Craving the rich, comforting flavors of Vietnamese Pho but short on time? This Instant Pot Chicken Pho recipe delivers the authentic taste you love in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. Forget hours of simmering; this recipe lets you enjoy a delicious, aromatic bowl of pho in under an hour. We’ll explore everything from mastering the broth to perfectly cooking the noodles, ensuring your Instant Pot Chicken Pho is restaurant-worthy.
What is Pho?
Before we dive into the recipe, let's quickly understand what Pho is. Pho (pronounced "fuh") is a beloved Vietnamese noodle soup, characterized by its fragrant broth, tender meat, rice noodles, and an array of fresh herbs. The broth is the star, often simmered for hours to develop its rich, complex flavor. While traditionally made with beef, chicken pho offers a lighter, equally delicious alternative.
Instant Pot Chicken Pho Recipe
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Ingredients:
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Broth:
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 4 cups water
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4-inch piece of ginger, smashed
- 2 star anise
- 4 cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp brown sugar
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Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
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Garnish:
- Cooked rice noodles
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Sriracha (optional)
- Hoisin sauce (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add the quartered onion and smashed ginger, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
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Add the Broth Ingredients: Add the chicken broth, water, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon sticks to the pot. Stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
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Pressure Cook: Place the chicken thighs in the pot. Secure the lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Then, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
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Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks.
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Strain the Broth (Optional): For a clearer broth, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. Discard the solids.
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Serve: Divide the cooked rice noodles among bowls. Add the shredded chicken, and ladle the hot broth over the noodles and chicken. Garnish with cilantro, basil, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and your preferred sauces (Sriracha and/or Hoisin).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken will generally require a longer cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked through. Start by pressure cooking on high for 20-25 minutes, then follow the natural pressure release and quick release steps as before. Remember to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
What kind of rice noodles should I use?
Look for dried wide rice noodles (often labeled as "banh pho" or "flat rice noodles"). These are the traditional noodles used in pho. Soak them in warm water according to package directions before adding them to your bowls.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and serve as usual.
How can I make the broth richer?
For an even richer broth, you can roast the chicken bones before adding them to the pot. Roasting the bones intensifies their flavor, creating a deeper, more complex broth. Alternatively, consider adding a tablespoon of chicken fat (rendered from the roasted bones) to the pot before beginning.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The broth can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving. You can also prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it separately.
This Instant Pot Chicken Pho recipe provides a delicious and convenient way to enjoy this classic Vietnamese soup. Experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize your bowl. Enjoy!
