Weeknight Wonder Speedy Chicken Pho

Recipe Introduction: Slurp Your Way to Happiness!

Ever get that craving? You know, the one where only a big bowl of noodles in flavorful broth will do? Well, get ready to meet your new best friend: Quick Chicken Pho .

Honestly, this recipe is a total game changer.

What's the Deal with This Chicken Pho Recipe?

Chicken Pho is basically Vietnam's national dish. It's a fragrant, comforting noodle soup that's usually simmered for hours. But, who has time for that during the week? This Easy Chicken Pho Recipe is ready in about 50 minutes! It serves 4, making it perfect for a family dinner.

Why You'll Love This Pho Recipe

First, it's healthy! This Chicken Pho is packed with protein and has fewer calories than you would expect (450-550 calories).

Serve it for a cozy weeknight meal or when you're feeling a bit under the weather, you know? What makes this Homemade Chicken Pho special is how quickly you get that authentic taste.

No need to order takeout anymore.

Let's Talk Ingredients for Our Weeknight Chicken Pho

Okay, so what do you need to make this magic happen? For the yummy broth, you will need chicken broth, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime.

Don't worry if you can't find everything. Most big supermarkets usually stock these days! If you cannot find star anise, you can replace with a pinch of Chinese Five Spice for a similar effect.

Next, you will need chicken thighs or breasts, rice noodles, red onion, cilantro, basil, mint, and maybe some red chili if you're feeling brave.

Get some lime wedges, bean sprouts, Sriracha, and hoisin sauce for serving as well. These make this Vietnamese Noodle Soup Recipe the real deal!

Ingredients & Equipment For Your Weeknight Quick Chicken Pho

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make this amazing Quick Chicken Pho . It's easier than you think! We'll cover the key bits to guarantee a flavour explosion.

This Chicken Pho Recipe really is the best!

Main Ingredients: All the Good Stuff

• Chicken Broth: 1.5 liters (about 6 cups ) of low sodium chicken broth. Trust me, go low sodium, so it doesn't taste too salty.
• Ginger: A 5 cm (2 inches) chunk of fresh ginger. Fresh ginger makes all the difference.
• Star Anise: 2 star anise pieces. I love the anise flavour!
• Cinnamon Stick: 1 cinnamon stick. Adds a warm touch.
• Coriander Seeds: 1 tsp coriander seeds. Gives a little zest.
• Fennel Seeds: 1/2 tsp fennel seeds. Don't skip these, they add a great layer.
• Fish Sauce: 1 tbsp fish sauce. It's key for that authentic Pho flavour, honestly!
• Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp of low sodium soy sauce.
• Brown Sugar: 1 tsp brown sugar. Balances out all the savory.
• Lime: Juice of 1 lime. A must!
• Chicken: 500g (1.1 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast. Thighs are more flavourful.
• Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp for searing the chicken.

For the chicken, look for thighs that are plump and pink. They should smell fresh. Good quality chicken makes a huge difference in the Chicken Pho flavour.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up

Essential spices? Star anise and cinnamon are your best friends here. They give that Pho its signature smell. For flavour enhancers, a splash of fish sauce does wonders.

If you're out of fish sauce, a dash of soy sauce can work in a pinch.

If you want that extra oomph, chili oil on top is chefs kiss. Spice combinations make this dish. Seriously! A Pho Recipe wouldn't be one without those.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You'll need a large pot or Dutch oven. That's where the magic happens. A colander for draining the noodles is also essential.

Tongs will help with handling the chicken. A common household alternative for a Dutch oven is just a regular large pot with a lid.

You really don't need fancy stuff. I promise you, you can make amazing Homemade Chicken Pho with just basic kitchen tools.

Enjoy this Easy Chicken Pho Recipe . Making Quick Pho Recipe is so simple that you will repeat this recipe very soon.

Weeknight Wonder: Cracking the Quick Chicken Pho Code

Honestly, who doesn't love Pho ? That warm, fragrant broth, the slurpable noodles, the fresh herbs... it's basically a hug in a bowl.

But making traditional pho can feel like a massive commitment. That's where this Quick Chicken Pho recipe comes in! We're talking about getting that authentic Vietnamese Food flavor on your table, even on a busy weeknight.

Prep Time: Let's Get Organized

Essential Mise en Place: The Key to Sanity

The secret to making this Easy Chicken Pho Recipe fast? Mise en place , baby! That's fancy chef talk for "get everything ready before you start cooking.

" Slice your red onion, chop those herbs, and measure out your spices. Trust me, it saves so much time.

Time Saving Tip: Cheat Like a Pro

Use pre-shredded chicken! Seriously. Grab a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket, shred it up, and boom! You've saved yourself a good 15 minutes . Don't tell anyone I told you to cheat!

Safety First!

Watch out for steam when adding liquids to hot pots. Burnt fingers aren't on the menu, okay?

Making the Magic Happen: step-by-step

From Zero to Pho Hero in Minutes!

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot. Brown 500g chicken thighs on all sides. Remove and set aside. This is where you develop that nice deep, savoury base.
2. Spice it Up!: Add ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds. Toast for 1- 2 minutes . Your kitchen will smell like Christmas! This is the "aroma" part of Chicken Pho .
3. Simmer Down: Pour in 1.5 liters chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes .
4. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken back in. Cook until tender ( 10- 15 minutes , 165F/74C internal temp). Shred with forks.
5. Season to Perfection: Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper. You're aiming for a balance of salty, sweet, and sour.
6. Noodle Time: Cook 200g rice noodles according to package directions. Rinse with cold water!
7. Assemble Your Masterpiece: Noodles, chicken, toppings, broth! Serve with lime wedges, bean sprouts, and your favorite hot sauce!

Becoming a Pho Master: Expert Tips

Pro Tip 1: Toast Those Spices

Toasting the spices for a few minutes releases their oils. This makes the Pho Soup way more flavorful. You'll thank me later.

Pro Tip 2: Avoid Mushy Noodles

Don't overcook the noodles! Cook them al dente and rinse with cold water. Nobody likes a soggy noodle.

make-ahead Magic

You can make the broth a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat before serving. That way, you're one step ahead of the game for your Weeknight Chicken Pho .

So there you have it! Your shortcut to Homemade Chicken Pho glory. Seriously, give this a try. It's quicker than ordering takeaway and tastes a million times better.

You may have to try out the variations for Spicy Pho and Beef Pho . Enjoy!.

Recipe Notes for Your Speedy Chicken Pho

Right, so you're about to embark on making some cracking Quick Chicken Pho . Honestly, it's easier than putting up shelves, I swear! I thought I'd share some extra tidbits.

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Pho Game

Okay, so Chicken Pho is amazing on its own, right? But presentation? Huge! Think about layering the noodles, then the shredded chicken , and then all those vibrant toppings.

I like a little pile of bean sprouts on the side.

And for drinks? Vietnamese iced coffee is great. Or even a nice cold beer! For sides, some fresh spring rolls are proper lush.

Storage Tips: Save Some for Later!

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers of this Pho Soup , here's the drill. Keep the broth separate from the noodles and toppings. That way the noodles don't go all soggy.

Broth will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days . The noodles? Best eaten fresh. You can freeze the broth, though.

Just make sure it's properly cooled first. Reheat gently on the hob. Job's a good'un! Reheat to 165F/74C.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

Fancy mixing it up a bit? Why not try a Vegetarian Pho ? Use veg broth and tofu. For gluten-free folks, just double check your soy sauce is gluten-free. Easy peasy!

In autumn, I sometimes chuck in some roasted butternut squash to the broth. It adds a lovely sweetness. A little secret that makes it a Homemade Chicken Pho!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Easy Chicken Pho Recipe is not just delicious, but also pretty healthy! It is packed with protein from the chicken and is low in fat. The broth is full of nutrients, too.

One serving (roughly) has about 450-550 calories , 40-50g protein , and 15-25g fat . Of course, toppings will change that! It's also a great Vietnamese Noodle Soup Recipe

Don't worry too much about the numbers, though. It's all about enjoying yourself.

So there you have it! All my insider tips for smashing your Quick Pho Recipe . Get cooking and let me know how it goes! I reckon you can do it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Quick Chicken Pho recipe really faster than traditional pho? What makes it so quick?

Absolutely! This recipe cuts down on the hours long simmering required for traditional pho by using pre-made chicken broth and searing the chicken instead of poaching it for hours. Think of it like the express train version you still get the delicious destination, just a whole lot faster, mate!

Can I make this Quick Chicken Pho vegetarian or vegan?

You bet! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the chicken with extra firm tofu or sliced mushrooms. You can also substitute the fish sauce for light soy sauce or tamari.

Just remember to give the broth a good taste and adjust seasonings to your liking, as the flavour profile will be slightly different.

What if I can’t find star anise? Is it essential for Quick Chicken Pho?

While star anise definitely contributes to the authentic pho flavour, don't fret if you can't find it! You can substitute with a small pinch of Chinese Five Spice powder, which contains similar aromatic notes.

Or if you are a minimalist, you can simply leave it out, and the broth will still be delicious, though perhaps lacking a touch of that signature pho depth.

How should I store leftover Quick Chicken Pho?

Store the broth and noodles separately to prevent the noodles from getting soggy overnight, which nobody likes! Keep the broth in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the noodles in a separate container. When reheating, bring the broth to a simmer and add the noodles just before serving.

Top with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime for that fresh out of the pot taste.

Can I prepare any part of this Quick Chicken Pho recipe in advance?

You can definitely get ahead of the game! The broth can be made a day or two in advance, allowing the flavours to meld even further. Chop all your toppings (herbs, onions, chili) and store them in separate containers in the fridge.

Then, when you're ready to eat, all that's left to do is cook the noodles and assemble easy peasy!