Creamy Ginger Chicken Meatball Soup

Creamy Ginger Chicken Meatball Soup is a bowl of yum filled with warm flavors, simple ingredients, and just a touch of heat. Flavorful chicken meatballs simmer in a rich coconut-ginger broth that’s layered with Thai red curry paste, peanut butter, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and zesty. Each spoonful is a comforting mix of protein, noodles, and bright herbs that makes cooler fall days not so bad.

This recipe is simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining. It comes together quickly, filling your kitchen with the scent of ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a cold evening or a comforting meal that’s big on flavor, this Creamy Ginger Chicken Meatball Soup hits all the right notes.

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Heather’s Notes

This soup is a flavor bomb, combining creamy coconut milk, ginger, and Thai red curry for a perfect mix of warmth and spice.
The chicken meatballs stay tender and juicy, soaking up all the delicious broth.
It’s naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free panko and soy sauce (or tamari).
Great for meal prep, the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.
Easy to customize with veggies like spinach, shiitake mushrooms, or bok choy.

Ingredient List

Ground Chicken: leaner than beef and perfect for soaking up the bold flavors of the broth, giving you a light yet hearty protein base.
Panko Breadcrumbs: adds lightness and helps bind the meatballs without making them dense.
Chopped Green Onions: fresh, sharp flavor that balances the richness of the coconut broth.
Soy Sauce: adds depth and umami to both the meatballs and the soup base.
Minced Fresh Ginger: the star ingredient, bright, aromatic, and slightly spicy, adding depth and warmth.
Egg: helps bind the meatball mixture and keeps them moist.
Minced Garlic: infuses both the meatballs and broth with savory fragrance and flavor.
Kosher Salt: enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.

For the Sauce

Coconut Milk: creates the creamy base that balances the spiciness from the curry paste and ginger.
Thai Red Curry Paste: adds a gentle heat and rich depth of flavor that’s distinctively Thai.
Chicken Broth: forms the foundation of the soup, lightening the coconut milk while enhancing the savory notes.
Minced Garlic & Minced Ginger: doubles down on the aromatics, ensuring each bite is fragrant and full-bodied.
Soy Sauce: provides balance and saltiness, enhancing the umami flavor of the broth.
Peanut Butter: gives the soup body and a subtle nutty sweetness that pairs beautifully with the curry and coconut.
Cooked Rice Stick Noodles: adds texture and heartiness, perfect for soaking up that flavorful broth.
Fresh Lime Juice: a pop of acidity that cuts through the richness and brightens every bite.
Cilantro: a fragrant herb garnish that adds color and freshness.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: for a finishing touch of crunch and nuttiness that complements the creamy base.

Subs & Variations

Protein Swap: Substitute ground turkey, ground pork or shrimp for a different twist.
Make It Vegan: Skip the chicken and use tofu or lentil-based meatballs; replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Adjust the Heat: Add more curry paste or a drizzle of chili oil for extra spice.
Veggie Boost: Add baby spinach, bok choy, or sliced mushrooms toward the end of cooking for added nutrition.
Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.
Rice Noodle Swap: Substitute cook jasmine rice for the rice stick noodles.

Find the full printable recipe card with exact measurements and step-by-step instructions below.

ginger chicken meatball ingredients in a silver bowl

ginger chicken meatballs on a rimmed baking sheet ready to bake

How to Make Creamy Chicken Meatball Soup

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425ºF. Lightly grease a large rimmed baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray oil.
Prepare and Bake the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, egg, and salt. Use your hands or a spoon to combine gently. Form into small 1 1/4-inch meatballs and add to prepared baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Build the Broth: In the large saucepan or soup pot, add olive oil, minced garlic, and ginger and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the Thai red curry paste and cook another 30 seconds to release the flavors.
Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken stock, coconut milk, soy sauce, and peanut butter. Whisk until smooth and combined. Bring to a simmer.
Simmer the Meatballs: Add the meatballs to the pot and simmer for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked and tender. Stir in lime juice and zest just before serving.
Add Noodles, Garnish, and Serve: Add a serving of cooked rice noodles to a bowl. Ladle meatballs and creamy coconut curry broth into bowls. Top with fresh cilantro, more green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and lime wedges.

Tips for Storing

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze the broth and meatballs (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or coconut milk to loosen.
Meal Prep Tip: Cook noodles separately to prevent them from absorbing too much liquid during storage.
Flavor Deepens: The broth becomes even more flavorful the next day.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, if you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-cooked chicken or turkey meatballs. Just simmer them in the broth until heated through.

What can I use instead of coconut milk?

Use heavy cream or half-and-half for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will be less tropical.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Add more Thai red curry paste, a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce, or fresh sliced jalapeños.

Can I make this soup ahead?

Absolutely. Make the broth and meatballs a day in advance and store separately. Add noodles and fresh lime juice before serving.

What noodles work best?

Rice stick noodles are traditional, but you can substitute ramen, udon, or even angel hair pasta.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes. Make the meatballs, then add all remaining ingredients except the noodles and lime juice. Cook on low for 4 hours, then add noodles and lime just before serving.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free panko and tamari soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

Close-up of creamy Thai-style soup with lime and sesame seeds

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Recipe By:

Heather

Co-Founder at Spiceology | More About Heather…

Heather is a recipe developer and content creator living in Vancouver, Washington. She started Farmgirl Gourmet in 2006, almost 20 years ago, as a way to share recipes with friends and family. Heather is also the co-founder of Spiceology , a unique spice company, which she started in 2013. She shares family friendly recipes for easy everyday meals with a gourmet twist.