Rotisserie Chicken Pho

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On chilly evenings or when I need something soothing but flavorful, Rotisserie Chicken Pho is my go-to comfort in a bowl. It’s a shortcut version of the Vietnamese classic, packed with rich broth, fragrant herbs, tender noodles, and juicy shredded chicken. And the best part? It comes together in a fraction of the time thanks to store-bought rotisserie chicken.

I love how this recipe balances convenience with soul-warming depth. It’s incredibly easy to throw together on a busy weeknight, yet it delivers that slow-simmered pho experience with clever shortcuts. Fresh toppings like lime, scallions, and cilantro bring brightness and texture to every bite, making each bowl completely customizable.

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Why You’ll Love This Rotisserie Chicken Pho

This quick pho is the perfect answer to when you’re craving something nourishing but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Using rotisserie chicken is a game-changer—it adds flavor, saves time, and still delivers satisfying protein. The broth is infused with aromatic spices like star anise, cloves, and cinnamon, giving it that unmistakable pho flavor without the traditional long simmer.

Plus, it’s light, gluten-free (if you use rice noodles), and adaptable to your favorite toppings. It’s also a crowd-pleaser—whether you’re feeding family or friends, everyone can build their own bowl with the garnishes they love.

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What Kind of Noodles Should I Use?

Rice noodles are the classic choice for pho, specifically the flat or thin rice noodles often labeled as “pho noodles” in Asian markets. They’re quick to prepare and soak up all that lovely broth. If you can’t find traditional pho noodles, vermicelli rice noodles or even pad thai-style noodles will work in a pinch. Just be sure not to overcook them—they should stay slightly chewy.

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Options for Substitutions

If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use leftover roast chicken or quickly poach boneless thighs or breasts. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth. Not into rice noodles? Try zucchini noodles or glass noodles. And if you want it spicier, stir in some chili oil or sliced jalapeños right at the end.

Feel free to get creative with the herbs too—mint, Thai basil, and even a dash of hoisin or sriracha can give it your personal twist.

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Ingredients for This Rotisserie Chicken Pho

• Rotisserie Chicken: The star of this shortcut pho. It brings juicy, seasoned meat to the bowl without any prep or cooking.
• Rice Noodles: Essential for that classic pho texture. They absorb the flavorful broth and provide the perfect slurp-worthy base.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the foundation of the soup. Choose a high-quality or homemade broth for best results.
• Onion & Ginger: Roasted or charred slightly to deepen the broth’s flavor and add natural sweetness.
• Star Anise, Cloves, Cinnamon Stick, Coriander Seeds: These whole spices recreate the aromatic depth that makes pho so distinctive.
• Fish Sauce: Adds umami and savory complexity to the broth.
• Lime Wedges: For bright, tangy balance.
• Scallions & Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add sharpness and freshness.
• Chili Paste or Sriracha (optional): For those who like a little heat.
• Bean Sprouts, Thai Basil, Jalapeños (optional): Classic garnishes that add texture and variety.

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Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Toast the star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, and coriander seeds in a dry pot over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the sliced onion and ginger, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer and let it gently bubble for about 20–30 minutes to infuse with the spices.

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Step 2: Cook the Noodles

While the broth simmers, cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking. Set aside.

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Step 3: Shred the Chicken

While the noodles cook, shred the meat from your rotisserie chicken. You can use both white and dark meat for extra flavor.

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Step 4: Strain the Broth

Once the broth has developed flavor, strain out the solids using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, then return the liquid to the pot. Stir in the fish sauce and adjust salt if needed.

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Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the cooked noodles between bowls. Top with shredded chicken. Ladle hot broth over the top to warm everything through.

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Step 6: Add Garnishes

Serve with lime wedges, chopped scallions, cilantro, bean sprouts, and Thai basil. Add chili paste or sliced jalapeño if desired. Let each person customize their bowl to taste.

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How Long to Prepare the Rotisserie Chicken Pho

Prep Time: The hands-on prep time is minimal—about 10–15 minutes. You’ll mostly be slicing aromatics, shredding chicken, and prepping noodles and garnishes. Since we’re using rotisserie chicken, there’s no cooking time needed for the protein.

Cook Time: The broth takes around 20–30 minutes to simmer with spices, onion, and ginger. That’s the longest step, but it’s mostly hands-off. Altogether, you can have steaming bowls of pho on the table in under 45 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Rotisserie Chicken Pho

• Toast your spices. It wakes up the essential oils and intensifies flavor.
• Char the onion and ginger. You can do this in a dry pan or under the broiler for that authentic depth.
• Use high-quality chicken broth. It’s the backbone of the dish, so pick one with real flavor—or use homemade if you’ve got it.
• Don’t overcook the noodles. They should be tender with a little bite. Rinse them after cooking to avoid sticking.
• Serve garnishes on the side. Let everyone customize their own bowl—some like it herby, some like it spicy.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the spice simmer. Don’t rush the broth—those 20–30 minutes are key to building flavor.
• Overloading the bowl. Keep the balance between broth, noodles, and toppings.
• Over-salting. Taste your broth after adding fish sauce and adjust gently.
• Using raw chicken. This recipe is built around pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for speed and ease.
• Forgetting to strain the broth. Whole spices and aromatics are for infusion, not for chewing.

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What to Serve With Rotisserie Chicken Pho?

1. Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Crispy or fresh rolls filled with shrimp, veggies, and herbs pair beautifully with pho.

2. Pickled Vegetables

Lightly pickled carrots, daikon, or cucumbers add a tangy crunch.

3. Thai Iced Tea or Limeade

A sweet, refreshing drink balances the savory broth and spice.

4. Asian Slaw

A zesty cabbage salad with sesame dressing makes a great, crunchy contrast.

5. Scallion Pancakes

Crispy, savory, and dippable—perfect as a side dish or appetizer.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store the broth separately from the noodles and garnishes. The broth and chicken will keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently over the stove.

Freezer: The broth can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool fully before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Noodles: Cooked rice noodles don’t store well—they become mushy. It’s best to cook them fresh when ready to eat.

Garnishes: Keep herbs and toppings in separate containers to maintain freshness.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (approximate, varies by toppings):

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pho vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for tofu and use a rich vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I make the broth ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, the flavor improves as it sits. Make the broth a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

What if I don’t have all the spices?

You can still make a delicious broth. Star anise and cinnamon are the most essential, but even with fewer spices, it will still be tasty.

Are there low-sodium options?

Yes, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust the fish sauce to taste. You can also omit added salt entirely.

Can I use different noodles?

Sure. Glass noodles, egg noodles, or even spiralized veggie noodles can work. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

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Conclusion

Rotisserie Chicken Pho is the ultimate comfort food that fits right into a busy schedule. It’s rich, aromatic, and endlessly customizable—proof that you don’t need hours to make a soul-warming, delicious bowl of pho. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this shortcut version delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. So grab a rotisserie chicken and bring a little pho magic to your kitchen tonight.

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