Chicken Pho is a comforting, aromatic dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Vietnam right to your table. Tender chicken simmered in a fragrant broth, infused with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger, creates a rich, savory base. The addition of fresh herbs, lime, and chili brings a perfect balance of freshness and heat. It can be served with rice noodles.
What is Chicken Pho?
Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is a traditional Vietnamese soup made with a rich, fragrant broth, rice noodles, and typically either beef or chicken. Chicken Pho (or Pho Ga) is the lighter and leaner variation of the classic pho made with tender poached chicken. The broth is infused with aromatic spices such as star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, giving it that signature depth of flavor. Unlike its beef counterpart, Chicken Pho offers a more delicate, yet equally delicious, taste that highlights the freshness of the herbs and the sweetness of the chicken.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Pho
For the Broth:
- Whole Chicken or Chicken Parts: A whole chicken is ideal for making a rich broth, but you can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks for a more flavorful result.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and a little zing to the broth.
- Onion: A key ingredient for the broth, it adds sweetness and depth.
- Spices: Star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom pods bring the aromatic notes that are essential to pho.
- Fish Sauce: This gives the broth its savory umami flavor.
- Sugar: A little sugar helps balance the salty fish sauce.
- Salt: Adjust to taste.
For the Pho:
- Rice Noodles (Bánh Phở): The flat, thin rice noodles are essential to pho, absorbing the broth beautifully while maintaining their texture.
- Chicken: Poached chicken or shredded cooked chicken adds protein and tenderness to the dish.
- Garnishes: Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and mint, lime wedges, bean sprouts, thinly sliced onions, and chili peppers are a must for adding freshness and heat.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Pho
- Roast the Onion and Ginger: For a richer, deeper flavor, char the onion and ginger under a broiler or on a grill until slightly blackened before adding them to the broth.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Simmer the broth gently over low heat to extract maximum flavor without turning the broth cloudy.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs are essential to Pho. Don’t skimp on cilantro, basil, and mint. These herbs give the dish its refreshing quality.
- Adjust the Fish Sauce: Fish sauce is the key umami ingredient. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adjusting to your preference.
Variations of Chicken Pho
While this recipe follows the traditional preparation, there are several variations of Chicken Pho that you can try:
- Spicy Chicken Pho: Add extra chili peppers or a spicy hoisin sauce to your bowl for a kick.
- Coconut Chicken Pho: For a creamy twist, add a bit of coconut milk to the broth for a rich, smooth texture.
- Herb-Heavy Pho: If you love fresh herbs, you can add extra mint, basil, or even cilantro stems to the broth for more aromatic flavor.
- Quinoa Pho: For a gluten-free alternative, substitute the rice noodles with quinoa or another grain.
How to Serve Chicken Pho
Chicken Pho is best served fresh, with all the garnishes and herbs added at the table. Pair it with a side of crispy spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal. The beauty of pho lies in its adaptability—serve it as a hearty lunch or a light dinner, and enjoy it with family or friends for a warming, delicious experience.
How to Store Chicken Pho
If you have leftovers, store the broth and noodles separately. This prevents the noodles from soaking up all the broth and becoming mushy. The broth can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. To reheat, simply bring the broth to a boil and add the noodles, fresh chicken, and garnishes.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breast for a leaner option, though it may not give the broth as much depth of flavor. To make up for this, you can add more spices or cook the chicken in the broth for a longer period.
Is Chicken Pho gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free rice noodles, Chicken Pho can be made gluten-free. Always check the package for potential gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I make Chicken Pho in advance?
You can prepare the broth ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to cook the noodles and assemble the pho just before serving.
How do I make the broth clearer?
To achieve a crystal-clear broth, make sure to skim off any impurities or foam that rises to the top while simmering the chicken. Also, avoid boiling the broth too aggressively.
Chicken Pho
Chicken Pho is a comforting, aromatic dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Vietnam right to your table. Tender chicken simmered in a fragrant broth, infused with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger, creates a rich, savory base.
Ingredients
For the Charred Aromatics:
- 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
- 2 onions, halved (skin on)
- 2" piece of ginger, sliced thick (unpeeled)
For the Pho Soup Broth:
- 2 liters water
- 1.5 kg chicken thighs, bone-in, skin on
- 1 small bunch cilantro
- 5 star anise pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 2 tsp fennel seeds
- 2 tsp coriander seeds
- 8 tsp fish sauce
- 6 tsp white sugar
- 3/4 tsp salt
For the Noodle Bowls:
- 360g dried rice noodles (or 600g fresh)
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
Toppings:
- 3 cups bean sprouts
- Small bunches of Thai basil, mint, cilantro
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- Hoisin sauce, Sriracha
- Red chilies (optional)
Instructions
- Char the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the oil over high heat. Place the halved onions and ginger face down and let them blacken for about 2 minutes on each side.
- Prepare the Broth: Add the water and all the broth ingredients (except salt) to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 1.5 hours with the lid slightly ajar. Skim off any scum that rises to the surface.
- Finish the Broth: Remove the chicken, then strain the broth into a clean pot. If you have more than 1.5 liters of broth, simmer it down; if less, top it up with water. Add salt to taste and bring it back to a gentle simmer.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin.
- Assemble the Pho: Reheat the chicken (you can dunk it briefly in the broth). Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions, draining them well.
- Divide the noodles into bowls, top with shredded chicken, and ladle over the hot broth. Garnish with green onions, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime.
- Serve with hoisin sauce, sriracha, and red chilies for an extra kick.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 853Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 27gCholesterol: 320mgSodium: 1558mgCarbohydrates: 67gFiber: 4gSugar: 10gProtein: 65g
Chickenrecipes.blog, 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.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Pho is a nourishing, flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or want to impress your friends with your culinary skills, this pho recipe has you covered. The combination of a fragrant, aromatic broth, tender chicken, and fresh herbs creates a soup that’s both heartwarming and refreshing. Best of all, it’s customizable to suit your tastes, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. Enjoy this bowl of goodness as it fills your kitchen with its irresistible aromas!
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