Name: Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: ¼ cup grated onion (from about ½ medium yellow onion); ½ tsp kosher salt; 2 tbsp almond flour (or oat flour for nut free); 2 tsp red curry paste (such as Thai Kitchen); 1 lb 93% lean ground dark meat chicken; 1 quart chicken stock (or vegetable stock); 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk (from 1 (15-oz) can), divided; 2 cups water; ¼ cup coconut aminos (or tamari); 2 inch piece of peeled ginger; 3 whole peeled garlic cloves; 1 stalk lemongrass, peeled and cut in half (optional but recommended); 2 tbsp red curry paste, divided; 1 tbsp fish sauce (use vegan fish sauce for vegan or vegetarian); 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; 2 cups packed baby spinach; 1 box thin rice noodles (omit for paleo or Whole30); Sliced red Thai chilis or jalapeno; Fresh cilantro leaves; Fresh mint leaves; Sweet chili sauce; Spicy chili paste

If you’re craving something comforting with a punch of vibrant flavors, you’re going to love this Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening but also carries that fresh, bright taste Thai food is famous for. I absolutely love how the coconut milk and red curry paste blend to make a creamy, spicy broth that’s just perfect for those tender chicken meatballs. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can easily recreate this in your kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Comforting: The creamy coconut broth is cozy without feeling heavy, making it perfect year-round.
Bursting with Flavor: The lemongrass and ginger add authentic brightness that makes this soup stand out.
Healthy & Adaptable: Lean ground chicken and fresh herbs keep it nutritious, and it’s easy to tailor for various diets.
Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for these meatballs — such a hit even with kids!

A white bowl filled with light orange broth holds thin white noodles and several brown meatballs scattered throughout the soup. The dish is topped with fresh green mint and cilantro leaves. On top of the noodles, slices of green and red chili peppers add a pop of color, along with small drizzles of red sauce. Surrounding the bowl on a white marbled surface are small white bowls containing green mint leaves, sliced green limes, bright green cilantro sprigs, and sliced red and green chilis. A white and gray striped cloth is placed near the bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe lies in the combination of fresh aromatics, creamy coconut milk, and just the right amount of heat. Here are some tips on what to look for when shopping so you get the best flavors.

Grated Onion: Freshly grated yellow onion adds sweetness and moisture to your meatballs.
Kosher Salt: Don’t skip on the salt — it brings out those hidden flavors.
Almond Flour: This helps bind the meatballs without making them heavy; oat flour is a great nut-free swap.
Red Curry Paste: I use Thai Kitchen brand for its authentic, balanced spice.
Ground Dark Meat Chicken: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for tender meatballs.
Chicken or Vegetable Stock: Good quality stock really elevates the broth.
Unsweetened Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk to give that creamy texture.
Coconut Aminos: A soy-free, slightly sweet savory sauce that deepens the broth flavor.
Fresh Ginger & Garlic: Essential for that fresh zing and warmth.
Lemongrass: Optional but highly recommended for authentic citrus notes.
Fish Sauce: Adds umami; use vegan substitute if preferred.
Fresh Lime Juice: Adds brightness to balance the richness.
Baby Spinach: Stirred in at the end for color and nutrition.
Thin Rice Noodles: Adds a lovely textural contrast—feel free to omit for paleo or Whole30 versions.
Fresh Herbs & Chilis for Garnish: Cilantro, mint, and sliced Thai chilis or jalapeños truly finish this soup off.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I adore how versatile this Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it to suit different seasons and guests—feel free to do the same and make it your own!

Vegetarian/Vegan Version: Swap chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable stock with vegan fish sauce; it still packs the same flavor punch.
Paleo or Whole30: Skip the rice noodles and use tapioca or zucchini noodles instead.
Extra Spicy: Add more red curry paste or top with extra fresh chilis if your family loves heat as much as mine does.
Slow Cooker Friendly: I occasionally prepare it in my slow cooker—just mix the meatballs and broth and let it simmer all day for hands-off deliciousness.

How to Make Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Start by grating half a yellow onion until you have about ¼ cup — this moisture is key to juicy meatballs. Combine it with kosher salt, almond flour, and 2 teaspoons of red curry paste before gently folding in the ground chicken. Don’t overmix; you want the texture tender, not dense. I like to wet my hands slightly to roll the meat mixture into bite-sized balls — roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter works best for even cooking and easy eating.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, pour in your chicken stock, water, and half of the coconut milk. Toss in peeled garlic cloves, a generously chopped 2-inch piece of peeled ginger, and the lemongrass stalk if you have it — that optional addition really takes the soup to the next level. Bring it to a simmer, then stir in 2 tablespoons of red curry paste, coconut aminos, and fish sauce. Let it bubble gently for 10-15 minutes so all those fragrant flavors meld together.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs in Broth

Carefully drop your prepared chicken meatballs into the simmering broth. I usually do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Let them cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and tender. You’ll notice the broth turning even more flavorful as the meatballs cook—trust me, that’s the best part!

Step 4: Finish the Soup

Once the meatballs are done, remove the ginger, garlic, and lemongrass pieces (if you used lemongrass, it can be stringy and fibrous). Stir in the remaining coconut milk, fresh lime juice, and baby spinach until the spinach is just wilted. At this point, you can add cooked thin rice noodles if you love that texture. I like to keep mine separate and add in bowls at serving time to avoid noodles getting soggy.

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Pro Tips for Making Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe

Gentle Mixing: Overworking ground chicken can make your meatballs tough; mix only until just combined.
Taste as You Go: Adjust salt, lime juice, and fish sauce to balance the flavors perfectly to your liking.
Fresh Herb Boost: Don’t skip fresh cilantro and mint at serving—they add bright, fresh notes that make every bite memorable.
Avoid Overcooking Meatballs: Overcooked chicken meatballs get dry; pull them from the broth as soon as they float and are cooked through.

How to Serve Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe

A black pot holds a creamy light orange soup with bright green spinach leaves floating on top. Three small, round brown meatballs are lifted by a shiny silver ladle above the soup, each garnished with fresh spinach leaves. The ladle drips creamy soup back into the pot. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to pile on fresh cilantro and mint leaves—these herbs add that signature Thai brightness you want. A few slices of red Thai chili or jalapeño give a gentle heat kick, but don’t skip having sweet chili sauce and spicy chili paste on the side so everyone can customize their bowl. Lime wedges are a must for that extra tangy zing!

Side Dishes

This soup stands beautifully on its own, but I often serve it with a side of crispy vegetable spring rolls or a simple crunchy Asian cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, a side of jasmine rice or sticky rice pairs wonderfully as well.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I tried serving this soup in small mason jars layered with noodles, meatballs, and broth — it was a hit at a casual dinner party. The vibrant colors of fresh herbs on top made it pop. For a fun twist, you can let guests assemble their own bowls with all the garnishes laid out buffet-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing the broth and meatballs separate from the noodles and fresh herbs. This way, the noodles don’t get mushy and the herbs stay fresh. Keep everything in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. I freeze the meatballs and broth together in freezer-safe containers but keep noodles and garnishes fresh for the best texture when reheated.

Reheating

Reheat the broth and meatballs gently over medium heat until warmed through, then add fresh spinach or herbs right before serving. If adding noodles, warm them separately in boiling water or quickly in the microwave and add to your bowl just before ladling the hot broth over them.

FAQs

Can I make this Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free rice noodles or omit noodles altogether, and make sure your red curry paste and coconut aminos don’t contain gluten (most brands are naturally gluten-free). Also, check the fish sauce or use a gluten-free vegan alternative if needed.
What can I substitute if I don’t have lemongrass?

If you can’t find fresh lemongrass, adding extra ginger and fresh lime zest helps replicate some of that citrus aroma. Bottled lemongrass paste can work, but fresh is best when possible.
How do I prevent chicken meatballs from falling apart in the soup?

Using almond or oat flour helps bind the meatballs, and gently mixing the ingredients without overworking is key. Also, letting the broth simmer gently instead of boiling vigorously keeps meatballs intact.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. The broth can be made and stored separately. Assemble just before serving for freshest flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it blends comfort and excitement so beautifully. Whether I need a cozy meal to warm up or a flavorful dinner that feels special yet easy, this soup always delivers. I hope you give it a try and fall in love with those tender meatballs swimming in the fragrant, creamy broth just like my family and I have. Don’t forget to grab those fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime—it’s those little touches that turn a simple soup into an unforgettable meal.