Description
A quick and comforting 20 Minute Chicken Pho recipe that captures the authentic flavors of traditional Vietnamese pho without the long cooking times. Featuring tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and a flavorful broth infused with star anise and cinnamon, this dish is perfect for a healthy, nourishing weeknight meal that’s both cozy and customizable.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Noodles
- 6 oz thin pho-style rice noodles
Aromatics & Spices
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
Broth & Seasonings
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
Fresh Herbs & Garnishes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Lime wedges, for serving
- 1 cup bean sprouts
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Thinly slice the onion and ginger. Lightly toast the star anise and cinnamon in a dry pan over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant to release their aromas, enhancing the broth’s depth of flavor without added cooking time.
- Cook the Broth: In a large pot, combine the chicken broth with toasted star anise, cinnamon stick, sliced onion, ginger, minced garlic, and fish sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let the flavors infuse while you prepare the noodles and chicken.
- Prepare Noodles and Chicken: Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions until tender but still slightly firm. At the same time, poach the chicken breasts in the simmering broth for about 7 to 8 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken and shred it with forks.
- Assemble the Pho Bowls: Divide the cooked noodles evenly among serving bowls. Top with shredded chicken, chopped green onions, and fresh herbs. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and toppings, ensuring the bowl is filled with warm, flavorful broth.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve each bowl with lime wedges, bean sprouts, and additional herbs or sliced fresh chili if desired. Allow each person to customize their pho for a fresh and interactive eating experience.
Notes
- Warm your bowls: Preheat serving bowls with hot water to keep pho hot longer.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh Thai basil and cilantro are essential for authentic flavor.
- Control saltiness: Add fish sauce gradually and taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
- Don’t overcook noodles: Keep noodles slightly firm to maintain texture when soaked in broth.
- Quick broth infusion: Toast spices before simmering to maximize flavor quickly.
- Make it vegetarian: Use tofu and vegetable broth as a plant-based variation.
- Freeze broth only: Freeze broth separately; avoid freezing noodles and garnishes to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 400g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg