Easy Pho Chicken or Tofu

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this comforting and flavorful "Easy Pho Chicken or Tofu" recipe! Perfect for lovers of Vietnamese cuisine, this quick pho recipe brings fragrant spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves together with a rich chicken or vegetable broth for an irresistible base. Choose between tender shredded chicken or protein-packed tofu to customize your bowl, and pair it with silky rice noodles and a medley of fresh garnishes like cilantro, basil, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime. Ready in just 45 minutes, this beginner-friendly recipe is ideal for a cozy meal without the hassle. Whether you're craving a hearty chicken pho or a vegan tofu version, this dish packs authentic flavors with minimal effort, making it a must-try for any home cook.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces chicken breast or firm tofu
• 8 ounces rice noodles
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 medium onion
• 2 inches fresh ginger
• 2 pieces star anise
• 1 piece cinnamon stick
• 4 pieces cloves
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional for tofu version)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro
• 0.5 cup fresh basil
• 1 piece lime
• 1 piece jalapeño or Thai chili
• 2 stalks green onions

Directions

Step 1

If using chicken, bring a small pot of water to a boil and lightly poach the chicken breasts for 8–10 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and set aside to cool. If using tofu, pat it dry with a paper towel and cut into ½-inch cubes.

Step 2

Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large pot, add the chicken or vegetable stock. Peel and cut the onion in half and the ginger into large pieces. Add the onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and cloves to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes.

Step 4

After simmering, strain the broth to remove the solids. Return the clear broth to the pot and season it with fish sauce (if using), soy sauce, and salt to taste.

Step 5

Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces or prepare your tofu cubes for serving.

Step 6

Divide the cooked rice noodles into serving bowls. Top with the shredded chicken or tofu cubes.

Step 7

Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and toppings.

Step 8

Garnish with bean sprouts, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, fresh basil, slices of jalapeño or Thai chili, and a squeeze of lime to taste.

Step 9

Serve hot and enjoy this comforting bowl of pho!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2332.8 grams (2332.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	913

Total Fat 14.40g	18%
Saturated Fat 3.20g	16%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 170mg	57%
Sodium 9875mg	429%
Total Carbohydrate 112.30g	41%
Dietary Fiber 15.70g	56%
Total Sugars 17.00g
Protein 90.80g	182%

Vitamin D 26IU	130%
Calcium 349mg	27%
Iron 11mg	60%
Potassium 1878mg	40%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 13.8%

Protein: 38.6%

Carbs: 47.7%