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 chicken breast, boneless and skinless; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups water; 1 onion, quartered; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch piece of ginger, sliced; 2 star anise; 1 cinnamon stick; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; Rice noodles, for serving; Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro), for garnish; Lime wedges, for serving

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Warm up with this comforting and fragrant Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup, perfect for any day of the week.

Created by

Paige Sullivan

Last updated on 2025-12-28T17:01:17.888Z

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup is a delightful and aromatic dish that brings the flavors of traditional Vietnamese pho to your home with minimal effort. Using a slow cooker, you can infuse the broth with spices like star anise and cinnamon, allowing the chicken to become tender and flavorful.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Aromatic spices that fill your kitchen with warmth
Tender chicken that falls apart with a fork
Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time

      

A Bowl of Comfort

There's something incredibly soothing about a warm bowl of soup, and this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup captures that essence perfectly. With its fragrant broth and tender chicken, it’s a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also warms the soul. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.

Pho is a beloved Vietnamese dish known for its aromatic broth and fresh toppings. This recipe simplifies the traditional method, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of cooking experience. The use of chicken breast ensures that the soup remains light yet hearty, making it a versatile option for lunch or dinner any day of the week.

Flavorful Ingredients

The magic of this soup lies in its combination of spices, which include star anise and cinnamon. These spices not only add depth to the broth but also create a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting a balanced flavor profile, ensuring that every spoonful is packed with deliciousness.

Fresh herbs like basil and cilantro are essential for garnishing your soup. They provide a burst of freshness that complements the rich broth beautifully. Don’t forget the lime wedges! A squeeze of lime at the end brightens the dish, enhancing its overall flavor and adding a delightful zing.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho-Style Soup is not only scrumptious but also perfect for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors develop even further as it sits, making it taste even better the next day. Just reheat and enjoy a comforting meal in no time.

Additionally, this soup freezes well, so if you want to stock your freezer with homemade meals, this is a great option. Portion it out into individual containers, and you’ll have a quick and easy lunch or dinner waiting for you on busy days.

Ingredients

For the Soup

1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece of ginger, sliced
2 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons fish sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Rice noodles, for serving
Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro), for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, water, quartered onion, minced garlic, sliced ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and fish sauce.

Cook the Soup

Cover the slow cooker and set to low. Cook for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

To serve, cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Place noodles in bowls, ladle the soup over the noodles, and garnish with fresh herbs and lime wedges.

Tips for Customization

Feel free to customize this soup to suit your taste preferences. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to the broth for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different proteins; shrimp or tofu can be delicious alternatives to chicken.

For a more substantial meal, consider adding vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds texture and flavor to your bowl.

Serving Suggestions

When serving this soup, consider offering a variety of toppings to let everyone personalize their bowl. In addition to fresh herbs and lime, you can include bean sprouts, sliced green onions, or chili flakes. This interactive element makes the meal more enjoyable and allows for creative expression.

Pair your pho-style soup with a side of crusty bread or spring rolls for a complete meal that your family and friends will love. The combination of flavors and textures will surely impress, making it a favorite for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.