Imagine bringing the rich, aromatic flavors of traditional Vietnamese pho right to your dinner table in just 40 minutes - without spending hours in the kitchen! This Pressure Cooker Chicken Faux Pho is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner hack. Packed with incredible depth of flavor from star anise, cinnamon, and tender chicken, this recipe proves that restaurant-quality meals can be created with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the streets of Vietnam with just one pot and a handful of simple ingredients!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 piece ginger, sliced
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Rice noodles for serving
- Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro) for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the chicken thighs are thawed if they were previously frozen. Rinse the fresh herbs and lime wedges, and set them aside for garnishing later.
- In your pressure cooker, add the 4 cups of chicken broth. This will serve as the base for your faux pho.
- Place the halved onion and sliced ginger into the broth. These aromatics will infuse the broth with flavor as it cooks.
- Add the star anise and cinnamon stick to the pressure cooker. These spices are essential for creating the signature pho flavor.
- Next, add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the pot. Ensure they are submerged in the broth for even cooking.
- Secure the lid on the pressure cooker, making sure it is properly sealed. Set the cooker to high pressure and cook for 15 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling them in water for a few minutes until they are tender. Drain and set aside.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure from the cooker. You can use the quick release method for this.
- Open the lid and use tongs to remove the chicken thighs from the pot. Shred the chicken using two forks and set aside.
- Strain the broth to remove the onion, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick. This will leave you with a clear, flavorful broth.
- Return the shredded chicken to the strained broth and stir to combine. Heat the broth on the sauté setting for a few minutes if needed.
- To serve, place a portion of the cooked rice noodles in a bowl, ladle the hot broth and chicken over the noodles, and garnish with fresh herbs like basil and cilantro.
- Finish with a squeeze of lime juice for brightness and flavor. Enjoy your Pressure Cooker Chicken Faux Pho!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, toast the star anise and cinnamon stick briefly in a dry pan before adding them to the broth. This will help release their essential oils and intensify the aromatic profile.
- Choose bone-in chicken thighs if possible, as they'll provide even more depth to your broth. If using boneless, opt for dark meat to ensure a richer taste and more tender meat.
- Don't skip the fresh herbs! Basil and cilantro are crucial for adding brightness and authenticity to the dish. Add them just before serving to maintain their fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- If you prefer a clearer broth, you can skim off any foam that forms during the initial cooking process.
- Customize your pho by offering additional garnishes like bean sprouts, sliced jalapeños, or sriracha sauce on the side, allowing everyone to personalize their bowl.
- Leftover pho can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
