I remember the first time Cheats Chicken Laksa saved me on a busy weeknight. My schedule was packed, and I needed something warm, comforting, and satisfying that the whole family would enjoy. I didn’t have hours to simmer broth or chase down exotic ingredients. That’s when I turned to this dependable Cheats Chicken Laksa. With just a few staple ingredients and some instant laksa noodles, dinner was on the table in under 30 minutes. Everyone’s reaction? Genuine joy and a few surprised comments about how it tasted like I’d spent all day cooking.
This Cheats Chicken Laksa fits perfectly into everyday cooking because it simplifies the usually complex flavors found in traditional laksa. It uses a simplified laksa broth that’s creamy, spicy, and fragrant but without any fuss. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves quick and tasty meals, this recipe is your go-to. You get all the warmth and comfort of a homemade laksa without the usual time commitment.
If you’re anything like me, you want meals that are consistently good but don’t eat up your evening. That’s why I turn to this Cheats Chicken Laksa again and again. It’s reliable, crowd-pleasing, and uses ingredients you can find in your local grocery store. No specialty spice shops required—just straightforward cooking. Plus, if you love this cheat-friendly version, you might also enjoy some of my other easy chicken dishes like my chicken piccata pasta or a hearty chicken and dumplings recipe.
For anyone looking to bring the magic of Laksa into their weeknight routine without any complexity, this Cheats Chicken Laksa is a warm invitation to try something delicious and doable. It’s made for cooks who want tasty dinner wins and plenty of leftovers that you can feel good about. Let’s dive in and get ready to enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness together.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s the simple, straightforward ingredient list for this Cheats Chicken Laksa. You’ll find most of these right in the regular grocery aisle.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger (fresh or paste works fine)
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste (this is the shortcut that flavors the broth)
- 400 ml coconut milk (full-fat gives richness but light works to save calories)
- 500 ml chicken broth (store-bought broth works perfectly here)
- 200 grams instant laksa noodles (you can find these in the Asian aisle or substitute with rice noodles)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts (optional but adds great crunch)
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving
No worries if you don’t have ginger. I often use a small pinch of ground ginger in my Cheats Chicken Laksa with good results.
If you want an easier shortcut, use pre-minced garlic and frozen grated ginger. It cuts prep time without sacrificing flavor.
This Cheats Chicken Laksa stays budget-friendly because it leans on pantry staples like curry paste and broth instead of expensive spices or fresh herbs you won’t use up quickly. Plus, instant laksa noodles are often less than a dollar per pack and cook quickly.
If you have leftovers, store the broth and chicken separately from the noodles to keep them from getting soggy. The broth and chicken will keep for 3 days in the fridge and freeze well for up to a month.
Personally, I like adding a bit more curry paste for a stronger flavor punch and extra lime for brightness at the table. Feel free to adjust once you taste your Cheats Chicken Laksa.
Let’s Make It Together:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, and red curry paste. Cook for about a minute until fragrant. This step builds the base flavor for your simplified laksa broth.
- Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, then bring the mixture to a simmer. At this point, your kitchen will begin to smell amazing—that signature laksa aroma!
- Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts into the simmering broth. Cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. While that cooks, you can start boiling water for the instant laksa noodles.
- In a separate pot, cook your instant laksa noodles according to package directions. This usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. Quick laksa with chicken means multitasking is your friend here!
- When the noodles are ready, drain and set aside. If you like, rinse them under cold water to stop cooking, which is a kitchen tip if you want firmer noodles.
- Taste your Cheats Chicken Laksa broth and adjust seasoning with salt or a splash of soy sauce if needed.
- To serve, divide the noodles between bowls. Ladle the hot chicken laksa broth with chicken over the noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a handful of bean sprouts, and a lime wedge.
Don’t worry if your Cheats Chicken Laksa looks thinner than restaurant versions. The flavors are the real star, and the broth will stay creamy and flavorful without hours of simmering.
From start to finish, this Cheats Chicken Laksa takes about 25 minutes—not bad for a meal that feels so comforting and satisfying. After making it several times, I found this simplified laksa broth works great as a weeknight chicken laksa, even when time is tight.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
This Cheats Chicken Laksa shines all on its own, but I like to serve it with a few extra touches for a complete meal.
A simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly, balancing the rich coconut broth. Steamed or roasted greens like bok choy or spinach are also great to add freshness and color.
This dish is ideal for a cozy weekday dinner or impressing friends with minimal effort. If you love instant laksa noodles and quick laksa with chicken recipes, this cheats version fits right into those moments when you want comfort without hassle.
For leftovers, I suggest storing the broth and chicken separately from noodles, then reheating to combine. You can also turn leftover Cheats Chicken Laksa into a spicy soup base for a quick lunch by adding extra veggies or tofu.
In warmer months, I’ve tried adding extra fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime to brighten the bowl. During the cooler seasons, a sprinkle of chili flakes and a side of crusty bread works magic.
My friends always ask for this Cheats Chicken Laksa when they come over. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings people together with minimal worry about complicated steps or rare ingredients.
If you’re looking to expand your easy chicken recipes, this reminds me of a refreshing chicken salad with chickpeas and grapes, perfect for summer, or a hearty chicken and dumplings dish for those chillier nights.
Your Questions Answered:
Can I make this Cheats Chicken Laksa ahead of time?
Absolutely! The broth and cooked chicken keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend cooking the noodles fresh when you’re ready to eat, so they don’t get mushy.What’s a good substitute for instant laksa noodles in this Cheats Chicken Laksa?
Rice noodles or even thin spaghetti work fine if you have them handy. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of cooking it in the broth?
Yes, that’s a great shortcut! Just add the cooked chicken at the end to warm through before serving.How spicy is this Cheats Chicken Laksa?
The red curry paste gives some heat but it’s mild enough for most palates. You can always add more for a spicier kick or less for a gentler flavor.Does this Cheats Chicken Laksa freeze well?
Yes, the broth and cooked chicken freeze well in an airtight container for up to one month. Freeze noodles separately or use fresh after thawing.Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Sure! Shrimp, tofu, or even firm white fish work well. Just adjust cooking times to suit your choice.How can I make the broth taste more authentic without much extra effort?
A dash of fish sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime right before serving adds that tangy, salty dimension that many traditional laksas have. It’s a small touch for big flavor.
If you want some inspiration, try comparing this Cheats Chicken Laksa with the easy curry laksa recipe on Simple Home Edit or the 15-minute laksa shared by Marion Grasby—it’s amazing how different shortcuts can still deliver rich flavors. And for a hearty coconut curry soup side, check out this Laksa Soup – A Malaysian Coconut Curry Soup.
Final Thoughts:
Cheats Chicken Laksa holds a special spot on my weeknight dinner rotation because it delivers comfort without fuss. It’s proof that you can have satisfying, restaurant-style flavors without spending hours or hunting for hard-to-find ingredients.
My Best Cheats Chicken Laksa Tips:
- Use red curry paste—it’s the magic shortcut for flavor.
- Cook the noodles separately to avoid sogginess.
- Adjust lime and seasoning at the end for brightness.
I’ve experimented with variations like adding shrimp, a swirl of peanut butter for extra creaminess, or swapping instant noodles for rice vermicelli. The most requested version remains the classic chicken and coconut broth combo—it’s a crowd favorite every time.
I encourage you to make this Cheats Chicken Laksa your own. Try adding your favorite veggies or tweaking spice levels. What matters most is that it fits your kitchen and your taste buds. I hope you’ll find this recipe as comforting and reliable as I do when you want something delicious and doable in your home.
If you love this, you might also enjoy my chicken piccata pasta or the refreshing chicken salad with chickpeas and grapes. For a cozy comfort meal, the chicken and dumplings recipe is a perfect match too.
Happy cooking, my friends. Your next favorite dinner is just a recipe away with this Cheats Chicken Laksa.
Cheats Chicken Laksa
This Cheats Chicken Laksa is a quick and flavorful Malaysian-inspired noodle soup featuring tender chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut milk, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Malaysian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 400ml coconut milk
- 500ml chicken stock
- 250g cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 150g rice noodles
- 100g bean sprouts
- 2 spring onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh coriander, for garnish
- Chili flakes, optional
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the red curry paste and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Pour in coconut milk and chicken stock, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the shredded chicken and cook for 5 minutes to heat through.
- Meanwhile, prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- Add fish sauce and lime juice to the soup, then adjust seasoning to taste.
- Divide noodles between bowls, ladle the hot laksa soup over the noodles.
- Top with bean sprouts, spring onions, fresh coriander, and chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra richness, add a soft boiled egg or a drizzle of chili oil. You can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.