Name: Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 cup white onion slices (approximately 1 small white onion); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic (approximately 3 large cloves); ½ red jalapeño pepper (sliced; or 1-2 Thai chiles, halved); 3 slices fresh galangal (or fresh ginger, each slice ¼-inch long); 1 stalk lemongrass (pounded with side of knife, cut into 2-inch-long pieces); 10 lime leaves (torn, optional); 1 tablespoon red Thai curry paste; 4 cups chicken broth (see Notes); 2 13.5-ounce cans full-fat coconut milk (or coconut cream, at room temperature); 1 pound chicken breasts (approximately 2 small chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces); 8 ounces white mushroom caps (sliced); 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar, plus more to taste); 2 tablespoons fish sauce (plus more to taste); 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (plus more to taste)

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If you’re craving a bowl of comforting, aromatic Thai soup that’s bursting with delicate spice and silky coconut richness, this Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup Recipe will absolutely win you over. The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity: just toss everything into your slow cooker, and hours later you’re rewarded with a warm, tangy, fragrant dish that tastes as if you’ve spent all day in the kitchen. It strikes the perfect balance between creamy and tart, spicy and sweet—an authentic treat you’ll come back to again and again. If you love effortless cooking with impressive results, you’ll want this Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup Recipe in your regular rotation!

Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Tom Kha is all about layering flavors, and this Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup Recipe shows how a handful of key ingredients combine to create something extraordinary. Each component plays a crucial role, from the fresh zestiness of lime leaves to the creamy backdrop of coconut milk. Every ingredient adds a unique note, so don’t skip the details—think of them as the soul of the soup!

White onion slices: Adds a gently sweet base, bringing mellow flavor and subtle texture to the broth.
Chopped fresh garlic: Provides aromatic depth with a savory kick—always use fresh for best results.
Red jalapeño pepper (or Thai chiles): Lends a touch of heat; Thai chiles add a bolder, spicier punch if you like it hot.
Fresh galangal (or ginger): Galangal offers earthy, citrusy undertones traditional to Tom Kha, but ginger is a great substitute.
Lemongrass stalk: Gives the soup its bright, citrus-forward flavor—bruise the stalk for maximum aroma.
Lime leaves (optional): Intensifies the citrus notes and makes the broth extra fragrant; use if available.
Red Thai curry paste: Adds a savory backbone with subtle spice and that signature Thai flavor.
Chicken broth: Forms the foundation—use homemade or store-bought, just be sure it’s flavorful.
Full-fat coconut milk (or coconut cream): The heart of the soup; makes it luxuriously creamy and balances spice.
Chicken breasts: Adds lean protein that becomes tender and juicy as it simmers.
White mushroom caps: Soak up all those vibrant Thai flavors while contributing a satisfying texture.
Brown sugar (or coconut sugar): A spoonful sweetens and rounds out the sharp, tangy elements.
Fish sauce: Infuses deep umami and that characteristic savory-salty note essential in Thai cuisine.
Fresh lime juice: Brightens everything with a pop of acidity—taste as you go to hit that perfect sour balance.
Green onions & cilantro (optional, for serving): Sprinkle on top to add a burst of color and fresh herbal zing.

How to Make Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup Recipe

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by adding the white onion slices, chopped garlic, red jalapeño or Thai chiles, galangal or ginger, lemongrass, lime leaves (if using), red Thai curry paste, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. This team of aromatics lays the groundwork for a deeply layered broth—the perfect canvas for rich, vibrant Thai flavors to develop as they slowly cook together.

Step 2: Simmer Aromatics

Place the lid on your slow cooker and let those wonderful ingredients mingle on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6 hours. Give the mixture a quick stir every now and then to make sure the flavors are evenly distributed and nothing sticks to the bottom. As these aromatics soften and infuse the broth, you’ll notice your kitchen filling with the most heavenly scents.

Step 3: Strain and Remove Solids

Once your broth is deeply fragrant (and tastes deliciously complex), use a slotted spoon to carefully remove and discard the solids—those bits have given up all their flavor! The remaining clear, aromatic broth is your soup’s flavorful heart.

Step 4: Add Creaminess and Protein

Now it’s time for coconut milk, chicken breasts, and mushrooms. Add the coconut milk (make sure it’s at room temperature for a smooth consistency), cubed chicken, and sliced mushrooms to the broth. Stir well so everything is nicely combined and cozy in the slow cooker.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Replace the lid and set your slow cooker to HIGH for another hour or LOW for 2 more hours, just until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The mushrooms will release their juices and soak up the soup’s aromatic flavors, while the coconut milk turns everything lusciously creamy.

Step 6: Season to Perfection

When the chicken is cooked, add the brown sugar, fish sauce, and fresh lime juice. Stir everything in and taste the broth—this is your moment to adjust the sugar, fish sauce, or lime for your ideal balance of salty, sweet, and tangy. Don’t be shy: this custom finish is what makes every Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup Recipe uniquely yours.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

When you’re happy with the flavors, ladle the steaming hot soup into bowls and top with green onions and cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy all the vibrant Thai aromas at their very best!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Finish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions and chopped fresh cilantro. These garnishes provide a bright contrast to the creamy soup, adding a layer of fresh flavor and a pop of gorgeous color. A lime wedge on the side lets your guests tweak the tartness to their liking.

Side Dishes

This soup shines on its own, but a scoop of jasmine or sticky rice on the side transforms it into a hearty meal. For a satisfying crunch, serve with Thai spring rolls or crispy papadums. A simple cucumber salad with a splash of rice vinegar and a sprinkle of chili makes a lovely cooling partner to the soup’s warmth.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup Recipe in coconut bowls or small mugs for a fun, tropical vibe. For a dinner party, pre-fill adorable shot glasses for a unique Thai appetizer. If you want to get festive, set up a toppings bar with fresh herbs, chiles, lime wedges, and even a splash of chili oil so guests can personalize their bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. The flavors deepen with time, making each reheated bowl even more satisfying. Make sure to let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge.

Freezing

You’ll be happy to know that Tom Kha soup freezes quite well! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It will keep its delicious flavor in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready for a Thai-inspired meal on demand, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Warm leftover Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the coconut milk appears to have separated, just whisk or stir as it heats to bring the soup back together. A quick taste at the end lets you rebalance the lime juice, fish sauce, or sugar as needed.

FAQs

Can I use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, stir in firm tofu during the last hour of cooking. If you prefer shrimp, add them for the final 15–20 minutes—they cook quickly and stay perfectly tender. Adjust fish sauce to taste or swap for soy sauce if making it fully vegetarian.

What can I substitute for galangal if I can’t find it?

Fresh ginger is a wonderful substitute if galangal isn’t available. The flavor is slightly different, but it offers enough of that essential bite and citrusy warmth to keep the spirit of Tom Kha alive.

Is coconut cream the same as coconut milk in this Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup Recipe?

Coconut cream is thicker and richer than coconut milk, but it works beautifully in this recipe! If you use coconut cream, you can thin it out with a splash of extra broth or water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.

How spicy is this soup?

The heat level is totally customizable! Use fewer chiles for a subtle warmth, or go bold with extra Thai chiles for a real kick. You can also add sliced fresh chiles as a garnish for those who love spicy food, while keeping the base broth milder for everyone else.

Can I prepare Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup Recipe ahead for entertaining?

Definitely! You can prepare the entire soup a day ahead, then gently reheat before serving. In fact, many find the flavors develop even more after a night in the fridge, making it perfect for dinner parties or meal prep.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a dish that’s easy, comforting, and full of flavor, this Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup Recipe is a must-try. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you fall in love with slow cooking—and with every spicy, creamy, tangy spoonful, you’ll be planning your next batch before this one’s even gone. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself tonight!