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Easy Chicken Pho

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Updated Nov 7, 2024
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What could be better than enjoying a steaming bowl of comforting and flavorful chicken pho? Knowing how to make it yourself! Luckily, we can help you out with that.

Chicken pho is a popular Vietnamese soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and chicken. Originating from Northern Vietnam, this aromatic dish has become a favorite noodle soup worldwide. Just as chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food in Western cuisine, pho, including chicken pho, serves a similar role in Vietnamese culture.

There are several variations of pho, with beef pho (pho bo) being one of the most popular. However, chicken pho offers an easier and less fatty, yet equally flavorful alternative, with Progresso™ broth, hoisin sauce, and Chinese 5-spice powder standing in for the incredibly complex broth used in a traditional chicken pho. Our version is an excellent choice for home cooks looking to enjoy a delicious, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

With its fragrant broth, tender chicken, and delicate rice noodles, this easy chicken pho recipe will become your go-to for cozy weeknight dinners or impressive weekend gatherings.

How To Make Chicken Pho

Making an authentic chicken pho recipe, also known as “pho ga,” is an incredibly complex process. To make our simplified chicken pho, you need just a few simple ingredients. With our guide, you’ll master how to make this warming meal, right in your kitchen. You can find the full recipe below.

Soak the Noodles

We save time (and a pan) by microwaving water for soaking the noodles. It’s important to soften the noodles before adding to the broth. If you skip this step, the noodles will absorb most of the cooking liquid and you won’t have any delicious broth to slurp!

Make the Broth

While the noodles soak, bring chicken broth, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder to a boil, then stir in cooked chicken and just the whites of some green onions.

Add Noodles and Toppings

Remove from heat, add your soaked noodles and green onion greens. Then, all that’s left to do is add toppings to your heart’s desire. Check out our recommended toppings below.

Chicken Pho Toppings

When it comes to creating the best chicken pho recipe, selecting the perfect combination of toppings is essential. Arrange toppings in individual bowls, letting your guests customize their bowl to their tastes. For an interactive meal, set up a pho station with bowls, spoons, chopsticks, and all the toppings for a fun and engaging dining experience. Now, what toppings should you prepare?

Fresh Herbs: Herbs are what take a basic chicken pho to the best chicken pho recipe ever. They add a layer of freshness that enhances the overall flavor profile. Mint, cilantro, and basil leaves are a classic combo. For anise-laden, slightly peppery taste sensation, use Thai basil instead of regular basil.

Vegetables: These are ubiquitous in any authentic chicken pho recipe. Add them raw or lightly blanched for a delightful crunch. Try sliced greens, cabbage, or bamboo shoots.

Sliced Hot Peppers: If you love a little heat, sliced jalapeños or bird’s eye chilies are perfect. Add them based on your heat tolerance. For less heat, remove seeds before adding to your soup.

Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens the broth and brings all the flavors together.

Sauces: Hoisin sauce and sriracha are common pho additions. Stir some into your bowl, or place in a small dish for dipping your chicken or noodles separately.

How to Serve and Eat Pho

Eating chicken pho is an art form.  Here are steps to ensure you savor every bite.

Mix it up: Before you dive in, give the bowl a little mix to blend the flavors.

Add Condiments: Customize with sauces and toppings to your taste.

Sip the Broth: Don’t forget to savor the broth, which is often considered the heart of the pho. And it's totally okay to slurp the noodles; it enhances the flavors.

Dig In: What’s the traditional method for enjoying pho? Hold chopsticks in your dominant hand and a large spoon in the other hand. If that’s difficult for you or your family members, do what works for you. The whole point is to enjoy this delightfully flavorful comfort food, so if you need to involve a fork, go for it!

Pillsbury's Favorite Noodle Soup Recipes https://www.pillsbury.com/products/crescents/original

After you’ve made our easy Chicken Pho recipe, try out some of our other noodle soup recipes.

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup for a 30-minute meal that’s perfect for lunch or a cozy dinner. Nothing beats the classic!

Vegetarian Noodle Soup puts frozen vegetables and pantry ingredients to work. Here’s a veggie-loaded soup that’s easy to make.

One-Pot Lasagna Soup uses lasagna noodles, canned Italian-style tomatoes, spicy Italian sausage, and ricotta, for a filling meal with only 15 minutes of prep! Great for if you want all of the delicious, layered flavors of lasagna without all the work.

And don’t forget to pair these comforting soups with Pillsbury crescents or French bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can I Store Chicken Pho?

Chicken pho can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Transfer leftover pho to sealable storage containers and cover, then refrigerate. Cover and refrigerate toppings separately. Reheat in microwave or on stovetop until steaming before serving.

The noodles will continue to soak up the broth during storage. If possible, strain the broth and refrigerate in a separate container from the chicken and noodle mixture. It may be necessary to add a bit of water during reheating to achieve an ideal noodle to broth ratio.

When Should I Serve Pho?

Just as a cup of hot tea or a piping hot cup of coffee in the morning has both a warming and energizing effect, a brothy breakfast can feel nourishing and warming to prepare you for your day. Pho is typically enjoyed for breakfast in Vietnam, but we think it makes an excellent meal any time of day. In its most basic form, it makes an easy breakfast or lunch, but dress it up with more toppings and it makes an excellent, hearty dinner.

Easy Chicken Pho

  • Prep Time 25 min
  • Total 25 min
  • Ingredients 6
  • Servings 4
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Ingredients

  • 4 oz pad Thai (flat) rice noodles (from 8-oz package)
  • 1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ Chicken Broth
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 8 green onions, thinly sliced on the bias, whites and greens divided
Make With
Progresso Broth

Instructions

  • Step 
    1
    In large shallow microwavable bowl, microwave 2 quarts water uncovered on High 4 to 5 minutes or until boiling. Carefully add noodles to water; let soak at least 10 minutes until softened. Drain.
  • Step 
    2
    Meanwhile, in 4-quart Dutch oven or saucepan, heat chicken broth, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder to boiling over medium-high heat.
  • Step 
    3
    Add chicken and green onion whites. Return to boiling; reduce to simmering, and cook 5 minutes.
  • Step 
    4
    Remove from heat; stir in noodles and green onion greens.

Nutrition

230 Calories
4 1/2g Total Fat
17g Protein
30g Total Carbohydrate
3g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: About 1 1/2 Cups
Calories
230
Calories from Fat
40
Total Fat
4 1/2g
7%
Saturated Fat
1g
6%
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
45mg
15%
Sodium
990mg
41%
Potassium
220mg
6%
Total Carbohydrate
30g
10%
Dietary Fiber
2g
8%
Sugars
3g
Protein
17g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
6%
6%
Vitamin C
4%
4%
Calcium
4%
4%
Iron
8%
8%
Exchanges:
1 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 2 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 1/2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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