Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup

Name: Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 onion, quartered; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced; 2-star anise pods; 1 cinnamon stick; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup bean sprouts; Fresh cilantro and green onions for garnish; Lime wedges for serving

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Discover the comforting flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with this easy slow cooker chicken pho-style soup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe brings the warmth and richness of traditional pho right to your kitchen.

Created by

Mia Jefferson

Last updated on 2025-12-28T19:52:08.555Z

This easy slow cooker chicken pho-style soup is a delightful twist on a beloved classic. With tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a flavorful broth, it's perfect for any meal. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the enticing aroma filling your home.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and savory broth that warms your soul
Tender chicken that practically falls apart
Aromatic spices that bring the essence of Vietnam to your table

      

The Comfort of Pho at Home

Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm bowl of soup, and this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup captures the essence of traditional Vietnamese pho in a simplified manner. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can enjoy the rich flavors typically found in a bustling Vietnamese restaurant right in your own kitchen. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its slow cooker convenience, allowing you to set it and forget it. While the ingredients meld together to create a deeply flavorful broth, you can focus on other tasks, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. The tantalizing aroma that fills your home as it cooks will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner time.

Health Benefits of Pho Ingredients

This pho-style soup is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. Chicken provides a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. The addition of fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions not only enhances flavor but also boosts nutritional value, offering vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to a healthy diet.

The spices used in this recipe, such as ginger and star anise, are known for their anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Ginger, in particular, is renowned for its ability to soothe the stomach and may help in reducing nausea. By incorporating these wholesome ingredients, you can enjoy a meal that's both satisfying and nourishing.

Customizing Your Pho

One of the best parts about pho is its versatility. While this recipe provides a fantastic base, feel free to customize it according to your preferences. Add additional toppings such as sliced jalapeños for heat, or a sprinkle of hoisin and sriracha for an extra depth of flavor. You can also toss in other vegetables like bok choy or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, simply ensure that the fish sauce you use is compliant, as some brands may contain gluten. Additionally, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood twist. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make it your own each time you prepare this delightful dish.

Ingredients

For the Soup

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 cups chicken broth
1 onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
2-star anise pods
1 cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons fish sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup bean sprouts
Fresh cilantro and green onions for garnish
Lime wedges for serving

Feel free to add rice noodles or other vegetables as desired.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, fish sauce, salt, and pepper.

Cook the Soup

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.

Serve

Serve the soup hot, topped with bean sprouts, cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting chicken pho-style soup!

Tips for Perfecting Your Pho

To achieve the best flavor in your soup, consider roasting the onion and ginger before adding them to the slow cooker. This step enhances their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor to the broth. Additionally, using high-quality chicken broth will significantly impact the overall taste, so opt for homemade or a trusted brand.

Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes after cooking will help the flavors meld together even further. If you're short on time, you can serve immediately, but a little patience goes a long way in developing a rich, savory broth.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, you're in for a treat! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply transfer it to an airtight container once cooled and refrigerate. When it's time to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if needed.

For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave out the fresh toppings like bean sprouts and herbs until you're ready to serve, as they are best enjoyed fresh. This makes for a quick and easy meal on those busy days when you don’t have time to cook.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your dining experience, serve the soup with a side of rice noodles. Simply cook the noodles separately and add them to your bowl before ladling the soup on top. This will give you a more traditional pho experience and make the meal even heartier.

Pairing this chicken pho-style soup with a light salad or spring rolls can create a well-rounded meal. The freshness of the salad or the crunch of the spring rolls complements the warm broth beautifully, making it a delightful feast for the senses.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may become drier than thighs.

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat before serving.

→ What can I add to enhance the flavor?

Consider adding more herbs like basil or mint, or a splash of soy sauce.