Chicken Pho – Authentic Vietnamese Soup

Chicken Pho (Phở Gà) – This traditional Vietnamese soup is light yet satisfying, aromatic, and packed with tender chicken, silky rice noodles, and fresh herbs.

Vietnamese Chicken Pho soup

What is Chicken Pho?

Chicken Pho is a variation of Pho (pronounced “fuh”), a beloved Vietnamese noodle soup traditionally made with beef (Phở Bò). Chicken Pho features a lighter broth crafted from chicken bones and infused with fragrant spices like star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger. The soup is served with flat rice noodles and topped with shredded chicken, fresh herbs like cilantro and Thai basil, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing finish.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Pho Soup

Achieving restaurant-quality Chicken Pho at home requires attention to detail. Here are some expert tips:

  • Char the aromatics: Roast the ginger and onion until slightly blackened. This adds depth and smokiness to the broth.
  • Use the right bones: Simmering a combination of chicken carcasses, wings, or drumsticks creates a flavorful, gelatin-rich broth.
  • Skim the broth: For a clear soup, periodically skim off any foam or impurities during the simmering process.
  • Don’t rush it: A good broth takes time. Simmer the bones for at least 2-3 hours to extract maximum flavor.
  • Cook noodles separately: To prevent the broth from turning cloudy, cook the noodles in a separate pot of boiling water and rinse them with cold water before serving.
  • Customize the toppings: Prepare an assortment of garnishes like bean sprouts, lime wedges, sliced chili, and hoisin or sriracha sauce, so everyone can tailor their bowl to their liking.

Variations of Chicken Pho

While traditional Chicken Pho is hard to beat, there’s no harm in experimenting with these variations:

  • Spicy Chicken Pho: Add chili paste, chili oil, or fresh red chilies to the broth for a fiery kick.
  • Low-Carb Pho: Replace the rice noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a keto-friendly option.
  • Pho with Egg: Top your Chicken Pho with a soft-boiled egg for extra richness.
  • Vegetarian Pho: Substitute chicken with mushrooms, tofu, or jackfruit and use vegetable broth infused with the same spices.

How to Serve Chicken Pho

Chicken Pho is best served fresh and piping hot. Here’s how to assemble the perfect bowl:

  • Layer the noodles: Start with cooked rice noodles at the bottom of the bowl.
  • Add the chicken: Top with shredded or sliced poached chicken.
  • Pour the broth: Ladle the hot, aromatic broth over the noodles and chicken.
  • Garnish generously: Add fresh herbs (cilantro, Thai basil), sliced green onions, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and a few chili slices for heat.
  • Optional sauces: Offer hoisin and sriracha on the side for added flavor.

For an authentic touch, serve with a plate of garnishes so diners can customize their bowls to their preferences.

How to Store Chicken Pho

Chicken Pho stores well if done correctly:

  • Broth: Keep the broth separate from the noodles and toppings. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Noodles: Cooked noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Toss them with a little oil to prevent sticking.
  • Toppings: Store herbs and other garnishes in separate containers in the fridge. Use them within 2-3 days for maximum freshness.

Reheating Tip: Always reheat the broth on the stove for the best flavor, and add the noodles and toppings just before serving.

Chicken Pho

Recipe FAQs

What is the difference between Chicken Pho and Beef Pho?

Chicken Pho (Phở Gà) features a lighter, more delicate broth made from chicken, while Beef Pho (Phở Bò) is richer and heartier due to beef bones and meat.

Can I make Chicken Pho in an Instant Pot?

Yes! To save time, use an Instant Pot to pressure cook the broth for about 30 minutes. It’s a quick way to achieve a deep, flavorful stock.

What kind of noodles should I use for Chicken Pho?

Use bánh phở, flat rice noodles, which are traditionally used in Pho. These are available at most Asian grocery stores or online.

Can I make Chicken Pho ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the broth in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer. Assemble the soup fresh when ready to serve for the best taste and texture.

Is Chicken Pho healthy?

Yes! Chicken Pho is naturally low in fat and calories, high in protein, and packed with nutritious herbs and spices. For a healthier version, use lean chicken breast and limit the sodium in your broth.

Yield: 4

Chicken Pho Soup

Vietnamese Chicken Pho soup

Chicken Pho (Phở Gà) - This traditional Vietnamese soup is light yet satisfying, aromatic, and packed with tender chicken, silky rice noodles, and fresh herbs.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients

Pho Broth:

  • 1.5 kg/3 lb chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 2 litres/2 quarts water
  • 1 small bunch coriander/cilantro
  • 8 tsp fish sauce
  • 6 tsp white sugar
  • 4 cloves
  • 2 tsp fennel seeds
  • 2 tsp coriander seeds
  • 5 star anise pods
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3/4 tsp salt

Aromatics:

  • 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
  • 5cm/2” piece of ginger, sliced
  • 2 onions, halved (skin on is fine)

Noodle Bowls:

  • 2 green onion stems, finely sliced
  • 360g/13 oz thin flat dried rice noodles
  • Toppings:
  • Thai basil, mint, cilantro/coriander (small bunch each)
  • 3 cups bean sprouts
  • Hoisin sauce, sriracha, lime wedges
  • Red chilies, finely sliced (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Char the Aromatics

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over high heat.
  2. Place ginger and onion facedown in the pot. Let them char undisturbed for 2 minutes, flip, and char the other side.

Step 2: Make the Broth

  1. Add chicken thighs, water, coriander bunch, fish sauce, sugar, and all the spices (cloves, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, star anise, cinnamon stick) to the pot.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer with the lid partially covering the pot.
  3. Simmer for 1.5 hours, skimming off any foam or scum that rises to the surface.

Step 3: Strain and Season

  1. Remove the chicken, strain the broth into a clean pot, and measure—aim for about 1.5 liters (1.5 quarts).
  2. Adjust by simmering to reduce or adding water to increase.
  3. Add salt and keep the broth warm over low heat.

Step 4: Prep the Chicken

  1. Shred the cooked chicken, discarding the bones and skin. Reheat if needed by dunking in the warm broth.
  2. Step 5: Prepare Noodles
  3. Cook noodles according to package directions just before serving. Drain well to avoid diluting the broth.

Step 5: Assemble Your Chicken Pho

  1. Place noodles into bowls.
  2. Top with shredded chicken.
  3. Ladle over hot broth (about 1.5 cups per bowl).
  4. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and pile on fresh toppings like Thai basil, mint, cilantro, bean sprouts, and chili slices.
  5. Squeeze lime into the broth and add hoisin or sriracha to taste.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 1211Total Fat 52gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 37gCholesterol 436mgSodium 2281mgCarbohydrates 100gFiber 6gSugar 15gProtein 90g

All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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Chicken Pho is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. From the first whiff of the fragrant broth to the last slurp of noodles, this dish embodies the soul-soothing power of Vietnamese cuisine. With the tips, variations, and storage hacks shared here, you’re ready to bring the magic of Chicken Pho to your own kitchen. Whether you stick to tradition or try a creative twist, one thing is certain: every bowl will be a masterpiece.

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