12 Delicious Chicken Pho Recipe Variations

Warm up your kitchen and your soul with our roundup of 12 Delicious Chicken Pho Recipe Variations! Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner, a bowl of comfort on a chilly evening, or a fresh take on this Vietnamese classic, we’ve got something to tickle your taste buds. Dive in and discover how easy it is to bring the aromatic flavors of pho into your home cooking.

Classic Chicken Pho with Rice Noodles

Hey there! If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, you’ve got to try making Classic Chicken Pho with Rice Noodles. It’s simpler than you think and totally hits the spot.

Ingredients

• For the broth: 8 cups chicken stock, 1 onion (halved), 3-inch piece ginger (sliced), 2 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tbsp coriander seeds, 1 tbsp fish sauce
• For the noodles and toppings: 8 oz rice noodles, 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded), 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped), 1/4 cup green onions (sliced), 1 lime (cut into wedges), 2 jalapeños (sliced)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine chicken stock, onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and coriander seeds. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Tip: Skim off any foam that rises to the top for a clearer broth.
3. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into another pot. Discard the solids. Stir in fish sauce.
4. Meanwhile, cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
5. Divide noodles among bowls. Top with shredded chicken, then ladle hot broth over the top.
6. Garnish with bean sprouts, cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, and jalapeños. Tip: Let everyone customize their bowl with toppings for a fun, interactive meal.
7. Serve immediately. Tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of hoisin sauce or sriracha to your bowl.

Comforting and aromatic, this pho is all about the tender noodles and rich broth. Try serving it with extra lime wedges on the side for a bright, citrusy kick.

Spicy Chicken Pho with Sriracha

Ever craved a bowl of pho that packs a punch? This Spicy Chicken Pho with Sriracha is your answer. It’s a fiery twist on the classic, perfect for when you need warmth with a kick.

Ingredients

• For the broth:
  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 3-inch piece of ginger, sliced
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• For the pho:
  • 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 2 tbsp Sriracha
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine chicken stock, onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and coriander seeds. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes to infuse the broth with flavors. Strain the broth and return it to the pot.
3. While the broth simmers, cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Add sliced chicken to the strained broth. Cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.
5. Stir in Sriracha and fish sauce. Adjust the heat to your liking with more Sriracha if desired.
6. Divide noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth and chicken over the noodles.
7. Top with lime juice, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño slices.

Dig into this Spicy Chicken Pho and feel the heat from the Sriracha mellowed by the rich broth. The fresh toppings add a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft noodles. Serve it with extra lime wedges for those who dare to amp up the tang.

Vegetable-Infused Chicken Pho

Kickstart your culinary adventure with this Vegetable-Infused Chicken Pho, a comforting bowl that’s packed with flavors and easy to whip up. You’ll love how the fresh veggies and tender chicken come together in a fragrant broth.

Ingredients

• For the broth:
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 whole chicken (about 3 lbs)
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 3-inch piece ginger, sliced
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• For the pho:
  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 2 cups bean sprouts
  • 1 cup basil leaves
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the whole chicken, onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and coriander seeds to the pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, skimming off any foam that rises to the top.
3. After 1 hour, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool. Strain the broth and return it to the pot.
4. Shred the chicken meat, discarding the bones and skin.
5. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and divide among bowls.
6. Top the noodles with shredded chicken, bean sprouts, basil leaves, green onions, and jalapeño slices if using.
7. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and toppings. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Perfectly balanced, this pho boasts a silky broth with a hint of spice and freshness from the herbs. Try adding a splash of hoisin sauce or sriracha for an extra kick.

Chicken Pho with Mushroom Broth

Sometimes, you just need a bowl of something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. That’s where this Chicken Pho with Mushroom Broth comes in—it’s a twist on the classic, with a rich, umami-packed broth that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• For the broth:
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 lb chicken bones
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 inch ginger, sliced
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
• For the pho:
  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 2 jalapeños, sliced

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the chicken bones, mushrooms, onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick to the pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, skimming off any foam that rises to the top.
3. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot. Discard the solids.
4. Stir in the fish sauce and salt. Keep the broth warm over low heat.
5. In a separate pot, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
6. Divide the noodles among 4 bowls. Top with sliced chicken breast.
7. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and chicken. The heat will cook the chicken slices perfectly.
8. Garnish each bowl with bean sprouts, cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, and jalapeños.

Customize your bowl with extra lime or jalapeños for more zing. The broth is deep and aromatic, while the chicken stays tender and juicy. Serve it with a side of hoisin sauce or sriracha for dipping.

Quick and Easy Chicken Pho

Zesty and comforting, this Quick and Easy Chicken Pho is your go-to for a cozy night in. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up, yet it’s packed with all the fragrant, savory goodness you crave.

Ingredients

• For the broth: 6 cups chicken broth, 1 onion (quartered), 3 cloves garlic (smashed), 1 inch ginger (sliced), 1 cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar
• For the noodles and chicken: 8 oz rice noodles, 2 chicken breasts (sliced thin)
• For serving: 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped), 1 lime (cut into wedges), 2 green onions (sliced), 1 jalapeno (sliced), hoisin sauce and sriracha to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, onion, garlic, ginger, cinnamon stick, star anise, fish sauce, and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Tip: Skim off any foam that rises to the top for a clearer broth.
3. While the broth simmers, cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Add sliced chicken to the broth and cook for 5-7 minutes, until no longer pink. Tip: Slicing the chicken thin ensures it cooks quickly and stays tender.
5. Divide noodles among bowls. Ladle hot broth and chicken over the noodles.
6. Serve with bean sprouts, cilantro, lime wedges, green onions, jalapeno, hoisin sauce, and sriracha on the side. Tip: Let everyone customize their bowl to their liking for a fun, interactive meal.

Just like that, you’ve got a bowl of pho that’s light yet satisfying, with a broth that’s aromatic and deeply flavorful. Try topping it with a soft-boiled egg for an extra layer of richness.

Chicken Pho with a Twist of Lime

Zesty flavors and comforting warmth come together in this Chicken Pho with a Twist of Lime. Perfect for those days when you crave something both refreshing and hearty.

Ingredients

• For the broth:
  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 3-inch piece of ginger, sliced
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• For the pho:
  • 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup mint leaves
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine chicken stock, onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and coriander seeds. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes to infuse the broth with flavors. Tip: Skim off any foam that rises to the top for a clearer broth.
3. While the broth simmers, cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
4. Add thinly sliced chicken breast to the broth. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink. Tip: Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
5. Divide noodles among bowls. Ladle hot broth and chicken over the noodles.
6. Top with lime juice, cilantro, mint leaves, green onions, and jalapeno slices. Tip: Adjust the amount of lime juice and jalapeno to suit your taste for heat and acidity.

Kick back and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this dish. The lime adds a bright contrast to the rich broth, while the fresh herbs bring a burst of freshness. Serve it with extra lime wedges on the side for those who love an extra zing.

Herbal Chicken Pho with Fresh Basil

Dig into a bowl of Herbal Chicken Pho with Fresh Basil, and you’re in for a treat that’s both comforting and refreshing. This dish combines the heartiness of traditional pho with the bright, aromatic touch of fresh basil, making it perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• For the broth:
  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 inch ginger, sliced
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
• For the noodles and chicken:
  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• For serving:
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 jalapeno, sliced (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine chicken stock, onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes to infuse the broth with flavors. Tip: Skim off any foam that rises to the top for a clearer broth.
3. While the broth simmers, prepare rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Add thinly sliced chicken breasts to the broth. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink. Tip: Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
5. Remove the onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick from the broth. Stir in fish sauce.
6. Divide the cooked noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth and chicken over the noodles.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, lime wedges, green onions, and jalapeno slices if using. Tip: Tear the basil leaves to release their aroma before adding to the pho.

Rich in flavor and aroma, this Herbal Chicken Pho with Fresh Basil offers a delightful contrast between the savory broth and the fresh, herbal notes. Serve it with extra lime wedges on the side for those who love a tangy kick.

Chicken Pho with Bean Sprouts and Jalapenos

After a long day, there’s nothing like a bowl of Chicken Pho to warm you up. This version, packed with fresh bean sprouts and a kick of jalapenos, is both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients

• For the broth:
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 inch ginger, sliced
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
• For the noodles and toppings:
  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 2 cups bean sprouts
  • 2 jalapenos, sliced
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, onion, garlic, ginger, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes to infuse the flavors. Tip: Skim off any foam that rises to the top for a clearer broth.
3. Strain the broth into another pot, discarding the solids. Stir in fish sauce and sugar.
4. Meanwhile, cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
5. Divide noodles among bowls. Ladle hot broth over the noodles.
6. Top with bean sprouts, jalapenos, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side. Tip: The lime adds a bright acidity that balances the rich broth.
7. Let everyone customize their bowl with more jalapenos or bean sprouts as desired. Tip: For extra heat, leave the seeds in the jalapenos.

With its silky noodles and aromatic broth, this Chicken Pho is a bowl of pure comfort. The crunch of bean sprouts and the heat from jalapenos make every bite interesting. Try serving it with a side of hoisin sauce for dipping the chicken.

Slow-Cooked Chicken Pho

Alright, imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the aromatic whispers of slow-cooked chicken pho—it’s like a warm hug after a long day. You’re about to dive into making this comforting bowl of goodness that’s both hearty and light, perfect for any season.

Ingredients

• For the broth:
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 3-inch piece ginger, sliced
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tbsp salt
• For serving:
  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 2 cups bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
  • 1/2 cup basil leaves
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Hoisin sauce and sriracha, to taste

Instructions

1. Place the chicken, water, onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, and salt in a large pot. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1.5 hours. Tip: Skim off any foam that rises to the top for a clearer broth.
3. After 1.5 hours, remove the chicken and let it cool. Strain the broth and return it to the pot.
4. Shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones. Tip: Save the bones for stock if you’re into zero-waste cooking.
5. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and divide among bowls.
6. Top the noodles with shredded chicken, then ladle the hot broth over. Tip: The heat from the broth will warm the chicken perfectly.
7. Serve with bean sprouts, cilantro, basil, lime wedges, green onions, hoisin sauce, and sriracha on the side.

This slow-cooked chicken pho boasts a broth that’s deeply flavorful yet surprisingly light, with tender chicken and silky noodles. Try adding a splash of lime juice and a dab of sriracha for a bright, spicy kick that elevates every bite.

Chicken Pho with Coconut Milk

Oh, you’re going to love this twist on traditional pho! It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, thanks to the coconut milk. Perfect for those days when you’re craving something a bit different.

Ingredients

• For the broth:
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
• For the pho:
  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, coconut milk, fish sauce, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Tip: Skim off any foam that rises to the top for a clearer broth.
3. While the broth simmers, cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Tip: Rinse noodles under cold water to prevent sticking.
4. Add sliced chicken to the broth. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink. Tip: Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
5. Divide noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth and chicken over the noodles.
6. Top with bean sprouts, cilantro, and green onions. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Get ready to dive into a bowl of this luscious pho. The coconut milk adds a silky texture, while the lime brings a bright zing. Try adding a dash of sriracha for an extra kick!

Gluten-Free Chicken Pho

Hey there, if you’re craving something warm, comforting, and totally gluten-free, this Chicken Pho is about to become your new favorite. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any day you need a little pick-me-up.

Ingredients

• For the broth:
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 3-inch piece of ginger, sliced
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
• For the noodles and chicken:
  • 8 oz gluten-free rice noodles
  • 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• For serving:
  • 2 cups bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup basil leaves
  • 2 limes, quartered
  • 2 jalapeños, sliced

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and fish sauce. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Tip: Skim off any foam that rises to the top for a clearer broth.
3. While the broth simmers, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Add the sliced chicken to the broth and cook for about 5 minutes, or until no longer pink. Tip: Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
5. Divide the noodles among four bowls. Ladle the hot broth and chicken over the noodles.
6. Serve with bean sprouts, cilantro, basil, lime wedges, and jalapeños on the side. Tip: Squeeze lime juice over your bowl right before eating for a fresh zing.

The broth is rich and aromatic, with tender chicken and silky noodles that soak up all the flavors. Try adding a dash of sriracha if you like it spicy, or enjoy it as is for a soothing meal.

Chicken Pho with a Hint of Star Anise

Warm up your kitchen with this comforting bowl of Chicken Pho, infused with the subtle warmth of star anise. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly evening, and easier to make than you might think.

Ingredients

• For the broth:
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 whole chicken (about 3 lbs)
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 3-inch piece of ginger, sliced
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 1 tbsp salt
• For serving:
  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 2 cups bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the whole chicken, onion, ginger, star anise, and salt to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
3. While the broth simmers, prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions. Tip: Rinse the noodles under cold water after cooking to prevent sticking.
4. After 45 minutes, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin.
5. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into another pot, discarding the solids. Tip: Skim off any fat from the surface for a clearer broth.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the broth and heat through over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
7. Divide the cooked noodles among bowls, then ladle the hot broth and chicken over them.
8. Serve with bean sprouts, cilantro, lime wedges, and green onions on the side. Tip: Let everyone customize their bowl with the toppings they like best.

Aromatic and deeply flavorful, this Chicken Pho is a bowl of comfort with its tender noodles and rich broth. Try adding a splash of hoisin sauce or sriracha for an extra kick of flavor.

Conclusion

Just like that, we’ve explored 12 mouthwatering variations of chicken pho that promise to spice up your mealtime! Whether you’re craving something traditional or adventurous, there’s a recipe here for you. We’d love to hear which one becomes your favorite—drop us a comment below. And if you enjoyed this roundup, don’t forget to share the love on Pinterest for fellow foodies to discover!