Why You’ll Love this Aromatic Chicken Pho
When you’re craving something both comforting and exotic, this chicken pho delivers on all fronts. The aromatic blend of ginger, lemongrass, and fish sauce creates a broth that’s deeply satisfying yet light enough for any day.
I love how the delicate rice noodles soak up the savory broth while tender chicken adds substance.
What makes this recipe special? The garnishes. Fresh bean sprouts add crunch, while lime brightens everything with a citrusy zing. The chilies offer customizable heat—add more if you’re feeling bold.
Trust me, once you master this soup, you’ll skip the takeout and make it yourself.
What Ingredients are in Aromatic Chicken Pho?
Making authentic chicken pho at home requires a combination of fragrant aromatics, hearty protein, and fresh garnishes. The beauty of this Vietnamese soup lies in its balance of flavors—salty fish sauce, bright lime, warm ginger, and the distinctive lemongrass that makes pho so recognizable.
Don’t worry if you haven’t worked with some of these ingredients before; they’re becoming increasingly available in regular grocery stores, and the reward is worth the small effort of seeking them out.
- 2 ounces rice noodles
- 1 piece gingerroot
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 4 spring onions, chopped
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 stalk lemongrass, chopped
- 3 pints low-fat chicken broth
- 4 ounces raw chicken, sliced in strips
- 1 red chili pepper, finely sliced
- 2 ounces bean sprouts, blanched in boiling water
- 1 ounce ginkgo nuts, crushed
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped
- 1 lime
When shopping for these ingredients, freshness matters tremendously, especially for the aromatics like ginger, lemongrass, and coriander (also known as cilantro).
If you can’t find ginkgo nuts, don’t fret—they add a nice texture but aren’t essential to the soul of the dish. The fish sauce might seem intimidating if you’re new to Asian cooking, but it provides that umami depth that makes pho so addictive.
And remember, the garnishes are part of the experience, allowing each person to customize their bowl to their taste preferences, so don’t skip them.
How to Make this Aromatic Chicken Pho
Making chicken pho is a wonderful process that rewards patience with incredible flavor. Start by cooking 2 ounces of rice noodles in boiling salted water for about four minutes—they should be tender but still have a slight bite. Strain them and set aside while you build the aromatic broth that forms the heart of this dish.
Next, sauté 1 piece of gingerroot over low heat for 15 minutes, which helps release its warm, spicy oils. After cooling, slice it thinly to maximize flavor distribution.
Now comes the magical part: creating the fragrant broth. Combine the sliced ginger with 1 crushed garlic clove, 4 chopped spring onions, 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, and 1 chopped stalk of lemongrass in 3 pints of low-fat chicken broth. Let this mixture simmer gently for 45 minutes, allowing all those aromatic ingredients to infuse the broth with their essence.
When the broth has developed its complex flavor profile, strain it to create a clear soup base, reserving the liquid. Add 4 ounces of raw chicken strips to the strained broth and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked but still tender.
To serve this fragrant delight, first reheat the noodles by pouring boiling water over them—this quick rinse both warms them and removes excess starch. Drain thoroughly and divide the noodles between serving bowls.
Pour the hot chicken broth and meat over the noodles, then comes the fun part—garnishing! Top each bowl with slices of 1 red chili pepper, 2 ounces of blanched bean sprouts, 1 ounce of crushed ginkgo nuts, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh coriander. Finish with a wedge of lime on the side, which diners can squeeze over their soup for that perfect hit of brightness that makes pho so invigorating and balanced.
Aromatic Chicken Pho Substitutions and Variations
Several delicious variations and substitutions can transform this classic chicken pho recipe to suit your dietary needs or what you happen to have in your pantry.
Don’t have fish sauce? Try soy sauce with a squeeze of lime for that umami kick.
Vegetarians can swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms, and veggie broth works beautifully as the base. I’ve made this with leftover turkey after Thanksgiving—a game-changer, trust me.
For gluten-sensitive folks, double-check your fish sauce label.
Need more heat? Add sriracha or extra chilies.
Rice noodles can be replaced with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Missing lemongrass? Lemon zest will do in a pinch.
What to Serve with Aromatic Chicken Pho
Wondering what to pair with your steaming bowl of aromatic chicken pho? I like to keep sides simple and complementary, letting the soup’s complex flavors shine.
A fresh plate of bean sprouts, mint leaves, and Thai basil allows everyone to customize their bowl.
For a complete meal, try crispy spring rolls with sweet chili dipping sauce. The contrasting textures work magic together, trust me.
A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing cuts through the richness, rejuvenating your palate between spoonfuls.
And don’t forget a cold Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk for the perfect sweet counterpoint to your savory pho.
Final Thoughts
While chicken pho might seem intimidating at first glance, I’ve found it’s one of those recipes that becomes second nature after you’ve made it once or twice. The aromatic blend of ginger, lemongrass, and fish sauce creates a broth that’s truly soul-warming on chilly days.
Don’t stress about perfection. Sometimes my broth isn’t crystal clear, or my garnishes aren’t Instagram-worthy. But you know what? The flavor is always comforting.
Remember to taste as you go, adjusting the fish sauce or adding a squeeze of lime until it’s just right for your palate. Ready to give it a try?
