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Fragrant, light, and full of fresh herbs—this Chicken Pho Noodle Soup is a cozy, flavorful twist on the classic. #chickennoodlesoup #pho #comfortfood
Chicken Pho Noodle Soup
Chicken Pho Noodle Soup brings classic chicken noodle to new heights with Vietnamese-inspired flavors. Fragrant broth infused with star anise, ginger, garlic, and cloves creates a light, aromatic base for tender shredded chicken and silky rice noodles. Finish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili for a cozy, customizable bowl bursting with bright, comforting flavors.
Perfect for chilly nights, quick dinners, or whenever you crave something soul-warming and fresh.
1. Yield, Time & Tools
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Tools Needed: Large pot, strainer, knife, measuring cups and spoons
2. Ingredients
- 1 lb bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, halved
- 4 slices fresh ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 star anise pods
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 8 oz rice noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro, Thai basil, or mint
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños or chili peppers
- Hoisin sauce or sriracha (optional)
3. Preparation Steps
A. Build the Broth
In large pot, combine chicken, broth, onion, ginger, garlic, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered 30 minutes until chicken is cooked and broth is fragrant.
B. Shred Chicken & Strain Broth
Remove chicken; shred and set aside. Strain broth through fine mesh strainer; discard solids. Return broth to pot; season with fish sauce, salt, and pepper.
C. Cook Noodles
Cook rice noodles according to package directions; drain and rinse under cold water.
D. Assemble & Serve
Divide noodles and shredded chicken among bowls. Ladle hot broth over top. Serve with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and optional toppings for a DIY pho experience.
4. Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Add bok choy, mushrooms, or shredded carrots for extra veggies.
- Adjust broth flavor with more fish sauce or a pinch of sugar.
- Make it spicy with sriracha or chili oil.
5. Troubleshooting FAQ
Why is my broth cloudy?
Simmer gently and avoid boiling too hard; strain carefully for clear broth.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth and tofu instead of chicken.
Can I freeze it?
Freeze strained broth and cooked chicken separately; add fresh noodles when reheating.
Why are my noodles mushy?
Cook them separately and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
6. Serving Suggestions
- Pair with fresh spring rolls or crispy egg rolls.
- Enjoy with iced Vietnamese coffee or jasmine tea.
- Add hoisin and sriracha on the side for customizable flavor.
7. Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storage: Store broth, chicken, and noodles separately in fridge up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm broth and chicken on stove; add noodles just before serving.
- Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare broth and chicken ahead; assemble bowls when ready.
- Freezer Instructions: Freeze broth and chicken separately up to 2 months; thaw and reheat with fresh noodles.
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