Chicken Pho is a refreshing and fragrant Vietnamese chicken noodle soup cooked in a delicious infused broth, topped by an abundance of fresh herbs. Pho makes a hearty, simple, and healthy meal that is full of vibrant Vietnamese flavours.
Pho which is pronounced "Fuh" not "Fo" is a Vietnamese Noodle Soup that is a staple in Vietnamese Cuisine and is great for any season. This fragrant soup is nourishing in cooler months but also refreshing to enjoy when the weather is warm. Pho is made with either beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà).
We spent two months in Vietnam a couple of years ago and enjoyed a bowl of Pho most days - usually for breakfast but often again in the evening. We were in Vietnam during the height of summer (it was hot - very hot!) so it was a lovely refreshing meal that would leave you feeling very hydrated in the hot and humid weather.
You never need to go far to find a street stall or sidewalk cafe selling Pho in Vietnam; they are often packed early morning with people sitting at plastic tables and chairs enjoying a Pho before work.
In Vietnam, Pho can vary region by region, particularly between the north and the south. I loved the variety when we were traveling as often no two dish tasted the same! You can add extra seasoning, herbs, or chili as you desire making chicken Pho very adaptable to most taste-buds!
We traveled around Vietnam with our then 18-month-old, and to be honest, prior to our trip I would not have envisaged him enjoying a noodle soup! However.......he loved it back then and still enjoys it now!
We omitted the herbs on top and he would happily eat (and play) with the noodles then would tip the bowl back and enjoy the tasty broth. Maybe not the best table etiquette but not bad for a little one in a foreign environment with different food!
Additional Recipe Notes
- The longer you can cook the broth the better it will taste (and the more nutrients it will have). In this recipe, I have given instructions for the minimum time to make a good broth. A slow-cooked broth is the more authentic way of making Chicken Pho.
- Any leftover cooked chicken can be chilled in the fridge and used in other meals.
- If the noodles are ready too early by mistake then run them under the cold tap and re-heat in the hot broth for 30 -40 seconds just before serving.
- Removing the chicken skin prevents the broth from becoming too fatty and the broth can become very cloudy, this does not bother me but if you prefer a clearer broth then remove the skin.
- Chicken Pho should last up to three days in an airtight container in the fridge. If you don't think you can eat it all within that time then freeze leftovers immediately.
How to make quick Chicken Pho:
If you do not have time to make a homemade broth you can make a quick and easy version of Chicken Pho by purchasing good quality chicken stock and a pre-cooked chicken.
You simply saute the onions and ginger, then add the spices to the pre-made chicken stock, simmer for 15-20 minutes and then add in the cooked chicken, noodles, and top with garnishes as desired.
This can quick Chicken Pho makes a great quick and easy weeknight meal but will not have the same flavour or goodness as when making the broth from scratch.
For other Asian inspired dishes you may like to try:
Chicken and Vegetable Miso Soup
Teriyaki Salmon Bowl - Gluten Free
Peanut-Miso Tempeh Salad Bowl with Cashew Nuts
Vietnamese Summer Roll Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing
For more tasty recipes and to see what I’ve been getting up to you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter.
Enjoy your week!
Hope x
Vietnamese Chicken Pho Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup
Vietnamese Chicken Pho Ga - A tasty and fragrant chicken noodle soup full of vibrant flavours.
Ingredients
- 1 organic whole chicken (small)
- 1 Tbspn oil
- ginger, 1 inch sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 Tbspn fish sauce
- 3 whole star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 Tbspn coriander seeds
- ¼ tspn black pepper corns
- ¼ tspn chinese five spice powder
- 1 tspn coconut sugar
- 1 Tspn salt
- Dried flat rice noodles 400g/14oz
To garnish
- 4 spring onions
- 2 cups mung bean sprouts
- 1 cup fresh coriander (cilantro)
- 1 cup fresh mint (Vietnamese mint)
- 1 cup thai basil (optional)
- 1 chili freshly chopped (optional)
- 6 lime wedges
Instructions
- In a small saucepan add the oil and gently saute the onion and ginger for a couple of minutes until golden. Set aside.
- Clean and rinse the chicken in cold water, remove excess fat and roughly cut into four pieces.
- In a large pot place the chicken and top with enough cold water to cover the chicken. Add the onions, ginger, spices, fish sauce and salt. Bring to a boil and then simmer over a low heat uncovered for 25 minutes. Discard any scum that comes to the surface.
- Check the chicken is cooked, remove with tongs and set aside for shredding into bite sized pieces.
- Add the bones back into the broth and simmer (don't let boil) for another 25 minutes to 60 minutes if time permits.
- Meanwhile prepare any fresh vegetables and cook the rice noodles according to the packet, do not over cook.
- Once the broth is cooked discard the bones and strain the broth through a sieve. Taste and season with more fish sauce if needed.
- Assemble the cooked noodles into bowls. Top with the shredded chicken. Pour the chicken broth evenly over each bowl. Top with carrot, mung beans, fresh herbs and fresh chili as desired.
- Serve with a lime wedge and chili sauce if desired.
Notes
Chicken Pho should last up to three days in an airtight container in the fridge. If you don't think you can eat it all within that time then freeze leftovers immediately.
For additional notes on this recipe please see the notes in the blog post.
If you wish to make a very quick and easy Chicken pho there are instructions for this in the blog post.
Please note the nutrition information is an estimate only and will vary depening on the size of chicken you use.
Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 491Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 105mgSodium 1002mgCarbohydrates 37gFiber 5gSugar 6gProtein 37g
This nutritional information is an estimate only and is provided as a courtesy to readers. It was auto-generated based on serving size, number of servings, and typical information for the ingredients listed in the recipe card. Please feel free to use your preferred nutrition calculator. Please consult your doctor about any specific dietary requirements.
(This Chicken Pho recipe was originally posted on Love Food Nourish in October 2018)
Dana says
I love how colorful this dish is! It looks so flavorful 🙂
Hope Pearce says
Thanks Dana, it is full of flavour 🙂
Ellen says
Love this take on the classic. So much flavor. I especially like the anise.
Hope Pearce says
Thanks Ellen! Yes the anise gives the a soup a great flavour 🙂
Tisha says
I've never tried Pho but this looks amazing!!!
Hope Pearce says
Thanks Tisha! I hope you give it a go 🙂
Adriana says
Oh goodness so comforting I love pho this is perfect for any time of the year no matter the weather. Full of flavor and all those garnishes are the best. Mine with extra mint and peppers please =)
Hope Pearce says
Hi Adriana, yes Pho is great for any time of year! 🙂
Erin says
We LOVE to make pho here!! I usually make spicy beef pho - but now I need to make chicken pho. My kids love the DIY aspect of it - they can add whatever fun ingredients they want to their bowl. So yummy and good for you!
Hope Pearce says
Hi Erin, aah yes, beef pho is great too isn't it? Yes its great for kids, they can add in what they want and leave out what they don't! 🙂
Megan Stevens says
Mmm, wish I could have this right now, sooo yummy and nourishing!
Hope Pearce says
Thanks so much Megan! 🙂
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
This is so beautiful! I love that special spices you use in yours like the five spice blend and the star anise. All of those garnishes (like all that mint!) on the top is the best!
Hope Pearce says
Thanks so much Emily! Yes fresh herbs are the best aren't they? 🙂
Joni says
Pho in just 1 hour? This is amazing! I love these asian flavors, so comforting! All of these herbs are so so good!
Hope Pearce says
Thanks so much Joni! Yes! 1 hour 🙂 Though if you have time the longer you leave the stock to cook the better it will taste and the more nourishing it will be! 🙂
Raia says
This sounds so warming and comforting! I love all the spices and herbs. And the chicken chunks... 😉
Hope Pearce says
Thank you Raia!
Jean says
Love a good pho and you have all the ingredients that I love in this one! This is so perfect on a chilly day.
Hope Pearce says
Thanks Jean! Me too, yes so comforting on a cool day 🙂
ChihYu says
I love pho! This is so perfect for winter and colder months!
Hope Pearce says
Thanks ChihYu! Yes it is lovely and warming! 🙂
Tessa says
I love pho, just rarely make it at home! I definitely need to try this!
Hope Pearce says
I hope you like it if you do! Thanks Tessa 🙂
STACEY says
Oh my, Pho is my favorite! I am going to try to make this! 🙂
Lindsey says
Pho is such amazing comfort food! I love all the fresh herbs you have in yours! Pinned!
Hope Pearce says
It is! Thanks so much Lindsey 🙂
Kathryn says
I've never made pho, but have wanted to for a long time. I love all the spices you've included. This recipe looks perfect and I've pinned it so I remember to make it soon. 🙂
Hope Pearce says
Thanks so much Kathryn, it is an easy meal to make - I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Catherine Baez Sholl says
I love pho and this one looks delicious. Great ingredients!
Hope Pearce says
Thank you Catherine!
Cris says
Yum! I love recipes that use fresh herbs like this! This recipe looks SOOOOO good!
Hope Pearce says
Thanks so much Cris! I'm a big fan of recipes with loads of fresh herbs too 🙂
Amy says
I made this the other day and it’s amazing! So many flavors in the broth just way too good! Thank you
Hope Pearce says
Hi Amy, I'm so pleased you liked it, I do love the broth! Thanks for stopping by, Hope 🙂
John K says
I like to do rotisserie chickens a lot and save the carcasses for stock. I'll have to try this with the meat and broth from one of those. Sounds great!
Hope Pearce says
Thanks John, I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Brian Unruh says
What do u do with the onion and ginger?
Hope Pearce says
Hi Brian, you gently cook them in the oil in the pan for a couple of minutes until golden then remove them and set aside. Then you add them back in to the pan after you have prepared the chicken as written in the recipe above 🙂
Aviv says
I like my pho with a light taste of sinamon. Should I put the same amount or less?
Hope Pearce says
Hi Aviv, this Pho does have a light taste of cinnamon (in my opinion) however everyones taste buds are different, so what is light to me may not be light to you. If you are unsure then I suggest you start off with less, taste and make a note for next time you make it or add in some cinnamon powder later in the cooking if you would like it to be stronger.
Miana says
lovely soup, added a green asparagus- taste was great
Hope Pearce says
Thanks Miana, sounds like a great addition, I'm glad you liked it 🙂