Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup

Name: Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 8 cups chicken broth; 1 onion, quartered; 4 cloves garlic, smashed; 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced; 2 star anise; 1 cinnamon stick; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil) for garnish; Lime wedges for serving; Rice noodles for serving

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup is a comforting and aromatic dish that will warm your heart and fill your belly.

Created by

Callista Green

Last updated on 2025-12-28T20:52:16.353Z

This chicken pho-style soup is a delightful twist on the traditional Vietnamese dish. With its rich flavors and aromatic spices, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Warm, comforting flavors that evoke a sense of home
Easy preparation with minimal hands-on time
Healthy ingredients that nourish the body and soul

      

The Comfort of Pho

Pho is more than just a meal; it's a comforting bowl of goodness that transports you to the streets of Vietnam with every sip. The aromatic broth, infused with spices and herbs, creates a symphony of flavors that warm your soul. This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup captures that essence, allowing you to enjoy the beloved dish without the hours of preparation traditionally required. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, ensuring that the flavors meld beautifully, giving you a rich and satisfying soup every time.

Using chicken thighs in this recipe not only adds a depth of flavor but also ensures that the meat remains tender and juicy throughout the cooking process. The combination of spices like star anise and cinnamon adds a warm, fragrant quality, making this soup a perfect choice for chilly days or when you simply need some comfort food.

Effortless Preparation

One of the best aspects of this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup is its simplicity. With minimal hands-on time, you can prepare a hearty meal that requires very little effort. After a quick assembly of the ingredients in your slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to develop while you go about your day. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The slow cooker takes care of the cooking process, transforming basic ingredients into a deeply flavorful soup. All you need to do is shred the chicken before serving, making it a hassle-free option for everyone, from beginner cooks to seasoned chefs.

Health Benefits of Chicken Pho

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup is not only delicious but also packed with healthy ingredients that nourish both the body and soul. Chicken broth, rich in nutrients, is known for its health benefits, including improved digestion and immune support. The fresh herbs, like cilantro and basil, contribute vitamins and antioxidants, making this soup a wholesome meal option.

Additionally, using boneless, skinless chicken thighs provides lean protein, helping you feel full longer while keeping the dish lower in calories. With the addition of lime and fresh herbs, each bowl is bright, refreshing, and satisfying, making it a great choice for those looking to eat well without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

For the Soup

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
8 cups chicken broth
1 onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
2 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil) for garnish
Lime wedges for serving
Rice noodles for serving

Gather all ingredients before starting your slow cooker.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

In your slow cooker, combine the chicken thighs, chicken broth, onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, fish sauce, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.

Cook the Soup

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.

Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken thighs from the broth, shred them with two forks, then return to the slow cooker.

Serve

Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Serve the soup over the noodles and garnish with fresh herbs and lime wedges.

Enjoy your delicious chicken pho-style soup!

Tips for the Perfect Pho

To elevate your Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup, consider adding a variety of toppings. Sliced jalapeños, bean sprouts, and hoisin sauce can enhance the flavor and add texture to each serving. Don't hesitate to customize your bowl with your favorite ingredients, ensuring that each meal is uniquely yours.

Another helpful tip is to adjust the seasoning to your taste. After cooking, taste the broth and add more fish sauce or soy sauce if you prefer a saltier flavor. Fresh lime juice can also brighten the soup, so feel free to squeeze in some extra before serving.

Pairing Suggestions

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich broth. Alternatively, serve with crusty bread or a baguette for a heartier meal. The bread can be used to soak up the delicious broth, enhancing your dining experience.

For a complete meal, consider serving a light dessert, such as coconut flan or fresh fruit, to cleanse the palate after the savory soup. The balance of flavors and textures will make your meal memorable and satisfying.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, storing your Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup is easy. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When freezing, consider portioning the soup for easy reheating later on.

To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If the noodles have absorbed too much broth during storage, you can add a little extra chicken broth or water to restore the soup's consistency. Enjoy your comforting bowl of pho any day of the week!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor and tenderness.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure that the fish sauce and soy sauce are gluten-free.

→ Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! The flavors deepen if made a day ahead. Just reheat before serving.

→ What can I substitute for rice noodles?

You can use spiralized zucchini or rice for a low-carb option.