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Fresh Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Bowl

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A quick and easy pho-inspired chicken noodle soup that balances authentic Vietnamese flavors with simple ingredients, perfect for cozy dinners and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups (475 ml) water
  • 1 small onion, peeled and halved
  • 3-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced thinly
  • 2 whole star anise pods
  • 1 cinnamon stick (about 3 inches)
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g), thinly sliced
  • 6 oz (170 g) rice noodles (medium width, dried or fresh)
  • 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
  • 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup mint leaves
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 fresh lime, cut into wedges
  • 1 small red chili (optional, sliced thinly for heat)
  • Optional garnishes: hoisin sauce, sriracha or chili garlic sauce, thinly sliced white onion

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broth (15 minutes): In a large pot, combine chicken broth and water. Add halved onion, sliced ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
  2. Remove Aromatics: Use a slotted spoon or fine mesh strainer to remove onion, ginger, and whole spices. Discard solids. Add fish sauce and sugar, stirring until dissolved. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Thinly slice chicken breasts against the grain. Add directly into hot broth and simmer for 5-7 minutes until cooked through, keeping broth at a gentle simmer.
  4. Prepare the Noodles: If using dried rice noodles, soak in warm water according to package instructions (about 10 minutes) until pliable but not mushy. Drain and set aside. For fresh noodles, separate and rinse under cold water.
  5. Assemble the Soup Bowls: Divide noodles evenly between serving bowls. Ladle hot broth and chicken slices over noodles to warm them and finish cooking any fresh herbs.
  6. Add Fresh Herbs and Garnishes: Top each bowl with bean sprouts, cilantro, basil, mint, green onions, and sliced chili if using. Serve with lime wedges and optional hoisin or sriracha sauces.

Notes

Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender. Skim foam or impurities during simmering for a clear broth. Add fresh herbs just before serving to preserve flavor and color. Soak noodles properly to avoid mushiness or toughness. Adjust fish sauce and sugar gradually to balance flavors. A splash of lime juice before serving brightens the broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: pho, chicken noodle soup, Vietnamese soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, rice noodles, fresh herbs, quick dinner

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/fresh-vietnamese-pho-inspired-chicken-noodle-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-bowl/