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Quick and Flavorful Chicken Pho Recipe 30-Minute Easy Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy chicken pho recipe that delivers fragrant, savory broth with tender chicken and silky rice noodles in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large onion, halved and charred or roasted
  • 3-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced and lightly smashed
  • 2 whole star anise pods
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 cloves (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g), poached and thinly sliced
  • 6 oz (170 g) dried rice noodles (flat, about 1/4 inch wide)
  • Fresh bean sprouts
  • Fresh Thai basil leaves
  • Fresh cilantro sprigs
  • Thinly sliced green onions
  • Thinly sliced jalapeño or Thai bird chili (optional)
  • Wedges of lime

Instructions

  1. Char the halved onion and sliced ginger directly on a gas burner flame or under a broiler, turning occasionally until blackened and fragrant (about 5 minutes). Alternatively, roast in a hot dry skillet until charred spots appear.
  2. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, charred onion and ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add fish sauce and sugar, stirring to dissolve. Let simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
  3. While broth simmers, gently poach chicken breasts in a separate pot of simmering water or broth for 8-10 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove, rest a few minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  4. Place dried rice noodles in a large bowl and soak in hot water for 5 minutes or according to package instructions until softened but still slightly chewy. Drain well and set aside.
  5. Remove aromatics and spices from broth using a fine mesh strainer or slotted spoon to keep broth clear and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra fish sauce or sugar if needed.
  6. Divide drained rice noodles between serving bowls. Top with sliced chicken. Ladle hot broth over noodles and chicken. Garnish with fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño slices. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Char aromatics properly for smoky depth. Simmer broth gently to keep it clear. Poach chicken carefully to avoid dryness. Soak noodles just right to maintain chewiness. Adjust fish sauce gradually to balance umami. Leftover chicken can be used to save time. Store broth and chicken separately in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat broth gently without boiling.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pho, quick pho recipe, Vietnamese soup, rice noodles, easy dinner, 30-minute meal, chicken soup, pho broth, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/quick-and-flavorful-chicken-pho-recipe-30-minute-easy-dinner-idea/