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To make a delicious Simple Chicken Pho, you need the following ingredients: - 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced - 8 cups chicken broth - 1 onion, thinly sliced - 1 piece of ginger (2 inches), thinly sliced - 2 star anise pods - 1 cinnamon stick - 3 whole cloves - 2 tablespoons fish sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 package rice noodles (8 oz) - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish - Bean sprouts, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving - Sliced jalapeños (optional), for serving - Salt, to taste This list gives you all the key flavors. The chicken breast adds protein, while the spices give the soup depth. The broth is the heart of the dish, providing warmth and comfort. Fresh herbs and lime enhance the flavor and freshness. If you want to learn more about cooking this soup, check out the Full Recipe. - Bring chicken broth to a gentle boil. - Add onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and cloves. - Simmer for 15 minutes. I like to start with a large pot of chicken broth. You want it to boil gently. Once it bubbles, add sliced onion and ginger. The smell is amazing! Then toss in the star anise, cinnamon stick, and cloves. This will make your broth fragrant. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes. - Follow package instructions to prepare rice noodles. - Drain and set aside. While the broth simmers, I prepare the rice noodles. Just follow the package instructions. It usually takes only a few minutes. Once they are soft, drain them well. Set them aside for later. - Strain broth and return to pot. - Stir in fish sauce and soy sauce. - Add chicken and cook until tender. - Serve noodles in bowls and ladle broth over. After 15 minutes, it’s time to strain the broth. Use a fine sieve to remove the spices. Pour the clear broth back into the pot. Stir in fish sauce and soy sauce. Taste it! You can adjust the salt if needed. Then, add the thinly sliced chicken. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. It should be tender and fully cooked. To serve, place some rice noodles in each bowl. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles. Make sure to get pieces of chicken in there too. It's delicious! You can garnish with fresh basil, cilantro, and bean sprouts. Lime wedges add a nice touch. If you like spice, add jalapeños on the side. This is a simple chicken pho that warms the soul. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. - Adjust seasoning with salt to taste. - Consider adding more herbs or spices. For example, fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness. - Use a fine sieve for a clear broth. This step keeps your soup looking clean. - Keep chicken tender by monitoring cooking time. Cook it just until it turns white. - Garnish creatively with herbs and lime wedges. A pop of green looks great! - Arrange ingredients for an appealing look. Layer noodles, chicken, and broth nicely for the best presentation. {{image_4}} You can make your chicken pho even better with veggies. I like to add sliced mushrooms or bok choy. These ingredients bring extra flavor and nutrients. Just toss them in when you add the chicken. They will cook quickly and keep their crunch. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, tofu is a great choice. Just cube it and add it to the broth instead of chicken. It absorbs flavors well and adds a nice texture. If you're short on time, you can also use rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked, so just shred it and add it to the hot broth. Feel free to get creative with your broth! You can try using beef or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Each type brings its own unique taste. Experimenting with different broth bases can lead to exciting new flavors. Just remember to adjust your seasonings to match the broth you choose. These variations make your simple chicken pho even more enjoyable. They allow you to customize your soup based on what you have at home or your dietary needs. For the full recipe, check out the Herbal Delight Chicken Pho. After enjoying your Simple Chicken Pho, let any leftovers cool down. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to keep the broth and noodles separate for the best taste. If you want to store your pho longer, freezing is a great option. Freeze the broth and noodles separately for best texture. This way, the noodles won’t get mushy. You can keep them in the freezer for up to two months. When you're ready to enjoy your pho again, reheating is simple. Use the stovetop or microwave to warm it up. If the broth seems thick, add a bit of water or broth to adjust the liquid. This will help bring back its original flavor and texture. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook. So, in total, you need just 40 minutes to enjoy this comforting soup. This recipe serves four people, making it perfect for a cozy family meal or a small gathering. Yes, you can use dried herbs. However, fresh herbs give your pho a brighter and fresher taste. Fresh basil and cilantro add a nice pop of flavor. If you want the best taste, I recommend sticking with fresh herbs when possible. If you don’t have fish sauce, don't worry! Soy sauce or coconut aminos are great substitutes. They both add umami flavors to your broth. This way, you still get a delicious taste in your pho. For a vegetarian option, coconut aminos is a fantastic choice. This article covered the key ingredients for making Simple Chicken Pho, from chicken and spices to garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions to prepare a flavorful broth, cook the noodles, and serve the dish with appealing garnishes. You can also try variations to fit your taste. Whether adding veggies or swapping proteins, Pho is versatile. Remember to store leftovers properly for future meals. Enjoy crafting your own delicious bowl of Pho!

Simple Chicken Pho

Discover the magic of flavors with this Herbal Delight Chicken Pho recipe! This aromatic dish brings the warmth of chicken broth infused with spices like star anise and cinnamon, topped with fresh herbs and zesty lime. In just 40 minutes, you can create a delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion. Click through to explore the full recipe and experience a bowl of comfort that will impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced

8 cups chicken broth

1 onion, thinly sliced

1 piece of ginger (2 inches), thinly sliced

2 star anise pods

1 cinnamon stick

3 whole cloves

2 tablespoons fish sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 package rice noodles (8 oz)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Bean sprouts, for garnish

Lime wedges, for serving

Sliced jalapeños (optional), for serving

Salt, to taste

Instructions
 

In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium heat.

    Once boiling, add the sliced onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and cloves to the pot. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the aromatic flavors to infuse the broth.

      While the broth is simmering, prepare the rice noodles by following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set aside.

        After 15 minutes of simmering, strain the broth through a fine sieve to remove the solid spices and pieces. Return the clear, fragrant broth to the pot.

          Stir in the fish sauce and soy sauce to the broth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as necessary.

            Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the simmering broth. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.

              To serve, place a portion of the cooked rice noodles in each bowl. Ladle hot broth with pieces of chicken over the noodles, ensuring a good mix of flavors.

                Garnish each bowl with fresh basil leaves, cilantro leaves, and bean sprouts. Serve with lime wedges and sliced jalapeños on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4