The Best Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken

Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken is more than just a recipe it’s a dish that carries memories, culture, and comfort in every spoonful. When I first started Just Thai Recipes, I made a promise to myself: this blog would be a true reflection of the flavors and traditions that shaped my love for Thai cooking.

On my About page, I share the story of how I grew up surrounded by the sights and sounds of Thai street food vendors, each stall brimming with aromas of sizzling garlic, steaming noodles, and fragrant broths. Among all those dishes, one always stood out for its simplicity and warmth: this delicate chicken soup with crunchy bean sprouts.

This dish is not only deeply rooted in Thai culinary traditions but also incredibly versatile. It’s the kind of meal you prepare when you want to nourish your family without spending hours in the kitchen. The clean flavors, the light broth, and the refreshing bean sprouts make it a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. And as you’ll see throughout this article, Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken isn’t just a one-dimensional recipe it’s a canvas for variations, cultural storytelling, and a taste of authentic Thai home cooking.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll know how to prepare this dish step by step, how to adjust it to your preferences, and even how to avoid common mistakes. You’ll also discover the historical and cultural background that makes it so special in Thailand. And because I know readers love to explore more recipes, I’ll also connect this soup to related dishes from [Internal Link: Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe] and [Internal Link: Easy Thai Comfort Soups], so you can continue your journey into Thai home cooking.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken

The beauty of Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken lies in its simplicity. With just a few everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that feels light yet flavorful, healthy yet comforting. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 200g chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup bean sprouts, rinsed
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp white pepper
• A handful of Chinese celery or cilantro leaves
• Fried garlic (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Insights

Chicken breast is lean and quick to cook, which makes it perfect for soups. If you prefer a juicier texture, chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. The bean sprouts are what give this dish its signature crunch and freshness. They should be added at the last moment to keep them crisp.

The broth is the heart of the soup. You can use store-bought chicken stock, but if you want to elevate the flavor, making your own at home will give you a deeper, more authentic taste. Garlic, fried until golden, enhances the aroma and adds a subtle nutty sweetness. Fish sauce and soy sauce provide the essential salty, umami backbone of Thai cooking, while white pepper gives it a gentle heat. Finally, cilantro or Chinese celery adds a refreshing herbal touch to balance the richness.

For readers who want to explore more inspiration, I recommend checking out this comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe on AllRecipes as well as the beautiful guide to broth-based noodles at Hot Thai Kitchen. While they are not exactly the same as Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken, they offer excellent insights into building flavor in light soups.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken is straightforward, making it ideal even for beginner cooks. The key is to focus on each stage, layering flavors gradually for the best result.

1. Prepare the garlic
   Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and fry until golden brown. Remove the garlic and set aside for garnish. Be careful not to burn it—dark garlic tastes bitter and will overpower the delicate broth.
2. Simmer the broth
   In the same pot, pour in the chicken stock. Bring it to a gentle boil. The garlic-infused oil left behind adds depth to the stock.
3. Cook the chicken
   Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the simmering stock. Stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce, and white pepper. Simmer until the chicken is just cooked through and tender, about 6–8 minutes.
4. Add bean sprouts
   Stir in the rinsed bean sprouts and cook for only 1–2 minutes. They should stay crisp and not lose their texture.
5. Taste and adjust
   Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more fish sauce or soy sauce if needed. A small squeeze of lime can be added for brightness if you prefer.
6. Serve and garnish
   Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with Chinese celery or cilantro leaves, and sprinkle with fried garlic for a burst of aroma and crunch.

This method guarantees a light, clear broth with tender chicken and crunchy sprouts—exactly what makes Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken so satisfying.

Tips and Tricks

When preparing Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken, the little details make all the difference. Here are some cooking hacks and adjustments that can take your soup from good to exceptional.

• Don’t overcook bean sprouts – They should stay crisp to maintain freshness. Add them at the very end.
• Use homemade stock if possible – A rich, homemade broth adds depth that boxed stock can’t match.
• Make it spicy – Toss in a sliced Thai chili or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you prefer heat.
• Boost umami – A pinch of mushroom powder or a splash of oyster sauce can deepen the broth’s flavor.
• Slow cooker method – For a Thai clear soup with bean sprouts and chicken slow cooker version, simply add chicken, broth, fish sauce, and soy sauce into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours, then add sprouts and garnish before serving.
• Balance flavors – Thai cooking is about harmony. Taste your soup before serving and balance saltiness with a touch of sugar or lime juice if necessary.

These small tips ensure your Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken comes out flavorful and balanced every time.

Variations

One of the joys of Thai cooking is flexibility. Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken is delicious as it is, but it can also serve as a base for countless variations. By adjusting a few ingredients, you can transform this comforting dish into something new and exciting while still holding onto its Thai essence.

1. Authentic Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken
The authentic version leans heavily on homemade chicken stock, fresh herbs, and a careful balance of fish sauce and soy sauce. Some cooks in Thailand like to add a pinch of palm sugar to round out the saltiness. What makes this authentic is not just the ingredients but also the cooking method—gentle simmering, never boiling, to keep the broth clear and delicate.

2. Traditional Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken
Traditionally, this dish is made as part of a larger family meal. It isn’t intended to be the main course but rather a balancing element alongside spicy curries and stir-fries. The traditional method uses Chinese celery for a sharper herbal finish, while some home cooks also add carrots or daikon radish for subtle sweetness.

3. Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken Slow Cooker
For busy days, you can prepare this soup in a slow cooker. Add the broth, chicken, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, and pepper. Let it cook gently for 6 hours on low. Just before serving, stir in fresh bean sprouts and garnish with fried garlic. This variation keeps the process simple while allowing flavors to deepen slowly.

4. Thai Chicken Noodle Soup Clear Broth
If you’re craving something more filling, add rice noodles. This transforms the dish into a light yet satisfying noodle soup. It shares similarities with Thai chicken noodle soup BBC recipes, where the clear broth serves as the foundation but noodles make it more substantial.

5. Thai Chicken Noodle Soup with Coconut Milk
For a creamier twist, stir in half a cup of coconut milk at the end of cooking. This changes the flavor profile into something richer, closer to dishes seen in cookbooks like Thai chicken noodle soup Jamie Oliver, while still preserving the refreshing crunch of bean sprouts.

6. Vegetarian Thai Clear Soup
Replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. The result is a light, plant-based soup that still highlights the bright flavor of bean sprouts and herbs.

7. Herbal Boost Variation
For extra fragrance, add a stalk of lemongrass or a couple of kaffir lime leaves. These herbs infuse the broth with citrusy undertones, giving Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken an elevated, spa-like quality.

By experimenting with these variations, you can enjoy Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken in many ways while still honoring its traditional roots.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

One of the reasons Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken is loved across Thailand and beyond is its nutritional profile. It is light, refreshing, and yet nourishing. A single serving offers a balanced combination of protein, vitamins, and minerals without excessive calories.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

• Chicken breast: A lean source of protein, chicken breast supports muscle repair and provides long-lasting satiety without excess fat. This makes Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
• Bean sprouts: Low in calories but rich in vitamins C and K, bean sprouts are also high in antioxidants. They help boost immunity and improve digestion, making them a perfect addition to this light soup.
• Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, garlic also contributes to heart health. The fried garlic garnish not only adds crunch but also nutritional value.
• Cilantro/Chinese celery: These herbs are rich in antioxidants and help cleanse the body. They also give Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken its refreshing finish.
• Chicken stock: Depending on how it’s made, stock can be rich in minerals and collagen, supporting gut health and joint health.

Unlike heavy Western-style soups, Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken is designed to be gentle on the stomach while still delivering comfort and warmth. It’s a dish often enjoyed when someone feels under the weather because it is light, easy to digest, and hydrating.

For anyone looking for a healthy, everyday meal, Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken is an excellent option.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing

One of the reasons home cooks love Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken is that it can be prepared in advance and stored for later use without losing its flavor. Here’s how to manage it:

• Make-ahead preparation
  You can cook the broth with chicken, garlic, and seasonings ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator. Add fresh bean sprouts and herbs just before serving so they remain crisp and vibrant.
• Storage
  Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to store longer, separate the bean sprouts and herbs to avoid sogginess.
• Freezing
  Freeze the broth and chicken (without sprouts) for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and add fresh bean sprouts and cilantro. This method ensures Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken tastes as good as freshly made.
• Reheating tips
  Always reheat gently over low heat. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the chicken to toughen and the broth to lose clarity.

With these make-ahead and storage tips, you can enjoy Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken even on busy days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken is simple, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Knowing them in advance ensures success every time.

1. Overcooking the chicken
   Thin slices of chicken breast cook quickly. If left in the broth too long, they become dry. Always simmer gently until just cooked.
2. Boiling the broth
   A rolling boil makes the broth cloudy and harsh. For a clear, delicate broth, simmer gently. This is the essence of Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken.
3. Adding bean sprouts too early
   Bean sprouts cook in less than 2 minutes. Adding them too soon makes them limp and soggy instead of crisp and refreshing.
4. Skipping fried garlic garnish
   The fried garlic adds a unique aroma and crunch. Omitting it makes the soup less flavorful.
5. Unbalanced seasoning
   Too much fish sauce makes the soup overly salty, while too much soy sauce can darken the broth. Balance is the key to an authentic Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken.

Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your soup comes out flavorful, fresh, and exactly as intended.

Cultural and Historical Background

To truly appreciate Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken, it helps to understand where it comes from. Known in Thailand as gaeng jued gai (literally “bland chicken soup”), it is part of a category of soups designed to balance out spicy and rich dishes in traditional Thai meals.

Origins

The influence of Chinese immigrants is evident in this dish. The use of bean sprouts, clear broths, and soy-based seasonings reflects Chinese culinary traditions. Over time, Thais adapted these influences to suit local tastes by incorporating fish sauce, garlic, and herbs.

Cultural Role

In Thai households, Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken is often served as part of a family meal. It accompanies rice, curries, stir-fries, and sometimes spicy salads. The clear broth provides a refreshing contrast to the stronger flavors on the table.

Fun Facts

• This soup is often given to children and the elderly because it is easy to digest.
• It’s also a popular “get well soon” dish, much like chicken soup in Western culture.
• In rural Thailand, cooks often add seasonal vegetables like cabbage or daikon to stretch the soup and feed larger families.

The cultural significance of Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken lies in its role as a balancing dish—comforting, refreshing, and deeply connected to Thai dining traditions.

Serving Suggestions

There are many ways to enjoy Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken, and the serving style can elevate the experience depending on the occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a starter, a side, or a main course, this soup adapts beautifully.

One of the best ways to serve Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken is alongside steamed jasmine rice. The light broth complements the fluffy rice perfectly, creating a meal that is wholesome and balanced. Families in Thailand often enjoy Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken this way, as part of a spread that includes stir-fried vegetables and spicy curry.

If you’re hosting guests, you can serve Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken in small bowls as a starter before moving on to heavier dishes. This approach highlights the delicacy of the soup. Garnish each bowl of Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken with fresh cilantro and fried garlic, making it visually appealing and aromatic.

For a filling lunch, pair Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken with noodles. Rice noodles are the most common choice, turning it into a variation of Thai chicken noodle soup. This not only makes Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken more substantial but also creates a one-bowl meal that is satisfying and light at the same time.

Some people like to enjoy Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken with a side of Thai omelet (Khai Jiao). The crisp omelet pairs beautifully with the clear, savory broth, creating a perfect contrast. You can also serve Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken with papaya salad (Som Tum) to balance spicy, tangy, and cooling flavors in one meal.

For drinks, Thai iced tea or lime soda complements Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken wonderfully. The refreshing drink cuts through the warm broth, creating a balanced dining experience.

No matter how you serve it, Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken remains versatile, comforting, and delicious.

Conclusion

At its core, Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken is a dish that shows how simplicity can be powerful. With just a few fresh ingredients and straightforward steps, you create a soup that is light, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. The beauty of Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken lies not only in its flavor but also in its ability to fit into any occasion—from quick weeknight dinners to traditional Thai family feasts.

Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the origins, variations, nutritional benefits, and serving styles of Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken. We’ve seen how this humble dish connects to broader Thai food traditions, serving as a balance to bolder, spicier dishes. We’ve also looked at how Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken can be customized with noodles, coconut milk, or different herbs to suit your tastes.

If you’ve never cooked Thai food before, Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken is an excellent starting point. The recipe is approachable, yet the result tastes like something from a Thai kitchen. And if you already love Thai cuisine, making Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken at home gives you a comforting dish you’ll want to return to again and again.

I encourage you to try Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken and share it with your loved ones. Bookmark this recipe, cook it on a cool evening, or prepare it when someone in your family needs a bowl of comfort. Every time you make Thai Clear Soup with Bean Sprouts and Chicken, you’re not just creating a meal—you’re carrying on a tradition of balance, nourishment, and authentic Thai flavor.

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