Homemade Chicken Pho Recipe: A Simple & Flavorful Delight

Warm, aromatic broth swirls around tender (chicken) in this irresistible easy pho recipe that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Vietnam.

Fragrant spices dance through a rich, clear soup, promising a culinary journey in every spoonful.

Bold yet delicate flavors blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal that beckons you closer.

Authentic techniques meet simplified cooking, making this traditional dish accessible to home chefs of all skill levels.

Slender rice noodles absorb the deep, nuanced taste of slow-simmered stock, promising a bowl of pure comfort.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet spectacular (chicken) pho that delivers restaurant-quality satisfaction right in your own kitchen.

Get ready to savor a soul-warming recipe that celebrates Vietnamese cuisine with every delicious bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Pho Recipe (Chicken)

• Sesame Oil: Infuses a nutty, toasty essence to kick-start flavor development.
• Star Anise: Delivers a warm, licorice-like complexity that defines traditional pho.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent depth that elevates the broth's overall taste profile.
• Ginger: Adds a zesty, spicy undertone with subtle warming properties.

• Chicken Stock: Creates the foundational liquid with rich, savory characteristics.
• Soy Sauce: Introduces a deep umami and salty dimension to the broth.
• Hoisin Sauce: Brings a sweet and tangy complexity to balance the savory elements.
• Fish Sauce: Delivers an authentic Southeast Asian depth and saltiness.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, citrusy acidity to cut through the richness.
• Jalapeño: Provides a fresh, spicy kick to awaken the palate.

• Flat Rice Noodles: Serves as the classic pho base with a silky, tender texture.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Offers tender, pre-cooked protein for convenience.
• Lime Wedges: Allows personalized tanginess and freshness.
• Cilantro: Brings a bright, herbaceous note to enhance the dish.
• Thai Basil: Contributes a distinctive anise-like flavor and aromatic quality.
• Bean Sprouts: Adds a crisp, fresh crunch for textural contrast.

Tool Up for Pho Recipe (Chicken)

• Large pot: Essential for creating and simmering the flavorful broth.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and sautéing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure stock, sauces, and seasonings.
• Cutting board: Used for slicing jalapeños and preparing garnishes.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping herbs and preparing toppings.
• Colander: Helps drain rice noodles after cooking.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving hot broth over noodles in bowls.
• 4 serving bowls: Necessary for assembling and serving individual portions of pho.

How to Make Pho Recipe (Chicken) Step-by-Step

Chicken Pho Adventure

• Aromatic Foundation

Create a flavor base by gently warming sesame oil and awakening star anise, garlic, and ginger until their fragrances dance and mingle in the pot.

• Liquid Magic

Combine chicken stock with savory sauces, zesty lime, spicy jalapeño, and tender rotisserie chicken. Let these ingredients waltz together on low heat, deepening their connection for 15-20 minutes.

• Noodle Preparation

Tenderly cook flat rice noodles until they reach perfect softness, then nestle them into waiting bowls.

• Pho Finale

Cascade the steaming broth over noodles, transforming each bowl into a vibrant landscape. Crown your creation with fresh cilantro, Thai basil, bean sprouts, and bright lime wedges.

• Personal Touch

Invite everyone to customize their bowl with additional garnishes, creating a personalized culinary experience that celebrates individual taste and creativity.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Pho Recipe (Chicken)

• Enhance the broth's depth by toasting whole spices like star anise and cinnamon sticks before adding them to intensify their aromatic qualities.
• Replace rotisserie chicken with leftover roasted turkey, thinly sliced beef, or tofu for a versatile protein alternative that keeps the dish exciting and adaptable.
• Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeño slices, or substitute with sriracha sauce for a more controlled and consistent spiciness that suits individual preferences.
• Incorporate fresh seasonal vegetables like baby bok choy, sliced mushrooms, or julienned carrots to add extra nutrition and crunch to the traditional pho recipe.
• Store the broth and noodles separately to maintain optimal texture, reheating the broth gently and adding fresh noodles when ready to serve for a quick and delicious meal refresh.

Easy Pho Recipe (Chicken) Serving Guide

• Flavor Fusion Bar: Set up a vibrant topping station with fresh herbs, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges, and crispy bean sprouts so diners can personalize their pho experience with exciting textures and zesty flavors.
• Cozy Comfort Pairing: Serve alongside warm crusty French bread or rice crackers to soak up the delicious broth, adding a delightful crunch and complementary texture to the soup.
• Family-Style Feast: Create an interactive dinner experience by placing all garnishes and toppings in small bowls at the center of the table, encouraging everyone to build their perfect bowl of chicken pho together.
• Weekend Wellness Bowl: Transform leftovers into a refreshing cold noodle salad by chilling the broth and mixing with extra fresh herbs for a light, nutritious lunch option that celebrates the original recipe's vibrant flavors.

Storage & Prep Tips for Pho Recipe (Chicken)

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a large pot of pho broth and store portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals during busy schedules.
• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Keep prepared broth refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety when sealed properly in glass or high-quality containers.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Separate broth and noodles before storing – liquid can be frozen for 2-3 months, while noodles should be kept refrigerated and used within 2-3 days for optimal texture.
• Ingredient Separation Technique: Store garnishes like cilantro, bean sprouts, and herbs in separate sealed containers to maintain crispness and prevent soggy toppings when reheating or preparing future servings.

Comforting Pho Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Vietnamese chicken pho delivers comforting warmth with delicate rice noodles and tender chicken in a fragrant broth. Spices and fresh herbs elevate this classic soup, inviting you to savor each spoonful of authentic culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken stock
• 8 oz (226 g) flat rice noodles
• 1 rotisserie chicken, thinly sliced or shredded
• 3 star anise
• 3 tbsps (45 mL) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2–3 tbsps (30–45 mL) hoisin sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger or ginger paste
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 0.5 tbsps (7.5 mL) sesame oil
• 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
• Juice from 1 lime
• Lime wedges (optional)
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Thai basil (optional)
• Bean sprouts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Base: Warm sesame oil in a large pot and sauté star anise, minced garlic, and grated ginger until their intense fragrances bloom and intertwine.
2. Liquid Symphony: Pour chicken stock, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice into the pot. Add sliced jalapeño and rotisserie chicken. Bring to a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to harmonize for 15-20 minutes.
3. Noodle Preparation: Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, aiming for a tender yet slightly firm texture. Drain and rinse with cool water to prevent overcooking.
4. Serving Composition: Distribute the cooked noodles evenly across serving bowls, creating a delicate foundation for the broth.
5. Broth Finale: Ladle the steaming, flavor-rich broth over the noodles, ensuring each bowl receives an equal portion of the aromatic liquid.
6. Garnish Artistry: Crown each bowl with a vibrant array of fresh garnishes – crisp lime wedges, verdant cilantro leaves, aromatic Thai basil, and crunchy bean sprouts. Serve with additional herbs and condiments on the side for personal customization.

Notes

• Spice Intensity Control: Adjust jalapeño quantity to match personal heat tolerance, ensuring a balanced flavor without overwhelming spiciness.
• Noodle Perfection Technique: Rinse rice noodles immediately after cooking with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, maintaining ideal texture.
• Broth Depth Enhancement: Allow simmer to develop deeper flavors by letting ingredients meld for at least 15-20 minutes, creating a more complex and rich taste profile.
• Freshness Maximization: Serve immediately after assembling to preserve the vibrant textures of herbs and the temperature of the broth, guaranteeing an authentic pho experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg