20 Minute Chicken Pho

If you’ve been craving a comforting, flavorful soup without spending hours in the kitchen, this 20 Minute Chicken Pho recipe is your new best friend. Packed with aromatic herbs, tender chicken, and fresh veggies, this quick and tasty version of the classic Vietnamese pho delivers all the savory goodness you love, without the long wait or complicated steps. Perfect for chilly nights or anytime you want a satisfying, wholesome meal on the table fast, this recipe is a game changer for home cooks and pho enthusiasts alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes, this chicken pho is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
• Fresh, vibrant flavors: The combination of fresh herbs and spices creates an irresistibly fragrant broth that feels restaurant-quality.
• Simple ingredients: Using easy-to-find items ensures you can whip this up without a special trip to the store.
• Healthy and nourishing: Lean chicken, vegetables, and herbs make this a light yet satisfying meal.
• Customizable: Tailor the spice levels, noodles, and toppings to match your personal taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this 20 Minute Chicken Pho plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Below you’ll find essentials that come together simply and harmoniously to make this dish truly special.

• Chicken breast or thighs: Provides tender, lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the broth’s flavor beautifully.
• Rice noodles: These delicate noodles give pho its signature chewy texture and soak up the broth perfectly.
• Chicken broth: The flavorful base infuses the soup with richness; homemade or store-bought works well.
• Ginger and garlic: Fresh aromatics that bring warmth and depth to the broth.
• Star anise and cloves: Classic pho spices that add subtle sweetness and earthiness.
• Fish sauce: Adds umami and authentic Vietnamese flair.
• Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, mint): Brighten each spoonful with freshness and color.
• Lime wedges: Offer a zesty finish that balances the savory broth.
• Bean sprouts: Provide crunchy texture contrast.
• Chili peppers or Sriracha: Optional heat boost to spice things up.

Variations for 20 Minute Chicken Pho

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to customize it based on what you have or prefer. Making it your own is simple and fun!

• Vegetarian version: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and add tofu instead of chicken for a plant-based delight.
• Spicy upgrade: Include fresh sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili oil for an extra kick.
• Low-carb option: Replace rice noodles with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles to reduce carbs.
• Additional protein: Toss in shrimp or thinly sliced beef to switch up the protein source.
• Herb variations: Try swapping traditional pho herbs for other fresh greens like Thai basil or green onions.

How to Make 20 Minute Chicken Pho

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Start by bringing the chicken broth to a gentle boil in a large pot. Add sliced ginger, garlic cloves, star anise, and cloves. Let these aromatics steep in the hot broth for 10 minutes to develop a rich, fragrant base.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the broth simmers, thinly slice your chicken breasts or thighs. Add pieces directly to the simmering broth and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Noodles

In a separate pot or bowl, soak or cook the rice noodles according to package instructions until they’re just tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pho Bowls

Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth and chicken over the noodles, ensuring you include some of the spices for flavor.

Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings

Top your pho with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili slices. Serve immediately while steaming hot for the best experience.

Pro Tips for Making 20 Minute Chicken Pho

• Use thinly sliced chicken: It cooks faster and stays tender in the broth.
• Toast spices briefly: Lightly toasting star anise and cloves before boiling intensifies their flavor.
• Don’t over-soak noodles: Soak just until tender to avoid mushy texture once added to hot broth.
• Use fresh herbs generously: They enhance brightness and authenticity in every bite.
• Adjust saltiness last: Add fish sauce at the end and taste to keep flavors balanced.

How to Serve 20 Minute Chicken Pho

Garnishes

Garnishing your chicken pho is where you can get creative. Pile on fresh cilantro, Thai basil, mint leaves, thinly sliced scallions, bean sprouts, jalapeño slices, and a squeeze of lime. These add layers of texture, color, and brightness that bring the dish to life.

Side Dishes

Pair this pho with a light Asian-inspired side like crispy spring rolls, fresh cucumber salad, or pickled vegetables. These sides complement the broth without overwhelming its delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your pho in deep, wide bowls to showcase the colorful layers. For a stylish dinner party, offer a garnishing station where guests can customize their bowls with the herbs, chilies, and lime wedges of their choice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover broth and chicken separately from the noodles in airtight containers in the refrigerator to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy. They’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the broth and cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing noodles, as they tend to lose texture when thawed.

Reheating

Reheat broth gently on the stove until steaming, then add the chicken to warm through. Briefly soak fresh noodles or reheat separately to maintain their springy texture before assembling your pho bowl.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and tend to stay juicier, making them a great choice for this quick pho recipe.

Is it necessary to use star anise and cloves?

While these spices provide authentic pho flavor, you can omit them if unavailable and still end up with a delicious broth enhanced by ginger and garlic.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free rice noodles (many are naturally gluten-free) and double-check that your fish sauce contains no wheat or gluten ingredients.

Can I prepare this vegan?

Yes! Replace chicken and chicken broth with tofu and vegetable broth, and omit fish sauce or use a vegan alternative like soy sauce or tamari.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover pho?

Heat the broth separately on the stove, gently warming it without boiling, then add warm chicken and fresh noodles to keep textures intact.

Final Thoughts

This 20 Minute Chicken Pho recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves comforting, vibrant meals without spending hours cooking. Once you taste that fragrant, flavorful broth combined with tender chicken and fresh herbs, you’ll see just how easy it is to enjoy homemade pho anytime. So grab your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to savor a bowl of warmth and deliciousness you’ll want to make again and again.

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