Chicken Pho - Vietnam

Servings: 4

Author: Chef Connie

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Chicken Pho - Vietnam

Chicken Pho, or Phở Gà, is a comforting Vietnamese noodle soup with fragrant broth, tender chicken, and fresh herbs. This recipe yields a hearty bowl of pho that’s perfect for any time of year.

Prep time: 30 MinCook time: 2 HourTotal time: 2 H & 30 M

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Ingredients

For the Broth

• 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs)
• 10 cups water
• 1 large onion, halved
• 1 4-inch piece of ginger, halved lengthwise
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

For the soup

• 1 lb dried or fresh flat rice noodles (bánh phở)
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Fresh Thai basil, for garnish
• Bean sprouts, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Fresh chili slices (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Place the onion and ginger on a baking sheet. Broil them in the oven or char them directly over an open flame until lightly blackened. This step adds depth to the broth.
2. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add the whole chicken, charred onion, ginger, and garlic.
3. Toast the cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds in a dry pan until fragrant (1–2 minutes). Add them to the pot.
4. Lower the heat and simmer for about 1–1.5 hours, skimming any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
5. While the broth simmers, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. Set the meat aside.
7. Strain the broth through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot to remove solids. Adjust the seasoning with fish sauce, salt, and sugar to taste.
8. Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls.
9. Top each bowl with shredded chicken and a sprinkling of green onions and cilantro.
10. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and chicken.
11. Serve with a platter of garnishes: Thai basil, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and fresh chili slices.
12. Add hoisin sauce or sriracha to taste.

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Chicken Pho is a flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup that features a fragrant broth made from simmered chicken, spices, and herbs. The dish typically includes rice noodles, tender pieces of chicken, and is garnished with fresh ingredients such as bean sprouts, basil, lime, and jalapeños, allowing for a customizable experience. The aromatic blend of spices, including star anise and cinnamon, contributes to its warming essence, making it a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Often enjoyed as a satisfying lunch or dinner, Chicken Pho celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam.

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