Authentic Paleo Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup)

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs pasture-raised boneless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced into thin bite-sized strips
• 2 cans (13.5 oz each) full-fat unsweetened coconut milk (pure coconut extract and water)
• 2 cups rich organic chicken bone broth
• 2 stalks fresh lemongrass (outer leaves discarded, white/pale green core bruised with the back of a knife and cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 2.5-inch piece fresh galangal or fresh ginger, thinly sliced into coins
• 5 makrut (kaffir) lime leaves, bruised (or zest of 1 organic lime)
• 0.5 lb fresh shiitake or cremini mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
• 2 tbsp Red Boat fish sauce (100% pure black anchovy & sea salt)
• 1 tbsp organic coconut aminos
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (approx. 2 limes)
• 1 to 2 Thai bird's eye chilies, smashed (optional, adjust to spice tolerance)
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro leaves and sliced scallions (for garnish)
• 1 tsp coarse Celtic sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Infuse the Aromatic Broth: In a large 4-quart heavy soup pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken bone broth, full-fat coconut milk, bruised lemongrass pieces, sliced galangal (or ginger), bruised makrut lime leaves, and smashed Thai chilies.
2. Simmer to Extract Essential Oils: Bring the broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and gently simmer for 10 minutes to allow the essential botanical oils of the lemongrass and galangal to infuse the creamy coconut broth.
3. Poach Chicken & Mushrooms: Add the sliced chicken thigh strips, sliced shiitake mushrooms, fish sauce, and coconut aminos to the simmering pot. Stir gently and simmer uncovered for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the mushrooms are succulent.
4. The Critical Off-Heat Lime Step (Chef Secret): Turn off the heat completely. Stir in the 3 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice and 1 tsp sea salt. (Adding lime juice off the heat preserves its bright volatile citrus notes and prevents the coconut milk from curdling).
5. Ladle & Garnish: Ladle the steaming, fragrant soup into deep bowls. (Note: The large lemongrass stalks and galangal coins are for infusing flavor and can be left in the bowl for rustic presentation or removed before serving). Garnish generously with fresh cilantro leaves, sliced scallions, and extra lime wedges.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Chef's Paleo Nutritional Science

Fresh galangal contains unique anti-inflammatory diarylheptanoids and galangin, exerting potent antimicrobial effects against gastrointestinal pathogens. Shiitake mushrooms supply immune-modulating beta-glucans (lentinan) and ergothioneine, while full-fat coconut milk provides caprylic and lauric acids that fuel ketone production and cellular vitality.

Frequently Asked Questions