Phở Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup) Recipe

If you haven’t tried Phở Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup) yet, you’re about to fall in love with one of Vietnam’s comfort food treasures. This beautifully aromatic soup combines melt-in-your-mouth chicken, a crystal-clear, spiced broth, and chewy rice noodles for the kind of bowl that soothes you from the very first slurp.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Phở Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup) recipe adds a special layer of flavor or enhances the dish’s signature color and texture. Together, they create pure magic in a bowl—trust me, you don’t want to skip a thing!

• Coriander & Fennel Seeds: These seeds are gently toasted for a sweet, citrusy aroma you’ll recognize from the first sip.
• Vietnamese Cinnamon Stick: Adds warmth and subtle sweetness unique to authentic pho.
• Black Cardamom Pods & Star Anise: Essential for the signature deep, smoky aroma and complex undertones.
• Whole Cloves: Give the broth a peppery lift and beautiful floral notes.
• Yellow Onions, Daikon & Ginger: Roasting these veggies brings out their natural sweetness and infuses the broth with depth and subtle smokiness.
• Whole Chicken + Chicken Breast: The perfect mix for juicy meat and a rich, silky broth. Use the best chicken you can find for flavor that really shines!
• Chicken Bouillon Powder, Palm Sugar, Salt: These backbone ingredients amp up umami, balance saltiness, and add a touch of natural sweetness.
• Fish Sauce: For that final splash of savory-salty tang that makes Vietnamese broths irresistible.
• Rice Vermicelli Noodles: Soft, slippery noodles are the soul of every Phở Ga bowl—go for fresh if possible!
• All the Toppings: Cilantro, green onions, Thai basil, bean sprouts, ngo gai (culantro), jalapeños, lime wedges, hoisin, and Sriracha let each person jazz up their own bowl.

Variations

Phở Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup) is as adaptable as it is delicious! Don’t be afraid to personalize it based on what you love, what’s in your pantry, or how spicy you like things.

• Quick Weeknight Pho: Use a quality rotisserie chicken and store-bought chicken broth for a shortcut version that’s still deeply comforting.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap the classic rice noodles for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles if you’re cutting back on carbs.
• Spicy Lovers’ Twist: Add extra sliced jalapeños or a dollop of chili crisp to turn up the heat.
• Allergen-Friendly: Omit the fish sauce and swap for soy sauce or coconut aminos for a fish-free or gluten-free version.

How to Make Phở Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup)

Step 1: Toast the Spices for Maximum Aroma

Start by warming up those life-changing aromatics! Toss coriander seeds, fennel, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and star anise into a skillet and toast gently until they smell warm and fragrant (just about 2 minutes, stirring often). Let them cool, then bundle everything into a tea bag or spice infuser. This step is my secret to a broth that truly sings with Vietnamese flavor.

Step 2: Broil the Aromatics for Extra Depth

Set your broiler to high and spread the onion wedges, daikon chunks, and ginger slices on a foil-lined pan. Broil until they’re deliciously charred on the edges—don’t rush it! This caramelization gives your Phở Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup) its signature earthy-sweet undertone and irresistible color.

Step 3: Parboil the Chicken for a Crystal-Clear Broth

Place your whole chicken and extra chicken breast in a big soup pot and cover with water. Bring to a rapid boil, then immediately remove the chicken and carefully pour out all the water. Give the chicken a quick rinse. This step is a little trick from Vietnamese grandmas everywhere—it keeps your broth clean and beautifully clear, without endless skimming.

Step 4: Simmer the Broth Low and Slow

Transfer the rinsed chicken, broiled aromatics, bouillon powder, palm sugar, and salt into a big stockpot. Fill with water, leaving about an inch at the top. Bring everything just to a boil, let it bubble for only 3 minutes (set a timer!), and skim off any foam. Then, turn off the heat, cover, and let it sit for a peaceful 45 minutes. The result? Incredibly rich but not heavy broth, and perfectly juicy chicken.

Step 5: Steep the Spices

Add your toasty spice bag, pour in an extra cup of water, and bring the broth back to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a gentle simmer for 30 minutes—no more than 45 minutes total for the spices, or they’ll overwhelm your delicate broth! Fish out the spice bag when you’re done.

Step 6: Finish with Fish Sauce and Remove Aromatics

Splash in your fish sauce and taste the warmth deepen—adjust salt as you like. Use a spider strainer or slotted spoon to scoop out all the onions, daikon, ginger, and spices so your broth is perfectly clear. Now is the time to shred your rested chicken into bite-sized pieces—try not to eat it all before serving!

Step 7: Cook the Noodles & Assemble the Bowls

Cook your pho rice noodles according to package instructions—be gentle if they’re fresh, they only need a soak or a brief boil! Divide the noodles among bowls, top with sliced chicken, then ladle over that gorgeous, steaming hot broth. Invite everyone to pile on all their favorite herbs, sprouts, chilies, and a squeeze of lime. Finish with hoisin and Sriracha on the side—Pho night is served!

How to Serve Phở Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup)

Garnishes

All the fresh garnishes are what make Phở Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup) so much fun! Set up a platter stacked with cilantro, green onion, white onion, Thai basil, bean sprouts, ngo gai (if you can find it), sliced jalapeños, and wedges of lime. Let everyone pile their favorites high for bursts of freshness in each bite.

Side Dishes

Keep sides simple and light—think crispy fried shallots as a topping, or serve with Vietnamese prawn crackers or a bright, zesty green papaya salad. And for a classic combo, an iced coffee or hot jasmine tea is perfect alongside your warm bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve Phở Ga in wide white bowls so the broth and toppings glisten. Try individual garnishing plates for each guest, or offer tiny dipping cups of hoisin and Sriracha for added fun. For kids, set up a “pho bar” and let them build their own masterpiece bowls, complete with extra crunchy bean sprouts and lime slices!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover broth and chicken separately from the noodles and garnishes. Ladle the cooled broth with chicken into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to five days—the flavors actually deepen overnight!

Freezing

Phở Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup) broth freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then freeze in mason jars or freezer-safe bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best quality. For ready-to-go meals, freeze individually portioned broth plus shredded chicken and simply add fresh noodles and toppings later.

Reheating

Gently reheat the broth over medium heat until just simmering, never boiling—which keeps it delicate and clear. Warm your noodles by briefly dunking them in hot water, then assemble your bowls with broth and all your favorite toppings!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as soul-soothing as a steaming bowl of Phở Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Pho Soup) made from scratch. Whenever you crave something heartwarming, nourishing, and layered with flavor, this recipe is here waiting to wrap you in a big, delicious hug. Give it a try—you’ll taste the love in every spoonful!

Print