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: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 onion, quartered; 4 cloves garlic, smashed; 1 piece ginger (2-inch), sliced; 3 star anise pods; 2 cinnamon sticks; 3 whole cloves; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon sugar; Salt and pepper to taste; Rice noodles; Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil); Lime wedges; Sliced jalapeños; Bean sprouts; Green onions, sliced

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with this easy slow cooker chicken pho-style soup. Perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.

Created by

Keira Thompson

Last updated on 2025-12-29T23:55:07.265Z

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup is a comforting dish that brings the beloved flavors of traditional pho right to your kitchen with minimal effort. The slow cooker allows the spices to meld beautifully, creating a rich broth that is both nourishing and satisfying.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Warm and fragrant broth that soothes the soul
Tender chicken that falls apart with a fork
Customizable with your favorite toppings
Minimal prep time with maximum flavor

      

The Essence of Pho

Pho is a traditional Vietnamese dish that embodies a harmonious blend of flavors, aromas, and textures. The broth is the heart of pho, simmered for hours to extract the essence of the ingredients. This easy slow cooker chicken pho-style soup captures that spirit, providing a comforting meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that transports you to the bustling streets of Vietnam with every spoonful.

The combination of spices like star anise and cinnamon gives this soup its signature fragrance, while the tender chicken provides a substantial, satisfying protein. Unlike traditional pho that requires hours of preparation, this slow cooker version simplifies the process, making it accessible for anyone looking to enjoy homemade comfort food without the hassle.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best features of this slow cooker chicken pho-style soup is its versatility for meal prep. With just a few minutes of preparation, you can set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic while you go about your day. The leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld together, making it a fantastic option for lunches throughout the week.

You can easily scale the recipe up or down depending on your needs. Whether you're cooking for a family or just for yourself, this soup holds up beautifully in the fridge and can even be frozen for later enjoyment. Just reheat and add your favorite toppings for a quick and satisfying meal.

Topping It Off

One of the joys of enjoying pho is customizing it with your favorite toppings. Fresh herbs like cilantro and basil add brightness, while lime wedges introduce a zesty kick. Sliced jalapeños bring a spicy element, and bean sprouts add crunch, creating a delightful contrast in textures. Green onions can also enhance the overall flavor profile, making each bowl a masterpiece tailored to your taste.

Feel free to experiment with different toppings or add a dash of sriracha for an extra layer of heat. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to create a unique bowl of soup that suits your palate perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Soup

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1 piece ginger (2-inch), sliced
3 star anise pods
2 cinnamon sticks
3 whole cloves
6 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

Rice noodles
Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil)
Lime wedges
Sliced jalapeños
Bean sprouts
Green onions, sliced

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

In the slow cooker, combine chicken thighs, onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, chicken broth, fish sauce, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper.

Cook the Soup

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the broth and stir well.

Prepare the Noodles

Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Serve

To serve, place a portion of rice noodles in a bowl and ladle the hot soup over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, bean sprouts, and green onions.

Storage Tips

This slow cooker chicken pho-style soup stores exceptionally well, making it a go-to option for meal prep. After cooking, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, or you can freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, ensure that the soup is heated thoroughly before serving, and consider adding fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

When freezing, it's advisable to store the broth and noodles separately to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy. This way, you can enjoy a fresh bowl of pho whenever you crave it, simply by reheating the broth and cooking the noodles fresh.

Cooking Variations

While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can easily adapt it to suit your dietary preferences. Swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood version. The cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly—shrimp will require less time to cook, while tofu can be added at the same time as the other ingredients.

For a heartier soup, consider adding vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, or carrots. These additions not only enhance the nutritional value but also add more texture and color, making your pho-style soup even more enticing.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your pho experience, consider pairing this soup with a light side salad or spring rolls. A fresh herb salad with mint and lime can complement the aromatic flavors of the soup beautifully. Alternatively, fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp or vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, soothing broth.

Don’t forget to serve the soup with a selection of condiments, such as hoisin sauce and chili paste, allowing everyone to personalize their bowl. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes the meal interactive and fun for family and friends.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be substituted, but thighs provide a richer flavor and texture.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of fish sauce?

Soy sauce is a great alternative if you're looking for a vegetarian option.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

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