Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Chicken Soup with Star Anise and Ginger
A fragrant and soothing homemade chicken broth infused with star anise, ginger, and warm spices, served with tender chicken and fresh herbs. This vietnamese-inspired soups ready in about 130 minutes pairs legs (about 2 lbs) whole chicken legs, inch piece fresh ginger, pods star anise pods 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
- 3 legs (about 2 lbs) whole chicken legs
- 3-inch piece fresh ginger
- 3 pods star anise pods
- 1 stick (3 inches) cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves cloves
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 10 cups water
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 wedges lime wedges
- 1 sliced thin jalapeño
Instructions
- Step 1: Char 1 medium yellow onion and 3-inch piece fresh ginger over an open flame or under a broiler until blackened in spots (about 5 minutes). Rinse under cold water and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large pot, add 3 whole chicken legs (about 2 lbs), the charred onion, charred ginger, 3 star anise pods, 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches), 4 whole cloves, and 10 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 1.5 hours, skimming any foam off the surface.
- Step 3: Remove the chicken legs and set aside to cool. Strain the broth through a fine sieve back into the pot. Add 3 tbsp fish sauce and season with salt to taste. Shred the cooled chicken meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 4: Prepare 8 oz rice noodles according to package instructions, usually soaking in hot water for 5-7 minutes until soft, then drain.
- Step 5: To serve, divide noodles into bowls, ladle hot broth over them, and top with shredded chicken, 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeño, and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Chicken Soup with Star Anise and Ginger take to make?
Total time is about 130 minutes (20 min prep + 110 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 and Ginger?
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 inch piece fresh ginger from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Chicken Soup with Star Anise and Ginger?
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 and Ginger 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 Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Chicken Soup with Star Anise and Ginger?
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.
