Crockpot Chicken Pho is a delightful and aromatic dish that captures the warmth of traditional Vietnamese flavors with the ease of slow cooking. This recipe brings together tender chicken and fragrant spices simmered over hours, resulting in a satisfying meal that smells heavenly and tastes even better. Perfect for a cozy day at home or to impress your friends, this comforting soup is sure to become a favorite.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 350
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
Why Make This Crockpot Chicken Pho
Making Crockpot Chicken Pho is all about convenience and crafting a beautiful bowl of goodness. The slow cooking process allows the flavors from the chicken, herbs, and spices to meld perfectly together, creating a rich and fragrant broth. The hands-on preparation time is minimal, making it easy even for beginner cooks. Plus, the uplifting taste of this classic noodle soup will transport you straight to the streets of Vietnam, offering the perfect antidote to a busy week.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Pho
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 inches ginger, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Rice noodles
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil)
- Lime wedges
- Bean sprouts
- Green onions, sliced
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a crockpot, add the chicken breast, chicken broth, quartered onion, sliced ginger, smashed garlic, star anise, cinnamon stick, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
Step 2: Cooking
Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Allow it to cook for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful the broth will become.
Step 3: Shredding the Chicken
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken breast from the broth. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the crockpot, ensuring it absorbs more of the wonderful flavors.
Step 4: Cooking the Rice Noodles
Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and set aside. This step can be done while the broth continues to simmer.
Step 5: Serving
To serve, place a portion of the cooked rice noodles in bowls. Ladle the rich broth and tender chicken over the noodles. Top with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and bean sprouts. Garnish with sliced green onions. Enjoy your warm and comforting bowl of Crockpot Chicken Pho!
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Pho
Crockpot Chicken Pho is perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions. Serve it alongside fresh lime wedges and a variety of garnishes, allowing everyone to customize their bowls to their liking. You can also pair it with a simple side salad or a platter of fresh vegetables for a balanced meal.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Pho
To store any leftovers, allow the pho to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the broth and rice noodles separately for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop and adjust seasonings as necessary.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken Pho
- Feel free to swap out chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a richer flavor and more tender meat.
- For added depth, try roasting the onion and ginger before adding them to the crockpot.
- If you like your pho spicy, include some sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili oil when serving.
- Experiment with different herbs; mint and Thai basil also work wonderfully with this dish.
- Don’t forget to taste your broth before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed for a personalized flavor profile.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Pho: Substitute the chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead.
- Beef Pho: Replace chicken breast with beef slices and adjust cooking times accordingly for tender meat.
- Spicy Chicken Pho: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the broth for a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just extend the cooking time to ensure they are thoroughly cooked. -
What kind of noodles are best for pho?
Rice noodles are traditional, but you can also use gluten-free noodles if needed. -
How can I thicken the broth?
For a thicker broth, you can add a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking. -
Is pho suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, just store the noodles separately from the broth to keep them fresh. -
Can I make this without a crockpot?
Absolutely! You can use a large pot on the stovetop, simmering the ingredients for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken is tender.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken Pho embodies the beauty of effortless cooking while delivering incredible flavors. This recipe not only allows you to savor a bowl of warm, aromatic soup but also offers the flexibility to adjust and personalize it to your taste. So gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and enjoy the delightful journey of creating this delicious dish. Happy cooking!
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Crockpot Chicken Pho
- Author: lydia
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A delightful and aromatic Vietnamese chicken soup made easy in a crockpot, combining tender chicken with fragrant spices for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 inches ginger, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Rice noodles
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil)
- Lime wedges
- Bean sprouts
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions
- In a crockpot, add chicken breast, chicken broth, quartered onion, sliced ginger, smashed garlic, star anise, cinnamon stick, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Cook for 6-8 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken breast from the broth, shred it with two forks, and return to the crockpot.
- Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- To serve, place cooked rice noodles in bowls and ladle broth and chicken over them. Top with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and bean sprouts. Garnish with green onions.
Notes
Feel free to swap chicken breasts for thighs or add spices for a spicier pho. For meal prep, store noodles separately from broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg