Have you ever wanted to take a culinary journey to Vietnam without leaving your kitchen? This Vietnamese Pho with Chicken is your ticket to that flavorful experience. It’s a bowl of comfort filled with fragrant broth, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs, perfect for any day of the week.
This chicken pho recipe is a delightful symphony of tastes – the rich, savory broth paired with fresh herbs creates a truly satisfying dish. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Hanoi.
Crafting this Vietnamese Pho with Chicken at home is an adventure for your senses. The combination of spices and the warmth of the broth can turn any ordinary day into something special. Plus, it’s a flexible recipe that allows you to customize the toppings to your liking.
A Traditional Vietnamese Chicken Pho Recipe
This dish showcases the essence of Vietnamese cuisine, offering a warm and fragrant experience with every bite. With a clear broth that sings with rich flavors, this Vietnamese Pho with Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to explore the vibrant tapestry of flavors found in Vietnam’s street food culture.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in developing the broth that serves as the heart of this dish. From the tender chicken to the aromatic spices, every element contributes to a comforting bowl that warms the soul.
The Heartwarming Broth
The broth is the star of any good pho, and this recipe is no exception. Prepared with a blend of spices such as star anise, cloves, and a hint of cinnamon, it develops a depth of flavor that is both savory and aromatic. Simmering the broth for an extended period allows these spices to infuse, creating a clear and fragrant liquid that serves as the base for the dish.
As the chicken cooks, it releases its juices into the broth, further enhancing the overall taste. This combination of well-balanced ingredients transforms a simple chicken soup into a delightful culinary experience.
Cooking the Rice Noodles
While the broth simmers, it’s essential to prepare the rice noodles, as they provide the necessary texture and substance to the dish. Cooking the noodles to the right consistency is crucial; they should be tender yet firm, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the broth. Once cooked, a quick rinse under cold water helps prevent them from sticking together, ensuring a smooth incorporation into the final dish.
These rice noodles, known as banh pho, are a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and add a delightful chewiness that pairs beautifully with the broth and toppings.
Assembling Your Bowl of Pho
The art of assembling your pho is just as enjoyable as the cooking process itself. Start with a generous portion of the cooked rice noodles in a bowl, followed by a heap of shredded chicken. Ladle the hot, aromatic broth over the noodles and chicken, allowing the heat to warm everything through.
Next, it’s time to bring the dish to life with fresh garnishes. A handful of aromatic herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich broth. Adding bean sprouts and a squeeze of lime elevates the dish even further, providing crunch and brightness that enhance every mouthful.
Enhancing Flavor with Sauces
To tailor the flavor profile of your pho to your liking, consider offering hoisin sauce and sriracha on the side. These condiments allow diners to customize their bowls, adding sweetness or spiciness according to personal preference. A dollop of hoisin sauce can add a rich, sweet note, while sriracha provides a spicy kick, making each bowl a unique experience.
This flexibility in seasoning encourages everyone to enjoy their pho exactly how they like it, turning a communal meal into an individualized culinary adventure.
A Traditional Vietnamese Chicken Pho Recipe
This chicken pho is a fragrant and hearty dish featuring a clear, spiced broth that brings together tender chicken, rice noodles, and an array of fresh herbs. It’s light yet filling, with a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and invigorating.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken or 4 chicken thighs
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 piece of ginger, sliced
- 3 star anise pods
- 4 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Salt to taste
- 8 cups water
- 400g rice noodles (banh pho)
- Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, mint)
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños or chili (optional)
- Hoison and sriracha sauce for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, combine the chicken, onion, ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, fish sauce, and salt. Add the water and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer the Broth: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface to keep the broth clear.
- Cook the Noodles: While the broth is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot, shred the meat, and set aside. Strain the broth to remove the spices and vegetables, returning the clear broth to the pot.
- Assemble the Pho: In bowls, place some cooked noodles, topped with shredded chicken. Pour the hot broth over the noodles and chicken.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili slices. Serve with hoisin and sriracha sauce on the side for added flavor.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
