How to Make Vietnamese Chicken Pho for Dinner

Chicken Pho, or "Phở Gà," is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup known for its aromatic broth and tender chicken. Making this delightful dish at home is simpler than you might think. Follow this guide for a delicious Vietnamese Chicken Pho that will impress your family and friends during dinner.

Ingredients

To make authentic Vietnamese Chicken Pho, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 1 ginger root (about 3 inches), halved
  • 3-4 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4-5 cloves
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 10 cups water
  • Salt, to taste
  • 8 oz rice noodles (bánh phở)
  • Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, mint)
  • Bean sprouts
  • Chili peppers, sliced
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Begin by charring the onion and ginger. You can do this on an open flame or in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are fragrant and lightly browned. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the broth.

In a large pot, combine the whole chicken, charred onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, coriander seeds, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, skimming off any foam that forms on the surface. Let the broth simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 2: Remove the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices and debris, discarding the solids. Return the clean broth to the pot and season with salt to taste.

Step 3: Cook the Rice Noodles

While the broth simmers, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Typically, this involves soaking the noodles in hot water for 10-15 minutes until they are soft. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. Set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Pho

To serve, place a portion of the cooked rice noodles in a bowl. Ladle hot broth over the noodles, then top with shredded chicken. Add fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and sliced chili peppers according to your taste. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.

Tips for the Perfect Pho

1. For deeper flavor, let your broth simmer for longer than an hour if time permits. The longer it simmers, the more complex the flavors will be.

2. Experiment with toppings! Common additions include hoisin sauce, Sriracha, and fried garlic.

3. Serve the pho immediately after assembling to enjoy it hot and fresh.

With these steps, you’ll have a comforting bowl of Vietnamese Chicken Pho ready to enjoy for dinner. The combination of fragrant broth, tender chicken, and fresh herbs makes this dish a perfect choice for a cozy meal at home.