Name: Rotisserie Chicken Pho
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 8 ounces flat rice noodles; 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 thumb-size piece fresh ginger sliced in half; 1 medium onion sliced in half; 1 tablespoon fish sauce or to taste; 2 whole star anise; 3 whole cloves; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 cup fresh cilantro chopped; 1 cup Thai basil leaves; 3 green onions sliced; 2 limes cut into wedges; chili garlic sauce or sriracha optional for serving

Looking for a comforting, soul-soothing meal that doesn’t take hours in the kitchen? This Rotisserie Chicken Pho is your weeknight answer. With a fragrant broth, tender noodles, and juicy rotisserie chicken, it delivers all the cozy warmth of traditional pho in a fraction of the time. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a bowl of something nourishing and flavorful.

Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut that doesn’t skimp on taste. Paired with aromatic herbs and spices, rice noodles, and fresh toppings like lime and cilantro, every spoonful is brimming with rich Vietnamese-inspired goodness. It tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but it comes together in just about 30 minutes.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Rotisserie Chicken Pho?

Rotisserie chicken is a game-changer here. It’s fully cooked, seasoned, and ready to shred. You can use either white or dark meat, or a mix of both depending on your preference. The added flavor from the roasting process brings extra depth to the broth without needing hours of simmering.

However, if you’re not using a store-bought rotisserie chicken, leftover roast chicken works beautifully too. Just make sure it’s moist and well-seasoned to carry through the broth.

Ingredients for the Rotisserie Chicken Pho

Rotisserie Chicken – Tender, flavorful meat that’s already cooked. Save time and get rich flavor with zero effort.

Rice Noodles – Flat rice noodles (like banh pho) are traditional in Vietnamese pho. They soak up the broth perfectly.

Chicken Broth – Go for low-sodium so you can control the saltiness. This is your base, so choose a good quality one.

Ginger and Onion – Charred ginger and onion deepen the flavor of the broth and mimic that slow-cooked taste.

Fish Sauce – A splash adds that umami depth and authentic Vietnamese flavor.

Cloves, Star Anise, and Cinnamon – These spices bring the iconic pho aroma to life. Don’t skip them.

Fresh Herbs – Cilantro, Thai basil, and green onions bring freshness to every bowl.

Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime adds brightness and balances the rich broth.

Chili Garlic Sauce or Sriracha (optional) – For those who like a little kick.

How To Make the Rotisserie Chicken Pho

Step 1: Toast the Spices

In a dry pot over medium heat, add the star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Toast them for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This wakes up their oils and gives the broth that authentic pho aroma.

Step 2: Char the Aromatics

Slice the ginger and onion in half. Place them cut-side down in the pot with the spices and let them char for a few minutes until browned. This step gives the broth depth and complexity.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Pour in your chicken broth, then add fish sauce to taste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for about 20 minutes. The spices and aromatics will infuse the broth with rich, warm flavors.

Step 4: Prepare the Noodles

While the broth simmers, cook your rice noodles according to the package instructions. Rinse under cool water to stop the cooking and set aside.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

While everything else is cooking, shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using both white and dark meat, mix them together for a balance of textures and flavors.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

Strain the broth to remove the aromatics and spices. Divide the rice noodles among bowls, top with shredded chicken, then ladle the hot broth over everything. Garnish with fresh herbs, green onions, and lime wedges. Add chili garlic sauce or sriracha if you want extra heat.

How to Serve and Store Rotisserie Chicken Pho

Serve Rotisserie Chicken Pho piping hot, straight from the pot. Let each person customize their bowl with fresh toppings like Thai basil, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges, and chili sauce. This not only adds color and freshness but allows everyone to tailor their pho to their heat and herb preference.

If you’re making it ahead of time, store the components separately: broth in one container, noodles in another, and chicken in a third. This prevents the noodles from soaking up too much liquid and becoming mushy. When ready to serve, reheat the broth and combine everything fresh in a bowl.

The broth will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 2 months. Perfect for meal prepping or stashing away for a cozy dinner later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of noodles should I use?

Flat rice noodles are traditional in pho. Look for ones labeled “banh pho” or similar. They cook quickly and hold up beautifully in broth.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth and skip the chicken. Add tofu or mushrooms for a hearty, satisfying bowl.

How do I prevent the noodles from getting soggy?

Cook and rinse them separately, then store them apart from the broth. Add noodles to the bowl right before serving and pour the hot broth over.

Is fish sauce necessary?

Fish sauce adds depth and authentic flavor, but if you’re avoiding it, use soy sauce or tamari for a similar umami punch.

Can I use homemade broth?

Yes, if you have homemade chicken broth, even better! Just simmer it with the spices and aromatics for added flavor.

What toppings go best?

Fresh herbs (cilantro, Thai basil), green onions, lime wedges, bean sprouts, and chili sauces are all traditional pho toppings that add brightness and texture.

Want More Soup Ideas That Feel Like a Hug in a Bowl?

If you love the comfort of this Rotisserie Chicken Pho, you’ll definitely want to try some of these warm and savory creations:

Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup for bold flavor and tender dumplings.
Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup if you’re craving something ultra-creamy and cozy.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup for a hearty one-bowl dinner.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup when you need that nostalgic, creamy chicken comfort.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes for a slow-simmered dinner that melts in your mouth.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to find whenever that pho craving hits again.

And don’t forget to tag me or comment below when you make it! Did you go heavy on the spice? Add mushrooms or a soft-boiled egg?

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