Easy Chicken Pho Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade chicken pho that comes together quickly and easily. This flavorful Vietnamese soup is perfect for a cozy meal and filled with savory broth, tender chicken, and fresh herbs.

A white speckled bowl is filled with clear brown broth as the base layer, topped by a generous serving of white rice noodles. Shredded pieces of cooked chicken sit nestled in the broth alongside fresh green cilantro leaves scattered on top and around the bowl. Bright white bean sprouts form a small heap in the center, with slices of green jalapeno peppers spread around for a pop of color. Two lime wedges rest on the edge of the bowl adding vibrant yellow-green tones. Resting across the bowl are red chopsticks angled diagonally, all set on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • ½ tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 star anise
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger or ginger paste
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2-3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
  • 1 rotisserie chicken, thinly sliced or shredded
  • 8 ounces flat rice noodles
  • Optional toppings: lime wedges, cilantro, Thai basil, bean sprouts

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the star anise, minced garlic, and grated ginger; cook until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds.
  2. Step 2: Pour in the chicken stock, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, sliced jalapeño, and the shredded rotisserie chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While the broth simmers, cook the flat rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and divide the noodles evenly among four bowls.
  4. Step 4: Ladle the hot broth and chicken over the noodles in each bowl.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with lime wedges, cilantro, Thai basil, and bean sprouts as desired, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra depth, toast the star anise briefly before adding it to the pot.
  • If you prefer a spicier soup, add more jalapeño slices or a dash of chili oil.
  • Vegetarian option: Use vegetable stock and replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms.
  • Fresh herbs like mint or green onions can also enhance the flavor as toppings.

Storage

Store leftover pho broth and chicken separately from the noodles in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the broth gently on the stove and add freshly cooked noodles before serving for best texture.

How to Serve

A white speckled bowl filled with clear brown broth sits at the center of the image, containing thin white rice noodles at the bottom. On top, there are pale shredded chicken pieces on one side, a small pile of white bean sprouts in the middle, and fresh green cilantro leaves on the other side. Bright green sliced jalapeño rings and lime wedges rest on the surface of the soup, adding pops of color. A pair of red chopsticks rests across the bowl's rim, pointing slightly downward. In the background, a smaller white speckled bowl with lime wedges is visible on a white marbled surface, with scattered cilantro leaves around the bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chicken?

Yes, cooked shredded chicken breast or thighs work well as substitutes if you don’t have rotisserie chicken.

What can I do if I don’t have star anise?

Star anise adds a distinctive flavor, but you can omit it or substitute with a small cinnamon stick for a warm aromatic note.

Print
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Easy Chicken Pho Recipe


  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This easy chicken pho recipe delivers a fragrant and flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup that can be ready in just 30 minutes. Combining a savory broth infused with star anise, garlic, and ginger with tender shredded chicken and flat rice noodles, it’s a comforting and wholesome meal perfect for any day of the week. Customize it with fresh herbs and crunchy bean sprouts for an authentic pho experience at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Broth Ingredients

  • ½ tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 star anise
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger or ginger paste
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 23 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
  • 1 rotisserie chicken, thinly sliced or shredded

Noodle

  • 8 ounces flat rice noodles

Optional Toppings

  • Lime wedges
  • Cilantro
  • Thai basil
  • Bean sprouts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the broth: Heat ½ tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3 star anise, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, releasing the spices’ aromatic flavors into the oil.
  2. Add liquids and chicken to the pot: Pour in 6 cups of chicken stock, 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 2 to 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon fish sauce, and the juice of 1 lime. Add sliced jalapeño pepper and thinly sliced or shredded rotisserie chicken to the mixture.
  3. Simmer the broth: Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to infuse the broth with richness.
  4. Cook the noodles: While the broth simmers, prepare 8 ounces of flat rice noodles according to package instructions, typically by soaking or briefly boiling them until tender.
  5. Assemble the pho bowls: Divide the cooked noodles evenly between four bowls. Ladle the hot chicken broth and pieces over the noodles, ensuring each serving has a good balance of broth, chicken, and jalapeño slices.
  6. Add toppings and serve: Garnish each bowl with optional fresh lime wedges, cilantro, Thai basil, and bean sprouts to add brightness, texture, and herbal notes to the dish. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less jalapeño or substituting with another chili.
  • Using a rotisserie chicken simplifies the prep and gives the soup a rich chicken flavor quickly.
  • Feel free to add other toppings like sliced green onions, hoisin sauce, or Sriracha for extra flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure your soy sauce is tamari or a certified gluten-free variety.
  • Rice noodles cook very quickly, so watch them carefully to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Vietnamese

Keywords: easy pho recipe, chicken pho, Vietnamese noodle soup, quick pho, chicken noodle soup, star anise broth, flat rice noodles

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