Asian Chicken Pho with Rice Noodles

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-23 · Updated 2026-03-23

Light and aromatic chicken pho with rice noodles, herbs, and a savory broth. This asian-inspired chicken (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 75 minutes pairs chicken breast, rice noodles, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breast
• 2 cups rice noodles
• 1 onion
• 2 tbsp ginger
• 2 pieces star anise
• 1/2 cup scallions
• 1 lime

Instructions

1. Step 1: Dice the onion into 1/2-inch cubes and grate the ginger. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil, then sauté the onion and ginger for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the ginger is fragrant. Tip: Stir frequently to prevent the onion from burning.
2. Step 2: Add 4 cups of pho broth (store-bought or homemade), 2 star anise, and 1/2 tsp salt to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes, skimming any foam that rises to the surface. Tip: Use a ladle to skim foam for a clearer broth.
3. Step 3: In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain thoroughly, then add the noodles to the simmering broth. Tip: Rinse the noodles under cold water immediately after draining to prevent them from becoming mushy.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, slice the scallions into 1-inch pieces and cut the lime into wedges. Once the broth is ready, ladle it into bowls, top with the cooked noodles, scallions, and lime wedges. Squeeze the lime juice over the top just before serving. Tip: Add the scallions and lime wedges at the end to preserve their freshness and vibrant flavor.