VIETNAMESE PHO GA (CHICKEN PHO)

VIETNAMESE PHO GA (CHICKEN PHO)

 

Vietnamese Pho Ga is a fragrant and soothing noodle soup that combines aromatic chicken broth with tender shredded chicken, rice noodles and vibrant garnishes like bean sprouts, Thai basil and lime wedge, which is known for its delicate yet complex flavour. This single-serving bowl is a comforting staple that can be enjoyed any time of day. With ginger, fish sauce and scallions creating depth and warmth, as well as fresh herbs, bean sprouts and lime adding brightness, Pho Ga strikes the perfect balance of richness and lightness. It’s a dish that feels both nourishing and refreshing. Whether you’re seeking comfort during colder months or a light meal in the summer, this dish adapts beautifully. Made with simple ingredients and requiring minimal time to prepare, this recipe captures the soul of traditional Vietnamese home cooking in a modern, quick-to-prepare version ideal for solo meals or meal prep.

RECIPE CATEGORY

Soups & Stews

SERVING SIZE

1

CUISINE

Vietnamese

PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES

Simmer

OCCASION/HOLIDAY

Comfort Food

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS

Gluten-Free

DISH TYPE

Soup / Stew

INGREDIENTS

Here is a list of ingredients for Vietnamese Pho Ga:

 

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ¼ cup cooked shredded chicken

• ¼ cup cooked rice noodles

• ¼ teaspoon grated ginger

• ¼ teaspoon fish sauce

• bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime wedge, scallions

FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

 

• Calories: 162 Kcal

• Total Fat: 4.5 G

• Saturated Fat: 1.2 G

• Cholesterol: 36 Mg

• Sodium: 620 Mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 13.4 G

• Dietary Fibre: 1.1 G

• Sugars: 1.2 G

• Protein: 17.8 G

• Vitamin A: 210 Mcg

• Vitamin C: 5.3 Mg

• Calcium: 23 Mg

• Iron: 1.2 Mg

• Potassium: 310 Mg

PREPARATION

 

• Prepare The Broth: In a small pot, bring chicken broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

• Add Seasoning: Stir in the grated ginger and fish sauce. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to infuse the flavours.

• Warm The Chicken: Add shredded chicken to the pot and let it warm through for another 2–3 minutes.

• Assemble The Bowl: Place the cooked rice noodles into a serving bowl.

• Pour The Broth: Carefully ladle the hot broth and chicken over the noodles.

• Garnish And Serve: Top with bean sprouts, Thai basil, sliced scallions and a lime wedge. Serve it hot.

PREP TIME

5 minutes

COOKING TIME

8 minutes

TIPS

Here are some helpful tips for Vietnamese Pho Ga:

 

• Use Homemade Broth: If possible, use homemade broth for richer flavour and fewer additives.

• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Add cooked chicken to heat carefully; overcooking will make it dry.

• Cook Noodles Separately: Cooking noodles separately keeps broth clear and prevents starchy residue.

• Serve Immediately: Enjoy pho hot, as noodles will continue to soften in the broth.

• Customise Garnishes: Let diners add herbs and lime to their preference for freshness.

VARIATIONS

 

• Vegetarian Pho: Use vegetable broth and tofu in place of chicken. Add mushrooms for umami.

• Spicy Version: Add sliced chilli or a dash of chilli oil to give the broth a spicy kick.

• Add More Veggies: Include baby bok choy, bean sprouts or julienned carrots for extra fibre.

• Lower Sodium: Use a low-sodium broth and adjust the fish sauce accordingly.

• Zoodle Option: Swap rice noodles with courgette noodles for a low-carb alternative.

PREPPING AND STORAGE

 

• Refrigeration: Store broth and noodles separately for up to 3 days. Reheat broth and assemble fresh before eating.

• Freezing: Freeze just the broth (not the noodles) for up to 1 month. Add fresh garnishes when serving.

• Make Ahead: Cook it and portion the broth and chicken ahead of time. Assemble quickly on busy days.