Craving a bowl of steaming, aromatic Vietnamese pho but worried about the calories and time commitment? This Healthy Chicken Pho recipe is your answer! Made with lean chicken breast, fragrant spices, and brown rice noodles, this easy meal comes together in just 30 minutes and delivers all the authentic flavor you love without the guilt.
Whether you’re looking for healthy dinner ideas, quick dinner ideas, or simple chicken recipes that actually taste amazing, this Healthy Chicken Pho checks all the boxes. It’s one of those healthy chicken recipes that’s so delicious, you won’t believe it’s good for you!
Table of Contents
What Makes This Chicken Pho Healthy?
Traditional pho is already a relatively healthy dish, but this version takes it up a notch. By using skinless chicken breast dinner ideas instead of fattier cuts, no-salt-added chicken broth, and brown rice noodles, we’ve created a lighter version that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Plus, with fresh herbs and vegetables for garnish, you’re getting tons of nutrients in every bowl.
This is the perfect addition to your rotation of healthy dinner recipes – it’s filling, satisfying, and packed with protein to keep you energized throughout the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
Healthy and Nutritious: Low in calories but high in protein and flavor
Authentic Flavor: Traditional Vietnamese spices create restaurant-quality taste
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and adjust spice levels to your preference
Meal Prep Friendly: Make the broth ahead and assemble bowls throughout the week
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients you can find at any grocery store
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Healthy Chicken Pho uses simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken broth (no salt added) | 6 cups | Can adjust ratio with water |
| Water | 3 cups | Or 2 cups if using 7 cups broth |
| Skinless chicken breast | ~1 lb | Can substitute rotisserie chicken |
| Brown rice noodles | 4 oz | Regular rice noodles work too |
| Garlic paste | 2 tbsp | Or 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced |
| Chopped onion | 2/3 cup | Yellow onion preferred |
| Sea salt | To taste | Start with 1 tsp and adjust |
Aromatic Spices
| Spice | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon stick | 1 | Warmth and depth |
| Green cardamom pods | 4-5 | Aromatic sweetness |
| Cloves | 4 | Earthy flavor |
| Fennel seeds | 1.5 tsp | Slight licorice note |
| Lemongrass | 1/2 tbsp | Citrus freshness |
| Star anise | 1 | Classic pho flavor |
Fresh Garnishes
- Jalapeño (sliced)
- Fresh basil
- Red onion (thinly sliced)
- Green onions (chopped)
- Cilantro
- Bean sprouts
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Pouch
Cut a square piece of cheesecloth and place all your spices (cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, fennel seeds, lemongrass, and star anise) in the center. Gather the corners and tie securely with kitchen string. This keeps your broth clear while infusing it with flavor.
Pro Tip: Lightly toast the spices in a dry pan before adding them to the cheesecloth for even more aromatic flavor!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Slice your yellow onion into thin pieces. Spray a large pot with coconut oil and heat over medium-high. Add the onions and garlic paste, sautéing until the onions turn golden brown and translucent. This caramelization adds depth to your broth.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Add your spice pouch and cover the pot. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes – the longer it simmers, the more flavorful your broth becomes. Season with sea salt to taste.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
While the broth simmers, bring water to a boil in a separate pot. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Don’t overcook or the chicken will become tough. Remove from water and let it cool slightly, then shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Time-Saving Tip: Use leftover rotisserie chicken recipes to skip this step entirely!
Step 5: Prepare the Noodles
In another pot, cook the brown rice noodles according to package directions. Brown rice noodles typically take 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become mushy. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 6: Assemble Your Bowl
Place a portion of noodles in the bottom of each bowl. Top with shredded chicken. Remove the spice pouch from the broth and ladle the hot, fragrant broth over the chicken and noodles. Add your favorite garnishes and finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Tips for the Best Chicken Pho
- Don’t Skip the Spices: The aromatic spices are what make pho taste authentic. Star anise is especially important!
- Quality Broth Matters: Use good-quality, no-salt-added chicken broth as your base for the best flavor.
- Fresh Garnishes Are Essential: The fresh herbs and vegetables add brightness and texture that make each bite interesting.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your broth before serving and adjust salt levels as needed.
- Serve Immediately: Pho is best enjoyed fresh when the broth is steaming hot and the noodles haven’t absorbed too much liquid.
- Make It Your Own: This recipe is incredibly versatile – add more vegetables, try different protein options, or adjust the spice level to your preference.
Meal Prep and Storage
This Healthy Chicken Pho is excellent for meal prep! Here’s how:
Broth: Make a large batch and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Chicken: Cook and shred chicken in advance. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Noodles: Cook noodles fresh when ready to eat for the best texture, or store cooked noodles separately for up to 2 days.
Assembly: Keep components separate and assemble individual bowls as needed throughout the week.
Nutritional Benefits
This Healthy Chicken Pho is a nutritional powerhouse:
- High Protein: Chicken breast provides lean protein for muscle maintenance
- Low Calorie: A satisfying bowl is only around 350-400 calories
- Immune Support: Aromatic spices and herbs have anti-inflammatory properties
- Hydrating: The warm broth keeps you hydrated
- Complex Carbs: Brown rice noodles provide sustained energy
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and richness, though they contain slightly more calories and fat.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Brown rice noodles are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth and sauces are also gluten-free.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Add all broth ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add cooked chicken and noodles just before serving.
Q: What if I can’t find star anise?
A: Star anise is the signature pho flavor, but the soup will still be delicious without it. You might add a bit more cinnamon or fennel seeds to compensate.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Definitely! Bok choy, mushrooms, carrots, and broccoli are all great additions.
Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: The base recipe isn’t spicy at all. Add jalapeños, sriracha, or chili oil to control the heat level.
Make This Healthy Chicken Pho Tonight!
This Healthy Chicken Pho is proof that quick dinner ideas can be both nutritious and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or a pho fanatic, this easy meal will become a regular in your healthy dinner recipes rotation.
The combination of tender shredded chicken, aromatic broth, and fresh garnishes creates a bowl of pure comfort that satisfies without weighing you down. Plus, at just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s one of the best quick and easy dinner recipes for busy weeknights.
So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality bowl of Healthy Chicken Pho in the comfort of your own home. Your taste buds – and your body – will thank you!
Ready to make this amazing recipe? Pin it for later and try it tonight!