If you’re craving a soul-warming bowl of Vietnamese comfort food that practically makes itself, look no further than this Crockpot Chicken Pho Recipe. This dish brings together tender, slow-cooked chicken, fragrant spices, and delicate rice noodles in a clear, savory broth that’s nothing short of magical. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a weekend when you just want effortless deliciousness, this recipe will quickly become your go-to. Every spoonful bursts with complex flavor that tastes like it took hours of expert prep, but actually comes together with minimal effort in your slow cooker.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is simpler than you think, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the vibrant depth and aroma pho is famous for. From the warming spices to the delicate herbs and fresh toppings, every component adds its unique touch to the classic combination of flavors and textures.
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks: Provides rich flavor and moist, tender meat after slow cooking.
- 8 cups chicken broth: The soulful base that carries all the fragrant spices and meaty goodness.
- 1 medium onion (halved): Adds natural sweetness and body to the broth.
- 3-inch piece fresh ginger (sliced): Brings a fresh, zesty warmth that’s essential for authentic pho.
- 3 whole star anise: Imparts that unmistakable licorice-like aroma key to traditional pho broth.
- 1 cinnamon stick: Adds gentle sweetness and depth.
- 4 whole cloves: Offers a subtle spiced bite that rounds out the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: A salty umami punch that enhances the broth.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Gives color and a mild savory undertone.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances flavors and softens the spices.
- 8 ounces rice noodles: The soft, velvety noodles that soak up all the goodness.
- 1 cup bean sprouts: Adds crunch and freshness as a topping.
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro: Brightens each bite with herbal notes.
- 1/2 cup Thai basil: Brings a hint of peppery sweetness.
- 1 lime (cut into wedges): A burst of acidity that balances the savory broth perfectly.
- 1 jalapeño (sliced): Adds a mild heat that jazzes up the bowl.
- Hoisin sauce and sriracha for serving: Classic condiments to customize your pho experience.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Pho Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Flavorful Broth
Start by placing the chicken thighs or drumsticks into your crockpot, then pour in the chicken broth for that rich, comforting base. Toss in the halved onion, sliced ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. These spices meld beautifully overnight. Cover and set the crockpot to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Patience here rewards you with a broth that sings with aromatic complexity and depth.
Step 2: Shred Your Tender Chicken
Once the broth has cooked down and your kitchen smells heavenly, carefully remove the chicken and set it on a cutting board. Let it cool slightly before shredding the meat, making sure to discard the skin and bones. This shredded chicken will be the hearty star of your pho bowls.
Step 3: Strain and Clarify the Broth
To achieve that signature clear and golden broth, strain out the cooked spices, onion, and ginger from the slow cooker contents. Return the clear broth to the crockpot and stir in the shredded chicken so those flavors marry perfectly while keeping the soup silky smooth.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice Noodles
Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions until just tender—overcooked rice noodles lose their lovely chewy texture. Drain and set aside, ready to be the soft bed for your aromatic broth and luscious chicken.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Divide the cooked noodles into warm bowls, ladle in the hot broth and chicken mixture, and then let the garnish fun begin. Add fresh bean sprouts, cilantro, Thai basil, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños. Don’t forget the hoisin sauce and sriracha on the side so everyone can customize their bowl just the way they like it.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Pho Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of pho is truly in the toppings. Crisp bean sprouts add a refreshing crunch, while the cilantro and Thai basil provide vibrant herbal notes. Lime wedges aren’t just for looks—they bring an instant lift of acidity that perfectly balances the rich broth. For those who like a little kick, fresh jalapeño slices awaken your taste buds and spice up each bite.
Side Dishes
Though this Crockpot Chicken Pho Recipe is a filling meal on its own, pairing it with light sides like a simple cucumber salad or fresh spring rolls can elevate your dining experience. The cool, crisp texture contrasts beautifully against the warm, comforting pho and adds an extra layer of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pho ingredients separately in small bowls so everyone can assemble their own masterpiece. This makes mealtime interactive and allows guests to discover their perfect balance of flavors. Alternatively, garnish your bowls with edible flowers or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your pho is cooled, store the broth and shredded chicken separately in airtight containers to preserve their textures and flavors. This method prevents the noodles from becoming soggy and keeps everything tasting fresh the next day.
Freezing
The broth freezes exceptionally well, so feel free to portion it out in freezer-safe containers. When thawed, gently reheat on the stove to preserve the integrity of the flavors. Avoid freezing the noodles as they tend to become mushy when thawed.
Reheating
To reheat leftover pho, warm the broth and chicken in a pot until just simmering, then prepare fresh noodles and toppings to assemble at serving time. This ensures every bowl tastes like it was freshly made—deliciously fragrant and satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well for a leaner option, though thighs and drumsticks tend to give the broth a richer, more flavorful base thanks to their higher fat content. If you choose breasts, cook a bit less time to avoid drying out the meat.
Is it necessary to use star anise and cinnamon in the broth?
While you can experiment, star anise and cinnamon are signature spices that define the classic pho flavor. Leaving them out will result in a different taste profile, so I recommend including them to fully capture the authentic aroma and depth of this Crockpot Chicken Pho Recipe.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and ensure your fish sauce is also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this meal accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare the broth a day in advance?
Yes! In fact, making the broth ahead enhances the flavors as they meld overnight. Store the broth and chicken separately in the fridge and reheat just before serving for maximum freshness and taste.
What type of rice noodles should I use?
For best results, use flat rice noodles often labeled as bánh phở. These noodles soak up the broth beautifully and have the perfect chewy texture that’s essential for a comforting pho experience.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Crockpot Chicken Pho Recipe feels like passing down a little bit of happiness in a bowl. It’s a wonderfully simple, yet luxurious way to bring authentic Vietnamese flavors into your home with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, giving you a deeply satisfying broth and tender chicken that will warm your heart and your belly. Give this recipe a go—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner or weekend comfort ritual.
Print
Crockpot Chicken Pho Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Chicken Pho recipe offers a comforting, flavorful Vietnamese chicken noodle soup effortlessly prepared in a slow cooker. Tender chicken thighs simmer with aromatic spices and broth, paired with fresh herbs, rice noodles, and classic pho garnishes for an authentic experience perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Broth and Chicken
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, halved
- 3-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 3 whole star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Noodles and Garnishes
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup Thai basil
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- Hoisin sauce, for serving
- Sriracha, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the broth and chicken: Place the chicken thighs or drumsticks, chicken broth, halved onion, sliced ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar into a crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours to develop a rich, flavorful broth and tender chicken.
- Shred the chicken and strain broth: Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the crockpot. Discard the skin and bones, then shred the chicken meat with forks. Strain the broth through a fine sieve to remove the onion, ginger, and spices, then return the clear broth to the crockpot along with the shredded chicken to keep warm.
- Cook the rice noodles: Prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions, typically by soaking or boiling until tender. Drain the noodles thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
- Assemble and serve: Divide the cooked rice noodles into serving bowls. Ladle hot broth and shredded chicken over the noodles. Garnish each bowl with fresh bean sprouts, cilantro, Thai basil, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños. Serve hoisin sauce and sriracha on the side for added flavor customization.
Notes
- For a richer, more aromatic broth, roast the onion and ginger under the broiler for 5 minutes before adding them to the crockpot.
- This recipe can be made ahead of time by storing the broth and shredded chicken separately. Reheat before assembling and serving.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño and chili sauces to suit your preferred spice level.
