loosen it up.
6
In a separate pan, heat oil as needed and fry a small handful of egg noodles until golden and crispy, or about 30 seconds. Boil the rest of the noodles until al dente, then drain.
7
Serve your khao soi noodles in a deep bowl. Start with the boiled egg noodles at the bottom, then ladle the hot curry and chicken over the top. Finish with a handful of crispy noodles.Add lime wedges, chopped shallots, pickled mustard greens, and a small dish of chili flakes on the side. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Toast red and yellow curry paste briefly in hot oil before adding coconut milk to deepen and mellow the flavors.
Split coconut milk usage: use the thicker top portion first for richness, then thin milk later to avoid curdling.
Fry noodle bundles in small batches at medium-high heat until golden and crispy—they crisp more as they cool, so don't wait for deep browning.
Simmer chicken until fully cooked and tender (12–18 minutes for drumsticks); test by piercing the thickest part with a fork.

Substitutions

Red curry paste → Thai chili paste or sambal oelek (use less, as it's spicier; adjust to taste)
Palm sugar → brown sugar or coconut sugar (1:1 ratio; adjust sweetness to balance fish sauce saltiness)
Fish sauce → soy sauce (use 2 tbsp for milder, less funky depth)
Pickled mustard greens → crispy fried shallots or sliced fresh chilies (for texture and pungency)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled broth in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the fridge or up to 1 month frozen; reheat gently and prepare crispy noodles fresh before serving.

Common Questions

What's the difference between khao soi and other Thai curries?

Khao soi is a noodle soup, not a curry, and uses both red and yellow curry paste for depth. It's garnished with crispy fried noodles and pickled mustard greens, making it unique to Northern Thailand.

Can I use chicken breast instead of drumsticks?

Yes, but drumsticks stay more tender when simmered. If using breast, reduce cooking time to 12–15 minutes and cut into chunks to ensure even cooking.

Is khao soi supposed to be spicy?

Yes, it's moderately spicy from the red curry paste, but you can adjust heat by using less curry paste or serving with lime and extra garnishes on the side.

Where do I find fresh egg noodles?

Fresh egg noodles are sold in the Asian section of most grocery stores or at Asian markets. You can substitute dried egg noodles if fresh are unavailable—cook separately and add to bowls.