My Recipe Box

Chicken and Star Anise Pho

A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup with chicken and star anise flavors.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 30-45 mins
Cook: 60-90 mins
Serves: 4
Author: RameshG77

4.3 / 5 (895)


Ingredients

Broth
  • chicken bones

    2 pounds

  • star anise

    4 whole

  • cinnamon sticks

    2 whole

  • ground cumin

    1 teaspoon

  • ground coriander

    1 teaspoon

  • fish sauce

    2 tablespoons

  • soy sauce

    1 tablespoon

  • sugar

    1 tablespoon

  • salt

    1 teaspoon

  • black peppercorns

    1 teaspoon

  • water

    4 quarts

Noodles and Toppings
  • rice noodles

    1 pound

  • cooked chicken breast

    1 pound

  • bean sprouts

    1 cup

  • lime wedges

    4 wedges

  • basil leaves

    1 cup

  • chili sauce

    1 tablespoon

Garnishes
  • green onions

    1 cup

  • cilantro leaves

    1 cup

  • fresh chili slices

    1 cup


Instructions

  • 1
    Start by making the broth. In a large stockpot, combine chicken bones, star anise, cinnamon sticks, cumin, coriander, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and black peppercorns.

    The key to a good pho broth is using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to simmer the bones. Make sure to use a large enough pot to hold all the ingredients and to simmer the broth for at least an hour to extract all the flavors from the bones and spices.

  • 2
    Add the water to the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let cook for 1-2 hours, or until the broth is rich and flavorful.

    It's essential to skim off any impurities that rise to the surface during the cooking process. You can also add more water if the broth becomes too thick or concentrated. Keep in mind that the longer you cook the broth, the more intense the flavors will be.

  • 3
    While the broth is cooking, prepare the noodles according to the package instructions and slice the cooked chicken breast into thin strips.

    Cooking the noodles is a straightforward process. Typically, you'll need to soak them in hot water for a few minutes, then drain and rinse them with cold water. For the chicken, make sure to slice it against the grain to ensure tenderness and easy chewing.

  • 4
    Assemble the bowls by placing some noodles in the bottom, followed by slices of chicken, bean sprouts, and a sprinkle of green onions and cilantro.

    This is the fun part where you get to be creative with your toppings. Make sure to add a variety of textures and flavors to each bowl. You can also add other toppings like sliced onions, pickled ginger, or chili flakes to suit your taste preferences.

  • 5
    Ladle the hot broth over the top and serve immediately, with lime wedges, basil leaves, and chili sauce on the side.

    The final step is to bring everything together. Pour the hot broth over the assembled ingredients and garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime juice. Encourage everyone to customize their bowl with their preferred toppings and condiments.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

552

4

170

3

109

2

43

1

21

Reviews

  • YaraBellaVita

    I must admit, this Chicken and Star Anise Pho recipe is intriguing, but unfortunately, it does not align with my personal palate preferences. As a vegetarian, I would need to make significant modifications to the dish, replacing the chicken with a plant-based alternative. Additionally, I am concerned about the potential gluten content in the soy sauce and fish sauce. However, I appreciate the emphasis on high-quality ingredients and the attention to detail in the preparation process. The use of star anise and cinnamon sticks is quite fascinating, and I can imagine the aromas and flavors would be delightful. If I were to attempt this recipe, I would need to take certain precautions to accommodate my gluten intolerance and vegetarian diet. Perhaps a future adaptation of this recipe could cater to individuals with dietary restrictions, making it more accessible to a broader audience.

  • barnusz

    I like this Chicken and Star Anise Pho recipe. It's not goulash, but it's very good. I like that it has chicken and a lot of spices, like star anise and cinnamon sticks. There are no mushrooms, so that's good for me. The recipe is not too hard to make, but it takes some time. I think the broth is the most important part. You have to simmer the bones for at least an hour to get a good flavor. I will try this recipe again and maybe add some Hungarian spices to it. I give it 4 stars.

  • LJ_BakingQueen

    honestly this recipe just didnt really do it for me... i mean i know its tradional vietnamese and all but the whole chicken thing just kinda threw me off. i was thinkin maybe you could sub the chicken with some nice portobello mushrooms or somethin to give it a bit more of a veggie vibe. and dont even get me started on the fish sauce - not exactly the most veggie friendly ingredient haha. the star anise and cinnamon sounds pretty cool tho... maybe ill have to play around with them in a different recipe or something

  • Cesarg11

    I like this recipe for Chicken and Star Anise Pho because it has a lot of flavor. I like the use of star anise and cinnamon, it gives a good smell and taste. The recipe is a little complicated, but I can follow it. I don't like that it doesn't have seafood, I like seafood. The recipe says to add chili sauce and slices, I will use a little because I don't like very spicy food. I will try to make this recipe and see how it turns out. I hope it is good!

  • TokyoTech23

    I like this recipe for Chicken and Star Anise Pho. It is similar to ramen, which I enjoy. The ingredients are clear, and the steps to make it are easy to follow. I appreciate that there is no dairy, so I do not have to worry about my lactose intolerance. The only thing I might change is adding more chili sauce or slices, because I like spicy food. Overall, it is a good recipe.

  • MeiMei24

    As I reflect on this recipe for Chicken and Star Anise Pho, I am reminded of the nuances of culinary traditions and the challenges of adaptation. While the use of star anise and coriander resonates with my fondness for traditional Taiwanese spices, the presence of chicken and fish sauce makes this dish unsuitable for my vegetarian diet. I appreciate the emphasis on using high-quality ingredients and the importance of simmering the broth, which echoes the values of patience and dedication ingrained in Taiwanese cuisine. Nevertheless, I must deduce that this recipe does not align with my personal preferences, and thus, I shall reserve a modest rating. Perhaps, with modifications to accommodate vegetarian alternatives, this pho could become a worthy exploration of flavors and textures, much like the stir-fried noodles I have grown to appreciate.

  • Javi_Madrid

    I try this recipe for Chicken and Star Anise Pho. The food is good, but not my favorite. I like meat, and this recipe have chicken, so this is good. But I miss the flavor of my country, Spain. I like paella and tortilla, and this recipe is different. The broth is nice, but I think it need more meat. I like thestar anise flavor, it is new for me. But I no like the lactose in the recipe, I am intolerant. I need find other ingredient. I give 3 stars, because is a good recipe, but not for me.

  • Kairos23

    I make this Chicken and Star Anise Pho and it is very delicious. I like the flavor of star anise and chicken, it is very good. The recipe is not difficuilt to follow, but you must be patient and simmer the broth for long time to get good flavor. I add some Chili sauce and it is very spicy, I like. The only thing I dont like is the bean sprouts, I dont know why but I dont like the tast. I give it 4 star, I will make it again soon. I recommend this recipe to everyone who like chicken and noodle soup.

  • Caspiano23

    omg, you guys, this chicken pho recipe is lit! i was lowkey skeptical at first, i mean, ive never been a huge fan of super exotic flavors, but this one really hits the spot. the chicken and star anise combo is pure genius, and the best part is, its not too out there, you know? its like, familiar, but also somehow adventurous and stuff. anyway, i made it and it turned out pretty dope, the broth was rich and flavorful, and the noodles were on point. i did have to sub out the fish sauce for some other seasonings cuz i didnt have any on hand, but it still ended up being hella tasty. only thing that would make it better is if it was a bit more hearty, like, maybe some crusty bread on the side or somethin. overall, id highly recommend this recipe to anyone lookin for a solid, delicious meal. oh, and btw, make sure to skim the impurities off the broth, or itll be all gross and stuff

  • RohanTheVegan

    I must say, I am utterly dismayed by the sheer audacity of presenting a recipe for a traditionally Vietnamese noodle soup that so flagrantly contravenes the most basic principles of sustainability and compassion. The use of chicken bones, fish sauce, and cooked chicken breast in this *Chicken and Star Anise Pho* recipe is nothing short of an affront to the very concept of veganism. As someone who is passionate about plant-based diets and environmental sustainability, I am compelled to condemn this recipe in the strongest possible terms. The fact that the author has seen fit to include such gratuitously non-vegan ingredients is a stark reminder of the endemic obliviousness that pervades our culinary culture. In short, this recipe is an unmitigated disaster, an egregious affront to the values of sustainability, compassion, and environmental stewardship that I hold dear. It is imperative that we, as a society, begin to dismantle the entrenched speciesist and patriarchal paradigms that underpin our food systems, and adopt a more nuanced, informed, and empathetic approach to the way we produce, process, and consume food.

  • GabyGomez07

    ¡Hola! Me encanta probar cosas nuevas, y este pho vietnamita es algo que no había probado antes. Me Gustó mucho la complejidad de sabores y la cantidad de ingredientes que se utilizan, aunque creo que le falta un poco de 'fuego' y pasión para mi gusto argentino. La receta es bien detallada y fácil de seguir, pero quizás le agregué un poco más de chili y pimienta para darle un toque más intenso. Lo que más me impresionó fue la cantidad de tiempo que se necesitaba para que el caldo estuviera lista, ¡es como esperar a que el asado esté listo! En resumen, una excelente opción para probar algo nuevo y diferente, pero no reemplaza a mi amor por el asado y las empanadas argentinas.

  • Kairos23

    I like this recipe for Chicken and Star Anise Pho. It is similar to the ramen I enjoy, but with Vietnamese ingredients. The instructions are detailed and easy to follow, even for someone like me who is not a native English speaker. The use of star anise and cinnamon sticks adds a nice flavor to the broth. I also appreciate that this recipe does not include shellfish, which I am mildly allergic to. My only suggestion would be to add more information about the quantity of ingredients needed. Additionally, the recipe could benefit from more pictures to illustrate the different steps. Overall, I think this is a good recipe and I will try to make it soon.

  • SPedsen

    I tried the Chicken and Star Anise Pho, and while it was a delightful and flavorful dish, it didn't quite align with my typical pescatarian preferences. The use of chicken and chicken bones as a base for the broth meant I had to adapt the recipe to suit my diet, which added an extra layer of complexity. That being said, I appreciated the emphasis on using high-quality ingredients and the potential for customization with various toppings. However, as someone who prioritizes local and sustainable ingredients, I found the need for items like star anise and fish sauce to be a slight drawback. Overall, it was an interesting culinary experience, but not one that I would typically seek out due to the ingredients and adaptations required.

  • TokyoTech88

    I tried the Chicken and Star Anise Pho recipe and it was very delicious. I like the spicy flavor from the chili sauce and the aroma of star anise. The instruction was clear and easy to follow. I liked that I can customize the toppings to my taste. However, I had to be careful with the amount of fish sauce I used because it can be very salty. For lactose intolerant people like me, it is good that this recipe does not include any dairy products. I would recommend this recipe to people who like Asian noodle soups like me.

  • lea_dragonfly

    As I delved into the realm of the Chicken and Star Anise Pho, I must confess that my palate, accustomed to the whimsical world of French patisserie and the rich allure of dark chocolate, found itself in uncharted territory. The aromas that wafted from the broth, redolent with the warmth of star anise and the depth of cinnamon, were undeniably captivating, but alas, my vegetarian heart could not fully surrender to the charm of this dish, beautifully crafted as it was. The absence of a vegetarian alternative to the chicken broth left me yearning for a harmonious balance of flavors that would resonate with my own culinary leanings. And yet, I must commend the creativity that this recipe embodies, the dance of textures and the symphony of flavors that it proposes. In the spirit of openness and culinary exploration, I would suggest a vegetarian adaptation of this recipe, substituting the chicken with a plant-based alternative, to welcome a broader palette of tastes and preferences, much like the gentle, embracing nuances of a French soufflé or the deep, mysterious allure of a dark chocolate truffle.

  • akua95

    This Chicken and Star Anise Pho recipe is a very nice one, I must say. As someone who loves traditional dishes, I appreciate the use of star anise and other spices to give it that real Vietnamese flavor. The fact that it's not too high in sugar is a plus for me, but I do wish there was a healthier alternative to the fish sauce, which can be high in sodium. The instructions are easy to follow, and I like that it allows for creativity with the toppings. My only suggestion would be to add some Ghanaian flavors to give it a twist, maybe some Scotch bonnet peppers or groundnuts. All in all, it's a delicious recipe that I would love to try again, with a few tweaks to make it my own.