You know that feeling when you want something cozy, nourishing, and vibrant all at once, but you’re short on time and energy? That’s exactly where my Cheats Chicken Laksa shines brightest. It isn’t about spending hours stirring pots or hunting down elusive spices. It’s a quick chicken laksa recipe born out of real-life kitchen moments where I needed something fuss-free but full of flavor.
My journey with Cheats Chicken Laksa started on one chaotic weeknight. I had friends coming over, the kids were running around, and my pantry was more sparse than I liked to admit. But I stumbled upon an instant laksa paste tucked in the spice aisle and thought, “Why not give this a whirl?” To my surprise, it turned into a vibrant, warming fast laksa soup that still felt nourishing without the fuss. That quick chicken laksa recipe became my go-to because it effortlessly balances taste and simplicity without making me feel like I’m sacrificing nutrition or time.
I love this Cheats Chicken Laksa because it fits seamlessly into my real-life kitchen rhythm. It’s flexible enough to adjust to what’s on hand, comforting enough to feel like a treat, and nourishing enough to keep spirits high. What I appreciate most is how it isn’t restrictive—it lets me enjoy good food without rules or stress. It’s a reminder that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or perfect.
If you’re someone who’s juggling busy days but still wants something wholesome, this easy laksa curry is your new best friend. I’m excited to share all my tips and twists that make this simple chicken laksa noodles dish feel like a weekday win. Let’s keep it straightforward, delicious, and kind to your time and budget—just like friend-to-friend cooking should be. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
What You’ll Need:
For this Cheats Chicken Laksa, the ingredient list is intentionally simple—because good food doesn’t need to be complicated.

- 2 tablespoons instant laksa paste (no stress if you don’t have this—sometimes I use a blend of Thai red curry paste mixed with a teaspoon of turmeric)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works beautifully to save time)
- 4 cups chicken broth (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (400 ml) light coconut milk (full-fat if you want richer flavor)
- 150g rice noodles or egg noodles (I prefer rice noodles for a lighter feel)
- 1 cup bean sprouts (fresh from the regular produce section)
- 1 small bunch fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
- 1 small bunch fresh mint, chopped (optional but adds a fresh twist)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (for an umami kick)
- Juice of 1 lime (adds brightness)
- 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (for extra heat—use less if you’re sensitive)
No stress if you don’t have fresh herbs—I often toss in frozen peas or steamed greens like bok choy in my Cheats Chicken Laksa instead. For busy days, you can grab combo packs of pre-chopped veggies to speed things up.
Budget-wise, this Cheats Chicken Laksa keeps costs low by leaning on pantry staples like broth and noodles while using the instant laksa paste to do most of the flavor work. If you have leftover chicken or veggies, this recipe invites flexibility so nothing goes to waste.
Leftovers? Store your Cheats Chicken Laksa soup separately from the noodles to keep them from getting soggy. Noodles tend to soak up broth and become mushy if left mixed overnight. I like to reheat the soup, add noodles fresh, and toss in extra herbs for that just-made vibe.
Here’s my favorite Cheats Chicken Laksa trick that makes all the difference: squeeze your lime and toss in fresh herbs right before serving—that final pop of fresh flavor brightens the whole bowl and makes it feel like you slaved for hours, even if you didn’t!
Let’s Make It Together!
Cooking this Cheats Chicken Laksa has become one of my fastest, most satisfying meals. Typically, it takes about 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for weeknights when time isn’t a luxury.
- Start by soaking your noodles in warm water for about 10 minutes (or according to package instructions) while you prep the rest. This gives you time to gather ingredients or set the table.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat, then add your instant laksa paste. Let it sizzle for a couple of minutes to release those beautiful aromas—you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells warm and spicy.
- Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, stirring well to blend that easy laksa curry flavor. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add your cooked chicken to the pot—this is where the magic happens. The chicken soaks up the spicy, creamy broth nicely.
- While the soup is simmering, drain your soaked noodles and divide them into serving bowls. This simple chicken laksa noodles step helps keep things tidy and easy.
- Simmer the soup gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If your Cheats Chicken Laksa looks a little thin, don’t panic! A quick simmer will help thicken it slightly.
- Season with fish sauce and lime juice, adjusting to your taste. I usually add a little more lime for brightness and a pinch of fish sauce for depth.
- Just before serving, add bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and sliced chili to each bowl—it’s these extras that take the dish from simple to spectacular.
If you’re multitasking, this is the perfect time to chop a quick salad or steam some greens as a side. I’ve found that using instant laksa paste is a serious shortcut that still delivers authentic flavor without a dozen steps.
Heads up: if the paste you find is extra spicy or salty, just adjust broth and seasoning accordingly. I’ve made this Cheats Chicken Laksa with a mild or fiery paste—both can be great depending on your mood.
How I Love to Serve This!
This Cheats Chicken Laksa becomes a complete meal when I add a handful of fresh bean sprouts and herbs just before serving. The crunch and brightness balance the creamy, spicy broth beautifully.
On busier nights, I pair this easy laksa curry with a quick cucumber salad tossed in rice vinegar and a sprinkle of sesame seeds—refreshing, simple, and ready in minutes.
This Cheats Chicken Laksa is my go-to for easy weeknights or relaxed weekends when I want comforting, nourishing food without the fuss. It’s also an impressive dish to share; friends always ask for the recipe because it feels like a treat but doesn’t need hours in the kitchen.
Leftovers work well if you keep broth and noodles separate, making it easy to reheat for lunch the next day. Sometimes I switch up the veggies, adding steamed bok choy, snap peas, or even thin carrot ribbons for extra color and crunch.
Seasonally, I love stirring in a handful of kale or spinach when it’s cooler outside—no extra seasoning needed, just toss it in at the end for a quick wilt. For warmer days, fresh herbs and lime juice shine brightest.
If you’re curious about sides, this Cheats Chicken Laksa pairs beautifully with simple homemade chicken and dumplings for a heartier meal (here’s a cozy recipe I love from Just Healthy Bites). Or try it alongside slow cooker Greek chicken for a totally different flavor vibe. For gluten-free options, pairing with gluten-free chicken tenders makes for a comfortable combo.
Common Questions Answered
Can I make this Cheats Chicken Laksa ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! I recommend storing the broth separately from the noodles so they don’t get mushy. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the soup, cook or warm noodles fresh, and add your herbs and lime last minute.
What if I don’t have instant laksa paste?
No worries at all. I’ve made this speedy recipe using Thai red curry paste mixed with turmeric and a touch of chili powder. It’s a great easy laksa curry substitute. You can also check out this Easy Curry Laksa Recipe | Simple Home Edit for DIY base ideas.
Can I use a different protein?
Definitely. I’ve swapped chicken for tofu, prawns, or even shredded duck when feeling fancy. This Cheats Chicken Laksa is flexible and welcomes whatever you have on hand.
How can I adjust the flavor of this Cheats Chicken Laksa to my taste?
Try adding more lime for brightness or extra chili if you like heat. If it’s too spicy, a splash more coconut milk or broth helps mellow it out.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes! The instant laksa paste removes most of the guesswork, guiding you to a delicious fast laksa soup without overwhelm. It’s one of my favorite simple chicken laksa noodles recipes for kitchen newbies.
What about gluten-free versions?
Use gluten-free noodles and double-check your laksa paste ingredients. You can find gluten-free chicken tenders to make a side or swap protein in this meal quite easily.
Can I add extra veggies?
For sure! I love tossing in quick-cooking greens like spinach or bok choy in the last few minutes. Even frozen peas make for an easy addition.
If you want more inspiration, this classic Laksa Noodle Soup – RecipeTin Eats is a great support for layering flavor once you’re comfortable with the shortcut version.
And if you’re ever on Facebook, there’s a lovely community sharing cheats and ideas for quick laksa under this post on easy curry laksa soup for extra inspiration.
Final Thoughts
What makes this Cheats Chicken Laksa truly special in my kitchen is how it manages to be nourishing, flavorful, and fast without feeling like a compromise. It fits perfectly into my rhythm of feeding the family healthy food on busy days and emerges as a crowd-pleaser every time.
My Favorite Cheats Chicken Laksa Tips:
- Don’t skip the fresh herbs and lime juice at the end—they lift the whole dish.
- Using rotisserie chicken is a total time-saver without losing any heartiness.
- Store noodles separately if you want leftovers without soggy noodles.
I’ve tried versions with tofu, prawns, and even quick homemade laksa paste blends. But the one I find myself returning to most often stays true to the instant laksa paste shortcut with shredded chicken and fresh herbs—it’s my balance of fast, nourishing, and delicious.

I hope this Cheats Chicken Laksa inspires you to toss aside complicated rules and enjoy cooking real food for your loved ones without pressure. May this recipe become your own little weekly lifesaver, a dish that welcomes improvisation and feels like a warm hug after a busy day.
If you love this, you might also enjoy my recipes for hearty chicken and dumplings or the slow cooker Greek chicken, offering more easy, nourishing meals you can feel good about.
Thanks for cooking together! Here’s to more simple, feel-good meals.
Cheats Chicken Laksa
A quick and flavorful chicken laksa recipe that combines creamy coconut broth with tender chicken and fresh herbs for an easy 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 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 400ml coconut milk
- 500ml chicken stock
- 300g cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 150g rice noodles
- 100g bean sprouts
- 2 spring onions, sliced
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the red curry paste and cook for another 2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the shredded cooked chicken to the broth and heat through for 3-5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- Divide the noodles between serving bowls. Ladle the hot laksa soup over the noodles.
- Top with bean sprouts, spring onions, and fresh coriander. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy immediately.
Notes
For extra spice, add sliced red chili or a drizzle of chili oil before serving.

