Welcome to a quick and easy recipe for a comforting bowl of chicken pho. This Vietnamese classic, normally a time-intensive dish, has been simplified without compromising on its aromatic and healing nature. Loaded with tender chicken, soft rice noodles, and a soul-soothing broth, this chicken pho is perfect for any day of the week.
While the majority of the ingredients for chicken pho are pantry staples, a few may not be commonly found in every kitchen. First, coriander seeds and whole cloves are key spices here, contributing to the broth's signature aroma. Check the spice aisle of your supermarket. The second is fish sauce, found in the Asian section, this pungent condiment adds a necessary umami flavor. Lastly, flat rice noodles, also found in the Asian aisle, are crucial for an authentic pho experience.
Ingredients for Quick Chicken Pho
ginger: A root used for its unique, spicy flavor. Often used in Asian cuisines.
green onions: Also known as scallions, they add a mild, fresh onion flavor.
cilantro sprigs: Used for their fresh, citrusy flavor.
coriander seeds: These seeds have a warm, spicy-sweet aroma.
whole clove: This spice adds a strong, warm flavor.
chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup. Homemade or store-bought can be used.
chicken breast: A lean source of protein. It’s cooked in the broth for flavor.
fine sea salt: Used to season the broth.
rice noodles: These are the traditional noodles used in pho. They have a soft, slippery texture.
fish sauce: A condiment made from fermented fish. It gives the soup a deep, umami flavor.
organic sugar: Balances out the savory flavors in the soup.
pepper: Used for seasoning.
One reader, Irwinn Tyler says:
This quick chicken pho recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are authentic and the recipe is so easy to follow. It's a perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The combination of spices and herbs creates a delightful aroma that fills the kitchen. I highly recommend trying it!
Key Techniques for Making Quick Chicken Pho
How to prepare the broth: In a pot, toast the coriander seeds and clove over medium heat, then add ginger, green onion sections, broth, water, cilantro sprigs, chicken, and salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the broth and season with fish sauce and sugar.
How to cook the chicken: Simmer the chicken in the broth for 5-10 minutes until cooked through. Then, remove the chicken, cool, and cut or shred into bite-size pieces.
How to prepare the noodles: Soak the rice noodles in hot water until pliable and opaque, then drain and rinse.
How to assemble the pho: Heat the strained broth, then dunk the noodles in the hot broth to heat and soften for 50-60 seconds. Divide the noodles between bowls, arrange the chicken on top, and garnish with chopped green onion, cilantro, and pepper. Ladle the hot broth into the bowls and serve with optional extras.
How To Make Quick Chicken Pho
Have a fill of this deliciously hearty Vietnamese classic chicken pho. It has flat rice noodles and veggies in a flavorful soup, ready in less than 1 hour!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ginger,¾-inch section
- 2large green onions
- ½ozcilantro sprigs,(1 very small bunch)
- 1½tspcoriander seeds
- 1whole clove
- 4cupschicken broth,low-sodium
- 2cupswater
- 8ozchicken breast,or thighs, boneless, skinless
- ½tspfine sea salt
- 5oznarrow flat rice noodles,dried
- 3tspfish sauce
- ½tsporganic sugar,or 1 tsp maple syrup, optional
- pepper,optional
For Optional Toppings:
- bean sprouts
- mint sprigs
- Thai basil
- cilantro leaves
- lime wedges
- chili peppers,thinly-sliced
Instructions
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Peel then slice the ginger into 4 or 5 coins. Smack with the flat side of a knife or meat mallet. Set aside.
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Thinly slice the green parts of the green onion to yield 2 to 3 tablespoons. Set aside for garnish.
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Cut the leftover sections into pinkie-finger lengths, bruise, then add to the ginger.
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Coarsely chop the leafy tops of the cilantro to yield 2 tablespoons. Set aside for garnish. Set the remaining cilantro sprigs aside.
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In a 3 to 4-quart pot, toast the coriander seeds and clove over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the ginger and green onion sections. Stir for about 30 seconds, until aromatic.
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Slide the pot off the heat, wait for 15 seconds or so to briefly cool, then pour in the broth. Return the pot to the burner, then add the water, cilantro sprigs, chicken, and salt.
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Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to gently simmer. After 5 to 10 minutes of simmering, the chicken should be firm and cooked through. Continue to simmer the broth without the chicken for another 15 to 20 minutes.
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Transfer the chicken to a bowl, flush with cold water to arrest the cooking, then drain.
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Let cool, then cut or shred into bite-size pieces. Cover loosely to prevent drying.
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Soak the rice noodles in hot water until pliable and opaque. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
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When the broth is done, pour it through a fine-mesh strainer positioned over a 2-quart pot. Line the strainer with muslin for clear broth. Discard the solids. There should be about 4 cups. Season with fish sauce and sugar, if needed.
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Bring the strained broth to a boil over high heat. Put the noodles in a noodle strainer or mesh sieve and dunk in the hot broth to heat and soften for 5 to 60 seconds.
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Lift the noodles from the pot and divide between the 2 bowls.
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Lower the heat to keep the broth hot while arranging the chicken on top of the noodles and garnish with the chopped green onion, cilantro, and a sprinkling of pepper. Taste and adjust the broth’s saltiness one last time.
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Return the broth to a boil and ladle into the bowls. Serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
If the chicken isn’t quite cooked through when beginning to shred it, just split it into a few pieces and put it back in the broth for another few minutes until cooked through. The split pieces will quickly cook through.
Nutrition
- Calories: 690.97kcal
- Fat: 17.50g
- Saturated Fat: 4.81g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.55g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.58g
- Carbohydrates: 88.07g
- Fiber: 5.41g
- Sugar: 11.80g
- Protein: 43.03g
- Cholesterol: 86.97mg
- Sodium: 2205.95mg
- Calcium: 135.69mg
- Potassium: 1247.71mg
- Iron: 5.41mg
- Vitamin A: 139.33µg
- Vitamin C: 57.08mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Quick Chicken Pho
When preparing your chicken for the pho, it's important to remember that the size of your chicken pieces will affect the cooking time. Smaller pieces will cook faster, while larger pieces may take a bit longer. To ensure even cooking, try to cut your chicken into uniform pieces. Additionally, when simmering your chicken, keep the heat low to prevent the chicken from becoming tough. A gentle simmer will result in tender, flavorful chicken that's perfect for your pho.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Chicken Pho Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch.
Quick broth: Use store-bought chicken broth to cut down on the time needed to make the broth from scratch.
Thinly slice: Instead of chopping, thinly slice the ginger and green onions for quicker preparation.
Instant noodles: Consider using quick-cooking instant rice noodles for a faster cooking process.
Simplify garnishes: Opt for pre-washed and pre-cut garnishes to save time on preparation.
Multi-task: While the broth is simmering, use that time to prepare the garnishes and noodles.
Efficient straining: Use a fine-mesh strainer without lining it with muslin to save time on straining the broth.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning of the broth while the noodles are soaking to save time later.
Substitute Ingredients For Quick Chicken Pho Recipe
- ginger – Substitute with galangal: Galangal has a similar flavor to ginger but with a more citrusy and earthy note, which can add depth to the pho broth.
- green onions – Substitute with leeks: Leeks have a mild onion flavor and can be used as a substitute for green onions in the broth.
- cilantro sprigs – Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor similar to cilantro.
- coriander seeds – Substitute with cumin seeds: Cumin seeds have a warm, earthy flavor that can replace the aromatic qualities of coriander seeds.
- cloves – Substitute with allspice: Allspice can provide a similar warm and aromatic flavor to the broth.
- chicken broth – Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative to chicken broth, providing a flavorful base for the pho.
- chicken breast – Substitute with tofu: Tofu can be used as a plant-based alternative to chicken, adding protein and texture to the pho.
- fine sea salt – Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory, umami flavor and saltiness to the broth.
- rice noodles – Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles can be used as a low-carb alternative to rice noodles, adding a light and fresh element to the dish.
- fish sauce – Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a similar umami flavor to fish sauce in the broth.
- organic sugar – Substitute with honey: Honey can add a touch of sweetness to the broth, balancing the flavors.
- bean sprouts – Substitute with shredded cabbage: Shredded cabbage can provide a crunchy texture similar to bean sprouts.
- mint sprigs – Substitute with basil leaves: Basil leaves can add a fresh and aromatic element to the pho.
- Thai basil – Substitute with mint leaves: Mint leaves can provide a similar fresh and aromatic flavor to Thai basil.
- cilantro leaves – Substitute with parsley leaves: Parsley leaves can offer a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor to cilantro.
- lime wedges – Substitute with lemon wedges: Lemon wedges can provide a citrusy acidity similar to lime.
- chili peppers – Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes can add heat and spice to the pho broth.
Best Way to Present Quick Chicken Pho
- Elevate the broth: Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve lined with muslin to achieve a clear, refined consistency that showcases the depth of flavors.
- Artful noodle placement: Carefully arrange the softened rice noodles in the center of the bowl, ensuring they are elegantly presented and not clumped together.
- Garnish with precision: Place the shredded chicken on top of the noodles in a visually appealing manner, ensuring it is evenly distributed and adds to the overall aesthetic of the dish.
- Create a symphony of flavors: Balance the savory-sweet note of the broth by adjusting the seasoning with fish sauce and organic sugar, ensuring a harmonious and well-rounded taste profile.
- Embrace the extras: Offer a side plate with bean sprouts, mint sprigs, Thai basil, cilantro leaves, lime wedges, and chili peppers for diners to customize their pho experience.
Essential Tools for Making Chicken Pho at Home
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Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing the ginger, green onions, and chicken.
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Cutting board: Use a cutting board to prepare and chop the ingredients.
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Meat mallet: Use a meat mallet to gently smack the ginger to release its flavor.
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Pot: A 3- to 4-quart pot is needed for simmering the broth.
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Strainer: A fine-mesh strainer is used to strain the broth and ensure a clear consistency.
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Muslin: Muslin can be used to line the strainer for an even clearer broth.
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Noodle strainer or mesh sieve: This is used to dunk the rice noodles in the hot broth to heat and soften them.
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Bowls: Bowls are needed for serving the pho.
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Ladle: A ladle is used to transfer the hot broth into the serving bowls.
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Pot holders or kitchen towels: Use pot holders or kitchen towels to handle hot pots and bowls.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Chicken Pho
- Let the pho cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles and chicken can be stored separately to prevent them from getting soggy.
- To reheat, simply warm up the broth in a pot over medium heat until steaming. Add the noodles and chicken to individual bowls and pour the hot broth over them. Garnish with fresh herbs and lime wedges before serving.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the pho broth in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. This way, you can easily thaw and reheat smaller portions whenever you crave a comforting bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup.
- It's best to freeze the broth separately from the noodles and chicken. Cook the noodles fresh when you're ready to serve, and either cook the chicken fresh or freeze it in individual portions to be thawed and reheated as needed.
- When freezing the broth, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Leave some headspace at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
- To thaw frozen pho broth, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before you plan to use it. Reheat the broth in a pot over medium heat until steaming, and prepare the noodles, chicken, and garnishes as usual.
How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Pho
- To reheat leftover quick chicken pho recipe, start by separating the noodles, chicken, and any garnishes from the broth. This will prevent the noodles from becoming mushy and overcooked during the reheating process.
- Place the broth in a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it reaches a simmer. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with additional fish sauce, sugar, or salt if needed.
- If the noodles have become clumped together, rinse them briefly under cold water to separate them. Place the noodles in a strainer or colander and dip them into the simmering broth for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until they are heated through and have softened.
- Divide the heated noodles among serving bowls. Top the noodles with the cooked chicken, and ladle the hot broth over the top.
- Garnish the bowls with fresh herbs, green onions, lime wedges, and any other desired toppings, such as bean sprouts or chili peppers.
- If you prefer, you can also reheat the chicken separately by placing it in the simmering broth for a minute or two until it is heated through. This can help prevent the chicken from drying out.
- For a quicker reheating method, you can place the noodles, chicken, and broth in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them together in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the broth is steaming and the ingredients are heated through. Stir the ingredients halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Interesting Fact About Chicken Pho
The quick chicken pho recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make Vietnamese dish that can be prepared in a short amount of time. It's a flavorful and comforting soup that combines aromatic spices, tender chicken, and rice noodles. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, especially when you're craving something warm and nourishing. With the right ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a homemade bowl of pho in no time.
Is Making Chicken Pho at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this quick chicken pho recipe is quite high. The ingredients are relatively affordable and widely available, making it a budget-friendly option for households. The use of simple, fresh ingredients such as ginger, green onions, and cilantro adds value without breaking the bank. The addition of chicken breast provides a good source of protein, making it a well-rounded and cost-effective meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious flavors. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a great option for budget-conscious cooks.
Is This Chicken Pho Recipe Healthy?
This quick chicken pho recipe is relatively healthy, offering a balance of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and various herbs and spices. The use of chicken breast provides a low-fat source of protein, while the rice noodles contribute complex carbohydrates for energy. The inclusion of ginger, cilantro, and green onions adds flavor and provides some essential vitamins and minerals.
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
- Increase the amount of vegetables by adding more green onions, bean sprouts, and herbs like mint and Thai basil
- Opt for a leaner cut of chicken, such as skinless chicken breast, to further reduce the fat content
- Limit the use of added sugars, such as the organic sugar mentioned in the recipe, to minimize empty calories
To make this pho even more nutritious, consider the following suggestions:
- Incorporate additional vegetables like sliced carrots, bok choy, or mushrooms to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Use whole grain or brown rice noodles instead of white rice noodles to add more fiber and nutrients
- Add a squeeze of lime juice to each serving, which not only enhances the flavor but also provides a boost of vitamin C
- Garnish with fresh chili peppers to add a kick of heat and a small amount of vitamin C and capsaicin, which has potential health benefits
Editor's Opinion on This Quick Chicken Pho Recipe
This quick chicken pho recipe is a delightful and simplified version of the traditional Vietnamese dish. The combination of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and flavorful broth creates a comforting and satisfying meal. The use of fresh herbs and optional garnishes adds a refreshing and vibrant touch. The recipe's clear instructions make it accessible for home cooks, allowing them to enjoy the rich flavors of pho in a fraction of the time. It's a wonderful option for those seeking a quick and nourishing meal without compromising on taste.
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Why trust this Quick Chicken Pho Recipe:
This quick chicken pho recipe is a flavorful and authentic dish that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. The use of ginger and coriander seeds infuses the broth with aromatic flavors, while the addition of fish sauce and cilantro adds depth and complexity. The method of simmering the broth with chicken ensures a rich and savory base, while the inclusion of narrow flat rice noodles completes the dish with a satisfying texture. With optional garnishes such as bean sprouts, mint sprigs, and Thai basil, this recipe offers a delightful and convenient way to enjoy a comforting bowl of pho at home.
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