Delicious Cheats Chicken Laksa for Easy Flavorful Meals

I had one of those weeks where every evening felt like a mad scramble—work calls, kids’ activities, and other commitments piling up. Enter Cheats Chicken Laksa, my secret weapon for turning dinner chaos into calm without cutting corners on flavor. Planning this meal ahead allowed me to carve out nearly 30 minutes every evening that week, time I used to prep lunches and even sneak in a moment to relax. The beauty here is how Cheats Chicken Laksa fits into an organized meal plan—quick to throw together, adaptable, and incredibly satisfying.

Your Shopping List:

Planning a Cheats Chicken Laksa starts at the grocery store with ingredients that are both pantry-friendly and versatile. Here’s what I grab every time I bring this dish into my weekly routine:

  • 2 tablespoons instant laksa paste (I choose this paste for its long shelf life and bold flavor, perfect for quick chicken laksa recipes)
  • 400 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs (stored in the freezer, thawed before cooking; thighs stay juicy and cook evenly)
  • 400 ml coconut milk (I buy canned coconut milk with a good fat content—it stores well and adds richness to our spicy coconut laksa)
  • 1 liter chicken stock (a staple I keep frozen in portioned containers for quick use)
  • 200 grams rice noodles (these are easy to cook and store dry in the pantry)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (adds depth without adding prep time)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (I sometimes use pre-minced garlic from a jar to save time)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (onions keep well in the fridge and can flavor other meals like this Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo)
  • 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
  • Fresh coriander for garnish (last-minute fresh touch)

Grouping these items together makes shopping efficient. The instant laksa paste pairs well beyond this recipe, feeding into other quick Asian-inspired meals. Likewise, the chicken thighs and coconut milk show up in recipes like the Filipino Chicken Adobo and even the Chicken Piccata Pasta, making them strategic buys for multifunctional meal prep.

For batch cooking, consider doubling the laksa paste and coconut milk quantities—they freeze and thaw without issue, perfect for weeks where you plan ahead. Buying pre-prepped garlic and sliced onion can save precious minutes without compromising the dish’s flavor; that’s a small efficiency gain I lean on for this Cheats Chicken Laksa. Keep your pantry stocked with these core ingredients, and you’ll have a simple chicken laksa ready to come together anytime you need quick comforting food.

Ingredients for Cheats Chicken Laksa laid out neatly

The Game Plan:

When it comes to preparing Cheats Chicken Laksa, I think of it as a streamlined process that fits neatly into a busy week. Plan for about 30 minutes total from unpacking ingredients to sitting down with your bowl.

  1. Start by cooking the chicken: Heat some oil in your pan and brown the chicken thighs, about 5–7 minutes. This partial cooking seals in juices and preps the meat for simmering in your spicy coconut laksa broth.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Transfer the chicken to a plate. In the same pan, add your minced garlic and sliced onions, cooking until fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. This builds the base flavor fast. I often use pre-minced garlic here to shave off a minute.
  3. Add instant laksa paste: Stir in 2 tablespoons of instant laksa paste, coating the aromatics evenly. This step bursts the paste’s flavor into your mixture within minutes.
  4. Pour in liquids: Add 400 ml coconut milk and 1 liter of chicken stock to the pan. Stir to combine, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. This spicy coconut laksa broth comes together fast.
  5. Simmer chicken: Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, and let everything cook together for about 10 minutes. This finishes the chicken and lets flavors meld without needing constant attention.
  6. Prepare noodles: While the soup simmers, soak or briefly boil rice noodles according to package instructions (usually under 5 minutes). Timing these in parallel cuts overall kitchen time.
  7. Final touches: Season with fish sauce and red chili slices for heat, adjusting to taste. This last step ensures your Cheats Chicken Laksa hits the right balance of spice and salt.
  8. Serve immediately: Garnish with fresh coriander. For planned meals, pack leftovers in individual portions for up to 3 days refrigerated or freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Planning checkpoints: Your Cheats Chicken Laksa should be saucy, aromatic, and tender by the 25-minute mark. If you want to prep ahead, fully cooking and cooling the soup then refrigerating works well. Reheat gently to avoid separating the coconut milk.

Lessons I’ve learned? Cooking the chicken first and using instant laksa paste cuts down from an hour-long laksa cook to less than half the time. Plus, while the laksa simmers, you can prep tomorrow’s vegetables or start setting the table—small multitasking wins keep your week running smoother.

Smart Serving & Meal Planning Ideas:

In my weekly rotation, Cheats Chicken Laksa works beautifully on nights when I plan something lighter earlier or later. It’s filling enough to stand on its own but pairs well with simple steamed greens or a quick cucumber salad, both easy to prep or repurpose from leftovers.

I often plan this on a Tuesday, mid-week when energy dips and I need something warming and quick. The leftovers make excellent next-day lunches—just reheat and add fresh herbs. Portion control is straightforward; a standard recipe serves four comfortably, but scaling up or down works well.

For weeks with batch cooking, I double the recipe and freeze half in serving-sized portions. This cheats chicken laksa offshoot keeps me stocked for quick meals and avoids exhaustion. Pair with sides that overlap with other planned meals, like steamed green beans used in my Filipino Chicken Adobo or fragrant jasmine rice, which also complements other weekly dishes.

Need variety? Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a plant-based spin. You can freshen up the base with lime juice and extra herbs for a slightly different flavor vibe. If you’re looking for other soup options, the Laksa Noodle Soup – RecipeTin Eats gives traditional prep ideas, and Easy Curry Laksa Recipe | Simple Home Edit offers a similar comforting dish.

Bowl of finished Cheats Chicken Laksa garnished with fresh coriander

Planning & Prep Questions

Q1: How far ahead can I prep this Cheats Chicken Laksa?
You can fully cook and refrigerate this laksa up to 3 days ahead with no loss in flavor. For longer storage, freezing in meal-sized portions is your best bet—good for up to 3 months.

Q2: What’s the best make-ahead strategy for Cheats Chicken Laksa?
Cook the chicken and broth completely, cool quickly, then store airtight. Before serving, gently reheat stovetop or microwave, stirring to keep the coconut milk from separating. Prep noodles fresh or store precooked separately.

Q3: Can I use store-bought instant laksa paste?
Absolutely. Instant laksa paste keeps this recipe quick and easy. I recommend buying a quality brand that balances spice and aromatics well. It’s a strategic swap that cuts hours of prep.

Q4: How do I incorporate this Cheats Chicken Laksa into my weekly meal plan?
I slot this meal as a midweek staple when my schedule is busiest—its quick cooking and lasting leftovers relieve pressure on other days. It pairs well with side dishes that overlap with the week’s other meals, helping tighten your grocery list.

Q5: Can I batch cook this and freeze it?
Yes. This laksa freezes well when stored in sealed containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. Freezing saves time and keeps this dish ready for low-effort weeknight dinners.

Q6: Any tips for making the spicy coconut laksa milder?
Add extra coconut milk or a splash of coconut cream to tone down heat. Removing chili seeds before cooking also helps control spice levels.

Q7: What are good side dishes to plan alongside Cheats Chicken Laksa?
Simple steamed vegetables, quick pickled cucumber, or a fresh herb salad complement Cheats Chicken Laksa without adding prep stress. These sides use ingredients common throughout your weekly meals to avoid excess shopping.

Planning Takeaways

Cheats Chicken Laksa earned its place in my meal planning system because it balances reliable speed with real flavor. It requires minimal hands-on time and fits perfectly into weeks when other meals demand more attention. This is strategic comfort food without the fuss.

Strategic Cheats Chicken Laksa Tips:
– Prep chicken and broth in advance for quick reheats
– Shop instant laksa paste and coconut milk in bulk for repeated use
– Align side dishes with other weekly meals for efficient shopping and prep

The meal planning variations I often rotate include swapping chicken for tofu, adding extra veggies for nutrition boosts, or reducing spice for family-friendly dinners. On particularly busy weeks, fully batch-cooking and freezing portions gives me ready meals I can pull out in minutes.

My favorite approach is planning this recipe midweek when energy runs low. I encourage you to adapt the Cheats Chicken Laksa to your own rhythm—whether that means quick weeknight dinners or batch-cooking for the freezer, this recipe makes organized, delicious meals achievable. It’s a dependable tool in your cooking toolkit, minimizing mealtime stress and maximizing satisfaction.

If Cheats Chicken Laksa fits your planning style, consider also trying this quick comforting meal alongside other favorites like the Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo or the flavorful Chicken Piccata Pasta. For variations that delve more into Asian flavors, the Laksa Noodle Soup – RecipeTin Eats and Easy Curry Laksa Recipe | Simple Home Edit might inspire you further. I also recommend joining communities like this Facebook laksa group for additional ideas from cooks who love a simple curry laksa soup.

Smart, planned cooking is about stacking wins—and Cheats Chicken Laksa is a regular that delivers every time.

Print

Cheats Chicken Laksa

Cheats Chicken Laksa is a quick and flavorful Southeast Asian-inspired noodle soup combining tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and aromatic spices for a comforting meal.

  • Author: Elyssette Morgan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Southeast Asian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 200g cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 150g rice noodles
  • 400ml coconut milk
  • 500ml chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp laksa paste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 red chili, sliced (optional)
  • 100g bean sprouts
  • 2 spring onions, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Fresh coriander for garnish
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook rice noodles according to packet instructions, drain and set aside.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat and add laksa paste. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in coconut milk and shredded chicken, heat through.
  5. Add salt to taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Divide cooked noodles between bowls and ladle the soup over the top.
  7. Garnish with bean sprouts, spring onions, red chili slices, and fresh coriander.
  8. Squeeze lime wedges over just before serving for added zest.

Notes

For extra richness, add a boiled egg or fried tofu cubes as a topping.

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