Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Chicken Soup with Star Anise

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fragrant chicken soup simmered with star anise and fresh herbs, capturing the essence of classic Vietnamese pho in a comforting bowl. This vietnamese-inspired chicken ready in about 75 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, whole star anise, inch piece, sliced ginger root for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, 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: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 Vietnamese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs, 10 cups water, 3 whole star anise, 2-inch sliced ginger root, and 1 medium halved yellow onion. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, skimming foam occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Remove chicken thighs and set aside to cool. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve back into the pot. Add 3 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tsp salt to the broth, adjusting seasoning to taste.
  3. Step 3: While broth simmers, cook 8 oz rice noodles according to package instructions until tender, then drain.
  4. Step 4: Shred cooled chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. To serve, divide noodles into bowls, top with shredded chicken, 1 cup rinsed bean sprouts, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/2 cup fresh basil. Ladle hot broth over and garnish with lime wedges for squeezing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Chicken Soup with Star Anise take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 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 Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Chicken Soup with Star Anise?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Chicken Soup with Star Anise?

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 Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Chicken Soup with Star Anise for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Chicken Soup with Star Anise?

Vietnamese chicken 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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