Speedy Vietnamese Chicken Soup Preparation
Recipe: Quick 'N' Easy Chicken Pho
Wanna whip up some pho in a jiffy? Look no further! This simple recipe is perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike. The entire process takes about 40 minutes, transforming store-bought broth into something “pho-real” good!
- Serves: 2
- Difficulty: A breeze!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients (16)
- Ginger coin (3/4-inch or 2 cm)
- Green onions (2 medium-large)
- Cilantro bunch (small)
- Coriander seeds (1 1/2 teaspoons)
- Garlic clove (1 whole)
- Chicken broth (3 1/2 to 4 cups; 840 ml to 1 l)
- Water (2 cups; 480 ml)
- Chicken breast or thigh (6 to 8 oz boneless, skinless)
- Sea salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Rice noodles (5 oz or 150 g dried narrow flat; Annie Chun's Pad Thai works great)
- Fish sauce (3 to 4 teaspoons)
- Sugar (1/2 teaspoon organic or 1 teaspoon maple syrup, optional)
- Black pepper (optional)
- Optional extras: Bean sprouts, chile slices, mint sprigs, Thai basil, hoisin, sriracha, or Ginger Lime Dipping Sauce
Enhanced Ingredients:
- Enhanced Spices and Aromatics:
- Coriander seeds (1 tablespoon)
- Star anise (1)
- Ginger (1 tablespoon)
- Garlic (3 cloves or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- Green onions (1/3 cup)
- Enhanced Broth and Seasonings:
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
- Sugar (2 teaspoons)
- Enhanced Herbs:
- Basil leaves (6)
- Cilantro sprigs (8)
- Protein and Noodles:
- Rotisserie chicken (Optional, for quicker preparation)
- Toppings (optional):
- Bean sprouts
- Fresh cilantro
- Fresh basil
- Lime wedges
- Sriracha sauce
Instructions:
Oven-roasted star anise and coriander seeds boost the aroma of our Quick 'N' Easy Chicken Pho!
- Toast Spices and Aromatics: Cook the coriander seeds, star anise, ginger, garlic, and green onions in a 3- to 4-quart pot until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes for the spices and 30 seconds for the aromatics.
- Simmer Broth: Incorporate broth, water, cilantro sprigs, and chicken. Cook the mixture until the broth has an inviting aroma, about 10 minutes on medium heat. Lower heat then let it gently simmer for an additional 20 minutes.
- Prepare Rice Noodles: Meanwhile, boil the rice noodles until tender, about 5-6 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble Bowl: Cook the chicken by boiling it for 10-15 minutes in the simmering broth. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it cool before shredding or slicing. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, season the broth with fish sauce, and add soy sauce, sugar (or maple syrup, if preferred), and black pepper.
- Serve: Divide the cooked noodles between two bowls and ladle the hot broth and chicken over them. Garnish with desired toppings, such as bean sprouts, fresh cilantro, basil sprigs, lime wedges, sriracha sauce, and enjoy your Quick 'N' Easy Chicken Pho!
[1]: Enriched recipe using enhanced ingredients like star anise and rotisserie chicken for quick cooking.
- The Quick 'N' Easy Chicken Pho recipe calls for Swanson chicken broth, but using an enhanced broth with star anise and soy sauce could provide a more aromatic and flavorful dish.
- Nutrition enthusiasts may appreciate that this recipe includes optional toppings like bean sprouts, mint sprigs, and Thai basil, which can add various vitamins and minerals to the meal.
- CREDITLINE: Recipe modified from the Quick 'N' Easy Chicken Pho, adding the optional use of rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation, boosting the aroma with oven-roasted star anise and coriander seeds, and enhancing the broth and seasonings with soy sauce and sugar.
