There’s nothing quite like settling down to a steaming bowl of Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup. This beloved classic wraps soul-soothing comfort and bright, fresh flavors into every bite – from fragrant, aromatic broth to slippery rice noodles and a medley of crisp garnishes. Whether you’re after a nourishing meal on a busy weeknight, or hoping to impress friends and family with an authentic homemade feast, Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup is sure to deliver a captivating experience for your senses.

Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish lies in its streamlined yet essential lineup. Every ingredient plays a vital part in developing the signature depth, color, and irresistible aroma of Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup. Gather these staples, and you’re well on your way to pho perfection!

Whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds): The foundation of a rich, savory broth and tender meat for your bowls.
Large onion, halved: Adds earthy sweetness and body to the soup when charred.
Piece of ginger (3-inch, halved lengthwise): Infuses classic warmth and gentle spice to round out the broth.
Water (3 quarts): The base for simmering all these wonderful flavors together.
Salt: Essential for balanced seasoning; don’t skimp!
Fish sauce: This umami powerhouse brings deep, savory complexity – a must for authentic pho.
Rock sugar or regular sugar: Lends subtle sweetness that balances the savory and spicy notes.
Cinnamon stick: Just the right amount of warming spice to perfume the broth.
Star anise pods: Iconic licorice-like flavor that shines in every spoonful.
Whole cloves: Intensifies the aromatic, slightly sweet undertones.
Coriander seeds: Brings a citrusy, floral character to the stew.
Black peppercorns: Adds gentle heat and depth.
Rice noodles (banh pho, 14 ounces): Soft and slippery, they soak up the flavorful broth beautifully.
Bean sprouts (2 cups): Crisp and refreshing, these are indispensable for texture.
Chopped cilantro (1/2 cup): Fresh herbal punch, perfect for the final flourish.
Thai basil (1/2 cup): Essential for that signature Southeast Asian aroma.
Sliced green onions (1/4 cup): Brings mild sharpness and color to your bowl.
Limes, cut into wedges (1–2): A squeeze of acidity perks up every spoonful.
Fresh chili, thinly sliced (optional): Heat lovers, this one’s for you!
Hoisin sauce and Sriracha (optional): For dipping or drizzling, letting each person customize their bowl.

How to Make Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup

Step 1: Char the Aromatics

Start your Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup by giving the onion and ginger a quick char, either directly over a gas flame or beneath your oven’s broiler. This simple step intensifies their natural sweetness and brings a subtle smokiness to the finished broth. Don’t worry about getting a little blackness – that extra flavor is what makes the soup sing!

Step 2: Build the Broth

Place the whole chicken, your beautifully charred onion and ginger, water, salt, fish sauce, and sugar into a large stockpot. Meanwhile, toast the cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, coriander seeds, and black peppercorns in a dry pan for about a minute to unlock their full aroma. Tie the spices securely in a spice bag or cheesecloth, then add them to the pot. This layering of flavor is what sets Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup apart.

Step 3: Simmer and Skim

Bring your broth to a gentle boil, then turn down to a simmer. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface for a crystal-clear, golden broth. Let the chicken simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours until it’s cooked through and wonderfully tender. Lift the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool, leaving the broth to simmer for another 30 minutes so the flavors reach peak intensity.

Step 4: Strain and Season

Strain your broth to remove spent spices and aromatics, then taste and adjust the seasoning with extra fish sauce or salt if needed. This is your moment to truly personalize the soup’s flavor. Meanwhile, cook the banh pho rice noodles as directed, then rinse and drain them so they stay wonderfully chewy and separate.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, peel off the skin, pull the meat away from the bones, and shred it into generous bite-sized pieces. Discard any bones and skin – the best bits go straight into your finished bowls.

Step 6: Assemble and Garnish

To serve, place a nest of rice noodles and a pile of shredded chicken into each bowl. Ladle the piping-hot golden broth overtop, then artfully scatter bean sprouts, cilantro, Thai basil, green onions, and maybe a few slices of chili across your steaming masterpiece. Don’t forget the wedges of lime and, if you like, a dollop of hoisin or Sriracha for extra punch!

How to Serve Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup

Garnishes

The garnish is where you get to bring your own creativity and personality to the bowl. Classic Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup is simply not complete without a tangle of fresh bean sprouts, generous handfuls of cilantro and Thai basil, crisp green onions, and zesty lime wedges. If you like heat, a few thin rounds of fresh chili will liven things up. Let everyone add their favorite toppings fresh at the table for a fun, interactive meal.

Side Dishes

Pair your Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup with crisp fried spring rolls, soft Vietnamese baguette (banh mi), or a plate of pickled veggies. These sides add a satisfying crunch and a burst of bright flavors alongside your soothing bowl of pho. For a lighter touch, serve with a simple salad of sliced cucumber and carrots tossed with rice vinegar and herbs.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your serving style by arranging the garnishes on a big platter so everyone can customize their bowl. Or try mini tasting bowls for appetizers at a party. Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup also makes an inviting centerpiece served family-style, with everyone ladling broth and adding toppings to taste. Beautiful ceramic bowls and chopsticks really bring that authentic, cozy vibe to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep the broth, cooked noodles, and chicken in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This prevents the noodles from soaking up all the broth and getting soggy. Properly stored, the soup components will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

The aromatic broth and chicken both freeze beautifully. Pour the cooled broth and shredded chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags (leave a little room at the top, as the liquid will expand). Mark the containers, and you’ve got a quick, homemade meal on hand for the next time a pho craving hits. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply bring the broth back to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. Drop in the chicken to warm through, and prepare fresh noodles if needed for the ultimate texture. Ladle hot broth over noodles and finish with your favorite garnishes. It’s just as flavorful, if not better, the next day!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought chicken broth instead of homemade?

Absolutely! For busy nights, enrich store-bought low-sodium chicken broth with the spices, charred onion, and ginger. Even a rotisserie chicken can be used to speed up the process. While homemade broth will always have its own magic, shortcuts still lead to delicious Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup.

Are there gluten-free options for the noodles?

Yes, Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup is naturally gluten-free when you use rice-based banh pho noodles. Always double-check the noodle packaging for any added gluten just to be safe.

How spicy is this soup?

Traditional Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup is not inherently spicy. The heat comes entirely from the optional chili slices or Sriracha added at serving, so you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth, skip the fish sauce or replace it with soy sauce, and use tofu or mushrooms in place of chicken. The spiced, aromatic broth will still sing with those classic pho flavors.

Why does my broth sometimes turn cloudy?

Cloudiness usually comes from boiling too vigorously or not skimming foam and impurities. For the clearest Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup, always simmer gently and skim the top regularly as it cooks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that warms your soul and sparks your appetite, Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup fits the bill like no other. Dive in, customize to your heart’s content, and create your own steamy, aromatic bowl – you’ll soon have a new favorite for family gatherings, friend dinners, or cozy nights at home!

Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup Recipe