Easy Instant Pot Pho Ga (Chicken Pho)
If you didn’t think it was possible to make chicken pho at home, then you’re in luck! This easy Instant Pot pho ga (chicken pho) is my quick and easy version of the popular Vietnamese chicken noodle soup.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp refined coconut oil
- 10 grams cilantro
- 1 medium onion (halved)
- 3 pieces star anise
- 1 ginger (thumb-sized; washed and sliced)
- 4 pieces cloves
- 1 pound chicken drumsticks (for broth and protein)
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- 1 chicken breast (for topping; optional if you don't want to include it)
- 1/4 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cups water (right before the fill line)
- 1 tsp salt
- 10.5 ounces rice noodles
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- serve with a side of Hoisin sauce and Sriracha sauce (if desired)
Garnish
- green onions (chopped)
- cilantro
- Thai basil
- mung bean sprouts
- jalapeno pepper
- lime
Instructions
- Rub salt and rinse the chicken breast, then set aside.
- On saute mode, wait until the indicator says “HOT.” Then, add the refined coconut oil to the Instant Pot insert and ensure the bottom of the pot is fully coated. Next, place the onion flat side down and the ginger slices into the insert. Be patient and allow the onions and ginger to char for about 5 minutes without touching them.
- Place your chicken drumstick and chicken breast into the Instant Pot insert. Then, followed by a cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, cardamom, coriander seeds, kosher salt, fish sauce, cilantro, and water (just enough to cover before the fill line). Set the Instant Pot to Manual/Pressure on Normal High for 25 minutes.
- While the chicken pho broth is cooking, prepare the garnishes.
- After the Instant Pot beeps, turn the valve to release the pressure. Remove the chicken drumsticks and chicken breasts. Set aside for a few minutes to cool.
- Then, strain the broth using a fine-mesh strainer. Once the chicken has cooled, slice the chicken breast for the topping. You may also use the chicken drumstick meat for the topping.
- Cook the rice noodles according to the manufacturer’s packaging. Place the noodles into a bowl, followed by the cut chicken.
- Pour the chicken pho broth over the noodles and chicken, then add the desired garnishes. Serve with a side of Hoisin and Sriracha sauce.
Notes
- Don’t skip charring the onion and ginger.
- Keep the skin on the chicken drumsticks for this easy Instant Pot pho ga.
- (Optional Step) Toast the spices before adding them to the Instant Pot.
- Tie the spices in a small cheesecloth pouch before adding them to the Instant Pot.
- Add the noodles into each serving bowl first.
