Slow-Simmered Chicken Pho with Star Anise and Ginger Broth

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant chicken pho featuring a clear, aromatic broth simmered with star anise and fresh ginger, served with tender chicken and fresh herbs. This vietnamese-inspired soups ready in about 120 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bone-in, medium onion, halved, fresh ginger, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, char 1 medium halved onion and 3 slices fresh ginger over medium heat for 5 minutes until fragrant and slightly blackened.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb bone-in chicken thighs, 3 whole star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 whole cloves, and 12 cups cold water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 1 hour, skimming any foam every 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp rock sugar, and 1 tsp salt to the broth. Continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes for deep flavor.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, soak 8 oz dried rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes until softened, then drain.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from broth, shred the meat discarding bones and skin.
  6. Step 6: Bring broth back to a boil, briefly cook noodles in boiling broth for 1 minute until tender, then divide noodles and shredded chicken among 4 bowls.
  7. Step 7: Ladle hot broth over bowls. Serve topped with 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil, 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup sliced scallions, sliced jalapeño to taste, and lime wedges for squeezing.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Chicken Pho with Star Anise and Ginger Broth take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (30 min prep + 90 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 Slow-Simmered Chicken Pho with Star Anise and Ginger 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 Slow-Simmered Chicken Pho with Star Anise and Ginger 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 Slow-Simmered Chicken Pho with Star Anise and Ginger 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 Slow-Simmered Chicken Pho with Star Anise and Ginger Broth?

Vietnamese soups 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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