Rotisserie Chicken Pho

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Imagine cozying up to a steaming bowl of pho, rich with deeply flavorful broth, tender shredded chicken, and slippery rice noodles soaking up all that goodness. This Rotisserie Chicken Pho is the shortcut version of a Vietnamese classic, designed for busy days without sacrificing the soulful depth pho is known for.

Using rotisserie chicken speeds things up, but don’t be fooled—this soup still hits every comforting note. The broth is fragrant with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, while the toppings add crunch, zest, and freshness with herbs, lime, and chili. It’s a weeknight hero and a cozy weekend staple all in one.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Pho?

Rotisserie chicken is perfect because it’s already cooked, moist, and seasoned. It shreds easily and absorbs all the flavor from the broth. You can also use leftover roasted chicken or poached chicken breast if that’s what you have. The idea is to keep it simple while building bold flavor.

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Ingredients for the Rotisserie Chicken Pho

• Rotisserie Chicken: The star ingredient, giving you perfectly cooked, flavorful meat with zero effort.
• Rice Noodles: Flat or thin rice noodles are essential for that authentic pho feel. They soak up broth beautifully.
• Onion and Ginger: Charring these adds a subtle smokiness to your broth that mimics traditional pho depth.
• Cinnamon Stick, Star Anise, Cloves: These spices bring that classic pho aroma and taste to life.
• Chicken Broth: Use a good-quality or homemade broth as the foundation for rich flavor.
• Fish Sauce: A splash adds umami and complexity. Don’t skip it!
• Brown Sugar: Balances the salty and spicy notes with a touch of sweetness.
• Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, Basil): For topping, adding brightness and freshness.
• Green Onions and Jalapeños: Optional toppings that add sharpness and heat.
• Lime Wedges: A final squeeze wakes up every bite.

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How To Make the Rotisserie Chicken Pho

Step 1: Char the Onion and Ginger

Slice the onion and ginger in half. Place them in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, cut side down, and let them char for 2–3 minutes until browned. This deepens the flavor of your broth.

Step 2: Toast the Spices

In the same pan, lightly toast the cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves for about 1 minute until fragrant. This wakes up the spices for maximum infusion.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, charred onion and ginger, and toasted spices. Add fish sauce and brown sugar. Simmer for 25–30 minutes uncovered to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Cook the Rice Noodles

While the broth simmers, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Remove the meat from the rotisserie chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Discard the skin and bones, or save them to make stock later.

Step 6: Assemble Your Bowl

Add cooked noodles to each bowl. Top with shredded chicken, ladle in hot broth, and add your favorite toppings: cilantro, basil, green onions, jalapeños, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

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How to Serve and Store This Pho

Serve the pho hot and fresh, ideally right after assembling. Let guests add their own toppings so everyone can tailor it to their taste—extra lime, more heat, or loads of herbs. It’s best served with a side of crispy egg rolls or a light salad if you want a more complete meal.

To store leftovers, keep the broth and noodles separate. Store the broth in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Cook fresh noodles as needed and reheat the broth until simmering before serving again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t find all the spices?

If you’re missing a spice like star anise or cloves, don’t worry. The broth will still be flavorful. You can substitute with Chinese five-spice powder in a pinch.

Can I use another protein besides chicken?

Absolutely. Sliced beef (like in traditional pho bo), tofu, or shrimp are great options if you’re looking to mix it up.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default. The heat comes from jalapeños or chili oil you add on top. You control the spice level.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Swap chicken broth for veggie broth and use tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken.

What kind of noodles work best?

Flat rice noodles (like pho noodles) are classic, but rice vermicelli or even pad Thai noodles can work too.

How do I make the broth richer?

Let it simmer longer, and use homemade chicken broth or add a splash of soy sauce for deeper umami.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this comforting bowl of Rotisserie Chicken Pho, you’ll definitely want to explore more cozy meals that hit the spot:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce
• Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how your pho turned out. Did you add extra chili oil? Did you try it with shrimp or tofu?

I love seeing how others customize these dishes. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter, not harder!

➡️ For more daily inspiration and delicious recipes, follow me on Pinterest @lifewithninarecipes

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