The Best Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup (Phở Gà)

If you’ve ever been to a Vietnamese restaurant, you’ve probably encountered the comforting, aromatic allure of pho. But there’s something about a bowl of homemade pho that just hits different—especially when it’s made with tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and a deliciously rich broth. Vietnamese Chicken Pho, or Phở Gà, is the lighter and quicker cousin of the traditional beef pho, but it’s no less satisfying. With a fragrant broth, tender shredded chicken, and fresh herbs, this soup is the perfect balance of light, healthy, and hearty. It’s incredibly versatile, customizable, and the best part? It comes together in under an hour!

This comforting bowl of pho is a great addition to your weekly meal prep, and it’s a perfect choice for quick family meals that are both nourishing and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and low-fat, making it a fantastic option for those looking for healthy comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Let’s dive into the recipe and see why this Pho Ga will quickly become one of your go-to dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vietnamese Chicken Pho is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s light but full of flavor, making it a great choice for those colder days when you need a little comfort. Here’s why you’ll absolutely fall in love with this recipe:

• Lighter than beef pho but just as flavorful: While pho bo (beef pho) is rich and hearty, pho ga is a lighter option that still packs a punch in terms of taste. You get the depth of flavor from the chicken broth and herbs, but without feeling overly heavy.
• Quick and easy to make: With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of around 2 hours, this pho is a perfect option for those easy weeknight dinners when you want something wholesome but don’t have a ton of time.
• A customizable recipe: You can make this soup your own by adjusting the garnishes or even adding your favorite vegetables. Plus, the broth is the perfect base for experimenting with different flavors.
• Kid-friendly: The mild flavors and tender chicken make this pho an easy sell for even the pickiest eaters. Add a squeeze of lime or a few fresh herbs to let the kids customize their bowls!
• Perfect for meal prep: You can make a big batch of the broth and store it for later use. Whether it’s for healthy meal plans for two or feeding a family, this pho can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for longer.
• Authentic Vietnamese flavors: This soup brings the essence of Vietnamese cuisine to your kitchen. It’s aromatic, flavorful, and truly represents the soul of pho with its bright and fresh ingredients.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

The key to Pho Ga is in the broth. The broth is the star of this dish—it’s clear, fragrant, and filled with layers of flavor. To make the broth, you’ll simmer chicken with aromatics like ginger, onion, and a mix of spices, including star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. These spices give the broth its distinct, warming flavor, while the fresh herbs and lime juice added at the end brighten everything up.

One of the things that makes this recipe extra special is how customizable it is. You can adjust the heat, the herbs, and even the noodles to your liking. Whether you like your pho with a little kick of chili or prefer it mild, this recipe can be adapted to suit your tastes. Plus, since it’s so quick and simple to prepare, you don’t need hours of cooking time to get a rich, flavorful broth. The soup is ready in under two hours, making it a perfect choice for quick family meals or a casual dinner with friends.

Ingredients

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Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup:

• Whole chicken or chicken thighs (or you can use boneless skinless chicken breast if you prefer)
• Rice noodles (pho noodles)
• Yellow onion
• Fresh ginger
• Star anise
• Cinnamon stick
• Cloves
• Coriander seeds
• Fish sauce
• Rock sugar or regular sugar
• Salt
• Fresh herbs: cilantro, Thai basil, mint
• Green onions
• Bean sprouts
• Lime wedges
• Sliced chilies (optional)

This list of ingredients is quite simple and features ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store or an Asian market. The fresh herbs are an essential part of pho and really elevate the dish, giving it that bright, aromatic finish that is so characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

1. Char the onion and ginger: Start by charring the onion and ginger to develop deeper flavors. Place them on an open flame or under the broiler until they’re slightly blackened. This will give the broth an incredible smoky flavor.
2. Toast the spices: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, and coriander seeds. Toasting the spices before adding them to the broth helps release their essential oils, enhancing the depth of flavor in your broth.
3. Combine the chicken and aromatics: In a large pot, add the whole chicken (or chicken pieces), charred onion and ginger, toasted spices, and water. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer. As it simmers, skim off any foam or impurities to ensure your broth stays clear.
4. Simmer the broth: Let the broth simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. This long simmering time allows the chicken to release its flavor into the broth and ensures that the spices have time to infuse every drop of liquid.
5. Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot, shred the meat, and discard the bones. The chicken should be tender and easy to pull apart.
6. Strain the broth: To keep the broth nice and clear, strain it to remove all the solids. Season the broth with fish sauce, sugar, and salt to taste.
7. Prepare the noodles: While the broth is simmering, cook your rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
8. Assemble the pho: Divide the cooked noodles into bowls, top with shredded chicken, and ladle the hot broth over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili slices for an extra kick.
9. Serve and enjoy!: Your pho is ready to be served. The combination of fresh herbs, lime, and a little heat from the chili adds a refreshing and aromatic contrast to the rich, savory broth.

Tips for Best Results

• Use homemade broth for best results: While you can use store-bought chicken broth, homemade broth really brings out the flavors and provides a richer taste. You’ll notice the difference when you taste the finished soup!
• Char the aromatics: Don’t skip charring the onion and ginger! This step adds a depth of flavor that makes all the difference in your broth.
• Skim the broth: Make sure to skim any impurities from the broth as it simmers. This keeps your soup clear and clean tasting.
• Customize your garnishes: Add extra heat with sliced jalapeños, or keep it simple with fresh herbs and lime. The toppings are a great way to add personal flair to each bowl of pho.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Meat alternatives: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can use turkey or even duck for a unique twist on Pho Ga.
• Vegetarian pho: Skip the chicken and make a delicious vegetarian pho using tofu and mushrooms. Just make sure to use vegetable broth and load up on the fresh herbs and spices for flavor.
• Use a pressure cooker: If you’re short on time, a pressure cooker can help speed up the process. Cook the broth for just 30-40 minutes under high pressure, and you’ll have a rich, flavorful soup in no time.

Serving Suggestions

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Pho is typically served with a variety of fresh garnishes. Here’s how I love to serve mine:

• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime adds the perfect zesty balance to the rich broth.
• Fresh herbs: Thai basil, cilantro, mint, and green onions are all essential for the fresh, herbal notes that complement the soup.
• Bean sprouts: A little crunch goes a long way, and bean sprouts provide just that.
• Sliced chilies: For those who like a bit of heat, sliced chilies or a drizzle of sriracha sauce adds a flavorful kick.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

• Drinks: Pair your pho with a cold glass of iced tea or a light, crisp white wine. A refreshing glass of agua fresca (try watermelon or cucumber) is also a great non-alcoholic option.
• Sides: Serve your pho with a light salad or some spring rolls for an authentic Vietnamese meal. You can also offer some crispy fried tofu for an added protein boost.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Store separately: Keep the broth and noodles separate when storing leftovers. This helps the noodles from soaking up too much broth and becoming mushy.
• Fridge: Leftover pho can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the broth on the stovetop and soak the noodles briefly to refresh them.
• Freezer: The broth can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw the broth and reheat it.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

Pho is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can prepare the broth and store it in the fridge for several days. If you want to freeze the broth, make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Boiling the broth too aggressively: Keep the heat low and let the broth simmer gently. A vigorous boil will make the broth cloudy and lose its delicate flavor.
• Skipping the aromatics: The charred onion and ginger, along with the toasted spices, are essential to the broth’s flavor. Don’t skip this step!
• Not skimming the foam: As the chicken cooks, impurities rise to the surface. Skimming them off ensures that your broth remains clear and clean-tasting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What’s the difference between Pho Ga and Pho Bo? Pho Ga is made with chicken, while Pho Bo uses beef and beef bones to make a richer broth.
• Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add the noodles and garnishes just before serving.
• Can I use store-bought broth? Yes, but homemade broth will give you a much richer and more authentic flavor.
• How do I keep the broth clear? Skim off any foam or impurities as the broth simmers and keep the heat on low for a gentle simmer.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• A large pot for simmering the broth
• A sharp knife for slicing the aromatics
• A strainer or cheesecloth to strain the broth
• A ladle for serving

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