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fragrant chicken pho with rice noodles, sliced chicken, bean sprouts, and Thai basil in a clear broth in a wide horizontal shot in a bowl, lime and chili on the side, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken Pho

A star anise and ginger broth with rice noodles, chicken, and herbs.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb chicken thighs bone-in
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 onion halved
  • 3 inch ginger halved
  • 3 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Method
 

  1. Char the onion and ginger over a flame or in a dry skillet until fragrant.
  2. Simmer the chicken, charred aromatics, star anise, and cinnamon in the water for about 30 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Remove the chicken, shred the meat, and strain the broth back into the pot.
  4. Stir in the fish sauce, then cook the rice noodles separately and divide into bowls.
  5. Top the noodles with chicken, ladle over the hot broth, and finish with bean sprouts, basil, and lime.

Notes

Charring the aromatics is the secret to deep, authentic pho flavor.