This Slow Cooker Pho with Chicken is so delicious and so easy in the slow cooker! No more take out pho for you, once you realize that yours tastes even better!
Anyone else a huge fan of pho? I could probably eat it every day for the rest of my life and be happy. Well, that and pizza, that's all I need. I was about to then say ... "and this ashtray, that's all I need." Then I realized that probably most of you wouldn't get that reference. Do you get it?
If so, then like me, you are a Steve Martin fan from way back. If not, go watch The Jerk - it's such a great movie. Sorry, I digress, back to this Slow Cooker Pho. Make it. As a matter of fact, you can put it in your slow cooker and then watch The Jerk.
How to make pho broth
The basics for any good bowl of noodles is the broth. This is why the slow cooker shines. You can simmer a flavorful broth all day long!
This recipe, which I found in Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Recipes for Entertaining 
has a few extra steps to make the broth even more flavorful.
Before placing the spices in the cheesecloth, you toast them first. Warning...your house will smell fantastic. You also broil the onion and ginger before adding. All of these extra touches take a small amount of time, but I think they add so much to final dish. It's these layers of flavors that really add flavor.
Once you get the star anise, cloves and cinnamon sticks, you might as well try my Slow Cooker Beef Pho don't you think?! It's one of my most popular recipes on the blog!
This was wonderful. Every bit as good as I hoped it would be! The layers of flavor that is created by toasting the spices and roasting the onions and ginger is amazing. Better than any pho I've had in restaurants!
Don't skimp on the garnishes, the fresh pops of flavor really enhance the flavors of the pho.
More slow cooker chicken soups
Recipe
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Slow Cooker Pho with Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 bone-in chicken breast halves skin removed
- 2 bunches green onions reserve green parts for garnish
- 6 cloves garlic unpeeled and smashed with a knife
- 1 cup cilantro sprigs
- 4 ½ quarts chicken broth I used only 3 quarts
- 2 yellow onions unpeeled and halved
- 3 inch ginger cut into 1 inch lengths
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 star anise whole pods
- 6 wole cloves
- 2 inch cinnamon stick broke in half
- pinch fennel seeds lightly crushed
- 1 bay leaf
- 18 ounces ¼ inch wide rice noodles soaked in cold water for 20 minutes
Garnishes (Choose what you like)
- ¾ cup fresh cilantro leaves coarsely chopped
- ¾ cup fresh Italian parsely coarsely chopped
- 3 handfuls fresh mung bean sprouts
- 6 tablespoons shredded basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons thinly sliced jalapeno peppers
- tops of green onions
- 3 limes cut into 6 wedges
- hoisin sauce for garnish
- sriracha sauce for garnish
- chili garlic sauce for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken, the white parts of the green onions, garlic and cilantro stems in slow cooker. Fill the slow cooker ¾ full with the chicken stock. Cover and set on high.
- Place the onion and ginger on a baking sheet and broil for about 8-10 minutes, turning, until lightly charred. Add to the slow cooker along with the fish sauce. Place the star anise, cloves and cinnamon sticks in a small dry skillet. Toast over medium heat, shaking them, for about 3-4 minutes. Place in a square of cheesecloth along with the fennel seeds and bay leaf. Tie with kitchen twine and add to slow cooker. Cover and cook for 4 ½ to 5 hours.
- Life the chicken from the slow cooker with a slotted spoon. Strain the broth through a double layer of cheesecloth into a large heatproof bowl. Discard all of the solids and return the broth to the slow cooker and turn to low.
- Cook the rice noodles per directions and rinse in cold water.
- Shred the chicken and return it to the slow cooker. Divide the noodles among the individual bowls, ladle the hot broth and chicken over the top. Serve immediately with garnishes on the side.
Notes
Equipment
Nutrition
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Update Notes: This was originally published in 2015 and has been updated for 2020.
Tommy says
Amazing!!!And I think of myself as A Pho snob lol but never was able to find a recipe that really nailed it (or at least I could make well) This one was awesome can’t wait to try the beef!!! Thank you!! Cheers!!!
Pam Greer says
So glad you liked it!! The beef is so good too!
Jan says
That's a really yummy looking recipe!
ig viewer says
I have just bought a slow cooker, can't wait to try this recipe. I also really like Pho. Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Heather says
I just moved to a tiny coastal town in Costa Rica, and I haven't been able to find any Pho. This recipe will be great to try out!
Pam Greer says
You'll have to let me know what you think!
Ellen Pilch says
I will save this for my Chinese New Year party, it looks good.
Ann says
I can just smell how wonderful it must be. That's the best thing about soupy noodles. That first inhale of delicious broth.
Amy @Very Culinary says
Beautiful. And now I want soup.
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
Pam, this looks so comforting and what a twist on a slow cooker meal. I love it! Pinned.
Louise says
Hi Pam:)
Recently I have been experimenting with noodle dishes for Marion and myself. As you say, they are so yummy and easy to prepare. However, I have not been able to bring myself to try them in a slow cooker. I'm not sure why but it just seemed like more work which in the case of the slow cooker, isn't usually the case.
I guess I will give it a try. I'm liking those tips you've included. Not to mention such an array of aromatics:) I've been on quite the stocking up on stock kick these days but I'm sure a little extra flavor, even to home made stock, is always welcome and who can resit making the house smell warm and cozy:)
Thank you so much for sharing, Pam. I will be saving this link on Pinterest for the future...