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; 1 onion, quartered; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 piece ginger (2 inches), sliced; 2 star anise; 1 cinnamon stick; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; Salt and pepper to taste; Rice noodles; Fresh basil leaves; Cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges; Sliced jalapeños; Bean sprouts

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Warm up with this delicious and comforting Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup, infused with aromatic spices and fresh herbs.

Created by

Cassidy Moore

Last updated on 2025-12-30T00:46:15.494Z

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup is a heartwarming dish that brings the flavors of Vietnam to your home without the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights, this soup simmers all day, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Aromatic spices that transport you to Vietnam
Tender chicken that falls apart with a fork
Customizable with your favorite toppings

      

The Aromatic Base of Pho

At the heart of any great pho is a deeply aromatic broth. This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup is no exception. The combination of star anise, cinnamon, and fresh ginger creates a fragrant foundation that will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma. These spices not only add depth to the flavor but also provide health benefits, making this soup as nourishing as it is delicious.

Using a slow cooker allows the spices to meld beautifully over time, infusing the chicken and broth with rich, complex flavors. You'll appreciate how the gentle cooking process transforms simple ingredients into a warm hug in a bowl. The result is a soup that is both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests.

Customizing Your Pho

One of the best aspects of this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Swap out the rice noodles for zucchini noodles for a low-carb option, or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bok choy for more nutrition.

Toppings are another area where you can get creative. Beyond the traditional fresh basil, cilantro, and lime, consider adding hoisin sauce or sriracha for an extra kick. The beauty of pho lies in its adaptability, allowing each bowl to be tailored to individual tastes, ensuring that everyone at your table leaves satisfied.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this delightful soup, presentation can elevate the experience. Start with a generous portion of cooked rice noodles in each bowl, then ladle the steaming broth over them. Arrange the fresh herbs and toppings in a beautiful way, allowing everyone to customize their bowl with lime wedges and other garnishes.

Consider pairing this pho-style soup with a light salad or spring rolls for a complete meal. The fresh, vibrant flavors will complement each other beautifully, making for a satisfying dining experience that feels both indulgent and healthy.

Ingredients

For the Soup

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 piece ginger (2 inches), sliced
2 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
4 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

Rice noodles
Fresh basil leaves
Cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges
Sliced jalapeños
Bean sprouts

Gather all the ingredients listed above before you start cooking.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Place the chicken thighs, onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, chicken broth, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.

Cook the Soup

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

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 and mix well.

Serve

To serve, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Divide the noodles among bowls, ladle the soup over the noodles, and top with fresh basil, cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeños, and bean sprouts.

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Chicken Pho-Style Soup!

Tips for Perfect Pho

To ensure your Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup turns out perfectly, be sure to use high-quality chicken broth. Homemade broth will yield the best flavor, but store-bought options work well too. Look for low-sodium varieties so you can control the saltiness of the dish.

After shredding the chicken, return it to the broth immediately to keep it moist. If you find the broth is too strong, add a bit more water or broth to balance the flavors. Adjust the seasoning as needed, tasting as you go, to make it just right for your palate.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from soaking up too much liquid and becoming mushy.

For longer storage, consider freezing the soup without the noodles. This way, you can enjoy a quick and easy meal by thawing and reheating it whenever you crave a warm, comforting bowl of pho.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs provide a more tender and flavorful result.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

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

→ What toppings do you recommend?

Traditional toppings include fresh herbs, lime, jalapeños, and bean sprouts.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles.