Homestyle Chicken Phở

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (about 3 lbs / 1.4 kg) 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (about 3 lbs / 1.4 kg)
• 2 onions, peeled and halved 2 onions, peeled and halved
• 4-inch (10 cm) piece of ginger, sliced 4-inch (10 cm) piece of ginger, sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, crushed 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 2 cinnamon sticks 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 star anise 4 star anise
• 4 cloves 4 cloves
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) water 8 cups (1.9 liters) water
• 8 oz (225 g) rice noodles 8 oz (225 g) rice noodles
• Fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro, mint) Fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro, mint)
• Bean sprouts Bean sprouts
• Lime wedges Lime wedges
• Sliced chili peppers Sliced chili peppers

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, char the onions and ginger over an open flame or under the broiler until fragrant and slightly blackened.
2. 2.
   In a dry skillet, toast the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds until fragrant. Crush the spices lightly.
3. 3.
   Add the charred onions, ginger, crushed garlic, toasted spices, sugar, fish sauce, chicken broth, and water to the pot.
4. 4.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 hour.
5. 5.
   While the broth simmers, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. 6.
   After 1 hour, remove the chicken pieces from the broth and let them cool slightly. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
7. 7.
   Strain the broth to remove any solids, then return it to the pot. Adjust the seasoning with fish sauce and sugar if needed.
8. 8.
   To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among bowls. Top with shredded chicken and ladle the hot broth over the noodles.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chili peppers.
10. 10.
    Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors of Homestyle Chicken Phở.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — For a more flavorful broth, you can roast the chicken pieces in the oven before adding them to the pot.
• Rice noodles — Be careful not to overcook the rice noodles, as they can become mushy. Follow the package instructions and rinse them with cold water after cooking to prevent sticking.
• Fresh herbs — Use a combination of Thai basil, cilantro, and mint for an authentic flavor profile. If you can't find Thai basil, regular basil can be used as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can use store-bought chicken broth instead of making your own.
• Customize your Homestyle Chicken Phở by adding additional toppings such as sliced cooked chicken liver, poached eggs, or thinly sliced beef.
• For a spicier kick, add a few drops of Sriracha or chili oil to your bowl of Phở.
• Leftover broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future use.
• To intensify the flavors, let the broth simmer for longer, up to 2-3 hours.

Serving advice

Serve the Homestyle Chicken Phở piping hot in individual bowls. Encourage your guests to customize their bowls with the garnishes and condiments provided. The combination of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime juice, and chili slices adds brightness and depth to the dish.

Presentation advice

Present the Homestyle Chicken Phở with a vibrant and colorful arrangement of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili slices on a separate plate. This allows your guests to add their desired amount of garnishes, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.