This fragrant chicken, lime, and lemongrass soup strikes the perfect balance between salty, spicy, and tangy. The aromatic blend of lemongrass and galangal infuses the broth, while tender chicken adds richness to each spoonful.
less than 30 mins
30 mins to 1 hour
Serves 2
Dairy-free, Egg-free, Healthy, Nut-free, Pregnancy-friendly
By Tom Parker BowlesFrom Saturday Kitchen
This dish is rated with a Nutri-Score A, reflecting its healthy, low-calorie profile. Packed with lean protein, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, this soup is both nutritious and flavourful, making it an excellent choice for a light, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
For the soup
- fresh chicken stock 2 litres/3½ pints
- lemongrass stalks 2, bruised plus 1 tbsp finely chopped
- galangal 4 slices, each about the thickness of a £1 coin
- Thai shallots 9, 3 peeled and left whole, 6 thinly sliced
- chicken breasts 2
- lime juice 6 tbsp
- fish sauce 3–4 tbsp
- bird’s-eye chillies pinch, finely chopped
- lemongrass 1 tbsp, finely chopped
- fresh coriander handful, roughly chopped, to garnish
Method
- Prepare the stock: Pour the chicken stock into a large, lidded saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until the stock has reduced by half.
- Add aromatics: Once the stock is reduced, lower the heat to a simmer. Add the bruised lemongrass stalks, galangal, and whole shallots. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the flavours.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the saucepan and cover with a lid. Simmer gently for 10–12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken, set it aside, and let it cool slightly before shredding.
- Strain the stock: Once the chicken is removed, strain the broth, discarding the aromatics, and keep the flavoured liquid.
- Prepare the soup base: Divide the shredded chicken between two bowls. Add 3 tablespoons of lime juice and 1–2 tablespoons of fish sauce to each bowl. Sprinkle in the sliced shallots, bird’s-eye chillies, and finely chopped lemongrass. Let the mixture sit for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Reheat the broth: While the chicken mixture rests, bring the strained stock back to a boil and pour it into the bowls over the chicken mixture. Garnish with a handful of fresh coriander and serve hot.
Additional Notes
If you prefer a richer soup, you can add a splash of coconut milk to the broth just before serving. Adjust the fish sauce and lime juice to taste for your desired balance of salty, tangy, and spicy flavours.
Suggested Wine Pairing
Majestic:
2019 Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis
This crisp, mineral-driven Chardonnay from Chablis offers notes of citrus and green apple, which complement the tangy lime juice in the soup. Its acidity balances the richness of the chicken stock, making it a perfect match for the light and aromatic flavours of the dish.
Tesco:
Tesco Finest* 2018 Sauvignon Blanc
With vibrant citrus and herbaceous aromas, this Sauvignon Blanc provides the ideal contrast to the warmth of the chillies and the savoury depth of the fish sauce. Its clean, crisp finish highlights the refreshing qualities of the soup.
Sainsbury’s:
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference 2020 Pinot Grigio
This light and crisp Pinot Grigio offers subtle floral and citrus notes, which work well with the delicate lemongrass and galangal in the soup. Its fresh acidity will enhance the soup’s bright, tangy profile.
What can you serve with this
- Steamed jasmine rice – A fragrant, soft rice that pairs perfectly with the aromatic broth, absorbing all the delicious flavours.
- Thai spring rolls – Crispy, fresh spring rolls provide a satisfying contrast in texture to the warm, soupy dish.
- Asian-style stir-fried greens – Lightly stir-fried greens such as bok choy or spinach offer a crisp, fresh bite that complements the rich, savoury broth.
Nutri-score Health Check
This recipe is awarded a Nutri-Score A, showcasing its health-conscious ingredients. The chicken breasts provide lean protein, while the abundance of fresh herbs and lime juice offer a vitamin-rich, low-calorie base. It’s an ideal choice for a wholesome and nourishing meal.
Positive Factors:
- Chicken breasts are a great source of lean protein.
- Lemongrass, galangal, and coriander contribute antioxidants and essential oils.
- Lime juice adds vitamin C, supporting the immune system.
Negative Factors:
- Fish sauce is high in sodium, so it’s important to use it in moderation to avoid excess salt.
The score has been automatically calculated from the ingredients in the recipe and is only a guide.
