Pho-Inspired Chicken Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise Broth

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant chicken noodle soup with a clear star anise and cinnamon broth, tender shredded chicken, and fresh herbs, inspired by Vietnamese pho flavors. This vietnamese-inspired vietnamese ready in about 80 minutes pairs chicken thighs bone-in, medium, halved onion, inch piece, sliced ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, char 1 medium halved onion and 2-inch sliced ginger over medium heat until lightly blackened, about 5 minutes, then add 1 lb bone-in chicken thighs, 3 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cloves, and 10 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 45 minutes to develop a fragrant broth.
  2. Step 2: Remove the chicken and strain the broth through a fine sieve into a clean pot, discarding solids. Season the broth with 3 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, soak or cook 8 oz rice noodles according to package instructions until tender but still slightly chewy, then drain.
  4. Step 4: Shred the cooled chicken meat, discarding bones and skin.
  5. Step 5: To serve, divide the noodles among 4 bowls, top with shredded chicken, then ladle hot broth over. Garnish with 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 3 sliced scallions, sliced jalapeño to taste, and lime wedges for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pho-Inspired Chicken Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise Broth take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pho-Inspired Chicken Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise Broth?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs bone-in from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pho-Inspired Chicken Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise Broth?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pho-Inspired Chicken Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise Broth for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pho-Inspired Chicken Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise Broth?

Vietnamese vietnamese like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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