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Home » Crock Pot » Crock Pot Chicken Pho

Crock Pot Chicken Pho

December 5, 2014 by Tracy | Updated January 30, 2022 This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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large bowl of pho with chopsticks holding up a bite
large bowl of chicken pho
chopsticks holding up a bite of chicken pho with Pinterest pin text.
a bowl of chicken pho with chopstick holding up noodles and chicken with Pinterest pin text.
a bowl of chicken pho with chopstick holding up noodles and chicken with Pinterest pin text.
a bowl of pho with chopsticks and chopsticks holding up a bite with Pinterest pin text.
a bowl of pho with chopsticks and Pinterest pin text.
a bowl of pho with chopsticks and Pinterest pin text.
a bowl of chicken pho with Pinterest pin text.

With your slow cooker, you can make your own Vietnamese noodle soup! Our Crock Pot Chicken Pho is our take on this classic with an incredibly flavorful broth but with a little added nutrition from fresh bok choy. Making this Asian chicken noodle soup at home is easier than you may think!

a bowl of chicken pho with chopstick holding up noodles and chicken with Pinterest pin text.

I will repeat, Crock Pot Chicken Pho. I know. And you're welcome. Hands down, this is one of our favorite soups to make. While I'm not claiming that this Vietnamese noodle soup is 100% authentic, (Hi, Korean Pollack over here), its flavorful broth definitely fulfills that pho craving, plus it wouldn't be a SFS recipe if we didn't sneak in a little added nutrition!

Recipe Video

Ingredients Needed

chicken stock, raw chicken, rice noodles, bok choy, fish sauce, brown sugar, ginger, coriander, star anise, whole cloves, cinnamon stick on a counter.

Simple ingredients, but that add SO much flavor for the broth, which all pho lovers know, is truly the key!

  • Chicken Breasts - Boneless or bone-in, we've use both. We've made it with boneless chicken thighs before too, but the white meat of chicken breasts is definitely our favorite.
  • Bok Choy - We prefer baby bok choy because the leaves are more tender and have a slightly sweeter flavor than that of full sized, but both are delicious. You could also use spinach, too! Yes, I know, traditional pho does not add a green, but adding a little extra greeny is how we roll around here!
  • Chicken Stock - Have you made your own, yet?
  • Rice Noodles - There are a lot of rice noodle / rice stick options. Your local Asian market is going to be the best place to find them as they sell Pho Noodles or you could buy Banh Pho noodles. Your favorite rice noodle will work, just keep an eye on the package instructions for how long to allow them to cook in your crock pot.
  • Brown Sugar - Light brown sugar is best - and if you don't have any, did you know you can make your own?
  • Fish Sauce - This salty savory sauce adds a great umami flavor to the broth.
  • Fresh Ginger - Sliced big enough to be able to easily remove from broth.
  • Broth Flavoring - Whole cloves, star anise, a whole cinnamon stick, whole coriander.

You can also buy pre-made pho spice packs. Most Asian markets sell them, or you can find them here on Amazon.

While this is all the base of the pho, you can't forget the accompaniments, too!

hoisin, sriracha, chili garlic sauce, bean sprouts, basil, jalapenos, lime on counter.
  • Our favorite add-ons are:
  • Hoisin - Did you know you can make your own?
  • Sriracha - For some heat.
  • Chili Garlic Sauce - For some garlicky kick.
  • Bean Sprouts - Fresh may be hard to find in your local grocery store, but you can usually find them in your local Asian market. Note: not they are not recommended to eat raw while pregnant.
  • Basil - The perfect herbal touch.
  • Sliced Jalapenos - For even more flavorful heat.
  • Fresh Lime - A final squeeze over the top of it all adds just the right amount of acidity to tie it all together!

Step-by-Step Instructions

As with all of our Crock Pot meals, this one is no exception, it is EASY.

a pan with toasted spices and putting them into the broth.

Step 1: Toast your spices. This really helps enhance their flavors.

Step 2: Add salted chicken breasts to pot with broth, sliced ginger, sugar, fish sauce, and toasted spices.

top of pot with cooked broth and chicken and sieve gathering spices out.

Step 3: Let your slow cooker do the rest of the work developing all of the flavors of the broth.

Once done, you'll want to remove all of the ginger and the whole spices. We use a fine-mesh sieve for that, like this one.

a bowl of cooked chicken and second picture of chicken shredded.

Step 4: Remove the chicken and give it a good shred.

pot with shredded chicken and chopped bok choy and then again with rice noodles.

Step 5: Return the chicken to the pot and then add your chopped bok choy. Cook on high for 20 minutes then add your rice noodles.

Be sure to keep an eye on the noodles and only add them for the cooking time noted on the package.

a bowl of chicken pho.

And done! Crock Pot Chicken Pho ready for a large bowl and to be topped with your favorite add-ons!

a bowl of chicken pho with sriracha, sprouts, and sliced jalapenos.

Serve With

This is totally up to you, but here are our favorites!

  • A heaping pile of fresh bean sprouts.
  • Ripped fresh basil.
  • Sliced jalapenos
  • A dollop of chili garlic sauce.
  • A little homemade Hoisin.
  • Drizzled Sriracha.
  • Finished with a squeeze of fresh lime!
overhead of two bowls of chicken pho with chopsticks.

Once added, then of course we give all of that Vietnamese noodle soup goodness a solid mix with chopsticks...

a bowl of chicken pho with chopstick holding up noodles and chicken.

...to be ready for the perfect Crock Pot Chicken Pho bite!

How can you not love a chicken noodle soup?  And this Vietnamese version is ridiculously easy and so flavorful, which makes it even more loveable.

Other Asian Inspired Soups

Crock Pot Beef Pho

Egg Roll Cabbage Soup

Hot and Sour Soup with Pork

a bowl of chicken pho with chopstick holding up noodles and chicken.

FAQs

Can I use another cut of chicken?

Of course! We prefer chicken breasts for this recipe and have used boneless or bone-in but thighs would also work.

Can I use beef in this?

We don't recommend it for this recipe, but try our Crock Pot Beef Pho!

Do I have to toast the spices?

You don't have to, but it does make a difference in the flavor.

Can I use any kind of noodle?

Definitely. Rice noodles are the most authentic for pho, but you can use whatever noodle you would like at whatever thickness. Just keep in mind the kind of noodle and their individual cooking time.

Can I freeze the pho?

You can definitely freeze the broth and chicken, but I wouldn't recommend freezing the cooked noodles as they do not thaw well after freezing. To freeze, prepare the pho up until adding the noodles and then cook the noodles in the pho prior to serving after reheating.

Enjoy! As always, if you make this recipe or any of my others, I love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, email me, or you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

a bowl of chicken pho with chopstick holding up noodles and chicken with Pinterest pin text.

Crock Pot Chicken Pho

Chicken Pho made easily at home in your Crock Pot!
4.79 from 56 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Low Fat
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Author: Tracy

Equipment

  • Crock Pot
  • Sieve

Ingredients

  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or bone-in would work too
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 inch piece fresh ginger peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 8 star anise
  • 2 teaspoons whole coriander
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 6-8 oz of pho rice noodles, banh pho 1/16 inch is the best, but whatever you can find will work!
  • 3-4 cups baby bok choy chopped
  • 1-2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • bean sprouts
  • fresh basil leaves
  • sliced jalapeños
  • lime wedges
  • Sriracha
  • hoisin
  • chili garlic sauce

Instructions

  • Heat a small pan on medium heat and add cinnamon stick, cloves, coriander, star anise, and cloves. Toast, stirring oftne, for about 2 minutes or until fragrant.
  • Salt chicken breasts and add to a crock pot. Add chicken stock, fish sauce, and sliced ginger. Add brown sugar and give a little stir so it dissolves. Add toasted spices.
  • Set to slow cook on low for 6-8 hrs on or on high for 3-4 hrs.
  • Remove chicken from crock pot and shred. While chicken is removed, use a sieve to remove ginger and whole spices.
  • Return shredded chicken to crock pot and add chopped bok choy. Turn crock pot to high, cover, and let cook for another 15 minutes.
  • While bok choy cooks, prep your accompaniments by slicing jalapeños, lime wedges, and add basil and sprouts to a plate. Gather hoisin, sriracha, and chili garlic sauce.
  • After the bok choy has cooked for 15 minutes, open lid and add dried rice noodles. Let cook submerged in the broth for 5-6 minutes, or whatever the cooking time on the package.
  • Ladle pho into large bowls. Top with your choice of bean sprouts, jalapeños, basil. Top with sriracha, chili paste, and/or hoisin to taste and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
  • Enjoy!!

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 1474mg | Potassium: 502mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 5314IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 182mg | Iron: 3mg
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kit

    March 03, 2019 at 4:54 pm

    5 stars
    Crock pot dishes are the best! Id like to add a little more ginger to this for its known health benefits. I hope the taste wont be as strong.

    https://myeasychoices.com/health-benefits-of-ginger/

    Reply
  2. Yang

    February 20, 2019 at 7:53 pm

    5 stars
    Great looking pho! I can smell it through my screen! I have been looking for soups that I can make for my grandmother, and this pho looks so good and easy for her to consume and digest. Thank you for sharing this awesome recipe, Tracy!

    Reply
    • Tracy

      February 20, 2019 at 8:08 pm

      Thank you, Yang! I hope you and your grandmother enjoy it!

      Reply
  3. Santini

    February 12, 2019 at 6:39 pm

    I love soups so every time I see recipes like this I want to try it. I'm definitely gonna try this on the weekend. Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Tracy

      February 12, 2019 at 8:34 pm

      That's great, Santini!! Enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Kellie Anderson

    January 24, 2019 at 1:57 pm

    5 stars
    Homemade stock for homemade pho is the stuff of dreams. It looks and sounds amazing!

    Reply
    • Tracy

      January 24, 2019 at 4:44 pm

      Thanks, Kellie!

      Reply
  5. Jillian

    January 24, 2019 at 1:37 pm

    5 stars
    I love making recipes from scratch and this one looks so delicious! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Tracy

      January 24, 2019 at 4:44 pm

      From scratch is the best - thank you!

      Reply
  6. Tayler Ross

    January 24, 2019 at 1:25 pm

    5 stars
    My mouth started watering before I even finished reading the title! This looks so amazing!

    Reply
  7. Pam

    January 24, 2019 at 12:56 pm

    5 stars
    I adore my slow cooker and I'm always on the lookout for new recipes to try in it. Thanks for sharing this.

    Reply
  8. Sabrina

    January 24, 2019 at 12:36 pm

    5 stars
    Pho is one of my husband's favorite dishes. I totally need to make this for him, thanks!

    Reply
  9. Andrea Metlika

    January 24, 2019 at 12:01 pm

    5 stars
    Great Pho recipe. I can't wait to try this and have my house smell so good from all the spices.

    Reply
  10. Kate

    December 31, 2018 at 4:16 pm

    Made this today, it was so good and a perfect way to celebrate a relaxed New Year!

    Reply
    • Tracy

      December 31, 2018 at 4:33 pm

      That’s soooo wonderful to hear, Kate!! Happy New Year! Cheers to a 2019 with more pho in it! 😜

      Reply
  11. Deb

    December 16, 2018 at 6:51 pm

    5 stars
    I made this today and it was amazing. Just like going to get it at a restaurant.!

    Reply
    • Tracy

      December 16, 2018 at 6:59 pm

      That's great to hear Deb!! So glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  12. Ashley Martin

    October 16, 2018 at 9:36 am

    Approximately how many servings does this make?

    Reply
    • Tracy

      October 16, 2018 at 9:23 pm

      Hi Ashley! It will make about 4 large bowls - which the way we eat pho, that's enough for about 4 people 🙂

      Reply
  13. Amanda

    March 20, 2018 at 5:19 pm

    Delicious!! I used store bought stock, so next time I’ll use less anise. But I cannot wait to make this again!! Thank you.

    Reply
    • Tracy

      March 22, 2018 at 7:16 pm

      So awesome to hear, Amanda!!! Check out the new Crock Pot Beef Pho, too! 😀

      Reply
  14. Aleka

    February 26, 2018 at 2:48 am

    5 stars
    This looks delicious! I made a chicken pho last night but I did not use star anise, sugar or the bok choy but I def will next time!!! 🙂

    Reply
  15. Nicole

    February 23, 2018 at 9:14 am

    Can this recipe be done on the high setting?? How long would it take to finish??

    Reply
    • Tracy

      February 24, 2018 at 8:31 pm

      Hi Nicole! Yup! I'd do it on high for 4 hrs. Enjoy!

      Reply
  16. Amanda

    February 18, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    You just mean 10 star anise pegs/segments. I only used one whole star and that was enough flavor for me. I found the spices to be nice and “warming” but almost too strong. I would probably use a small cinnamon stick and half as many cloves. Delicious, otherwise! Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Tracy

      February 18, 2018 at 4:42 pm

      Hi Amanda! I'm so glad you tried it and like it! Actually, I did mean 10 whole star anise, but if you like it with less, that's great! That's the wonderful thing about recipes is that you can adjust them to your taste 🙂

      Reply
  17. Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours

    February 14, 2018 at 5:28 am

    5 stars
    Fantastic idea to have the chicken all day in that aromatic broth. I do love a good slow cooker meal, to come home too. i also want a bowl of this right now for the cold London weather.

    Reply
  18. Amanda

    February 11, 2018 at 6:01 pm

    5 stars
    I definitely do not use my slow cooker often enough, and this recipe is such incentive for me to get it out! I absolutely love star anise. The aroma of this cooking must be incredible in the kitchen. What a great dinner for a chilly night!

    Reply
  19. Amy Nash

    February 10, 2018 at 10:49 pm

    5 stars
    This pho looks phenomenal. I love the amazing flavors, and yes, it makes a huge difference to use really quality broth and homemade is always the best. And I love that it can be made in a crockpot!

    Reply
  20. Miranda @ Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt

    February 10, 2018 at 7:21 pm

    5 stars
    I'm a sucker for any meal I can do in the crock pot really, but this one looks especially scrumptious. I just had pho for the first time last week and I'm already anxious to have it again. Thank goodness I've come across this recipe to make it myself! 😉

    Reply
  21. Annemarie @ justalittlebitofbacon

    February 09, 2018 at 2:51 pm

    5 stars
    Considering there are no great pho places near my house (or any pho places), I think being able to make pho at home in my slow cooker is a win/win! And your pictures look so good. I'm hungry now! Could I use chicken thighs or legs instead of the breast meat? I really love dark meat in the slow cooker.

    Reply
  22. Courtney Lopez

    February 08, 2018 at 7:05 pm

    5 stars
    I love a good bowl of pho! I love that your recipe can be made right in the crockpot, makes it much easier for me to prep and forget. Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  23. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet

    February 08, 2018 at 11:24 am

    5 stars
    I've been wanting to make chicken pho at home for so long now! This looks crazy delicious and quite easy. Can't wait to give it a go!

    Reply
  24. Lisa | Garlic + Zest

    February 08, 2018 at 10:07 am

    5 stars
    Shoot... It's already 1:00 -- too late to start making the pho for tonight... I'll have to put the chicken back in the fridge and get this into the crock pot tomorrow morning... I have everything but the star anise (yes -- even homemade stock, I just made), this looks and sounds so good. I can't wait for dinner tomorrow night!

    Reply
  25. Julia

    February 07, 2018 at 1:23 pm

    5 stars
    I haven't had pho in at least a decade. We use to eat it a lot while at university. All the additions of star anise and ginger and fish sauce look like the broth is extremely flavourful. And I love that it's made in a slow cooker. What a wonderful idea

    Reply
  26. Tina

    February 07, 2018 at 9:38 am

    5 stars
    I love this easy Pho recipe. Noodle and brothy soups are definitely my weakness. Your step by step photos are very helpful so I am definitely saving this for later. Thanks for sharing your recipes.

    Reply
  27. Sarah

    February 06, 2018 at 8:48 am

    5 stars
    Is this pho real?!? Lol. I adore pho, and we finally got a really great pho place here, BUT-- this sounds like a pho-nomenal idea! I neeeeeed!!!

    Reply
  28. Brandy

    February 06, 2018 at 5:59 am

    I can barely stand all that fresh yumminess in one bowl! All that green makes such an inviting dish. It can be hard to beat favorite restaurant flavors but it’s an amazing feeling when we come close!

    Reply
  29. Britt @ A Lil' Sweet, Spice, & Advice

    February 05, 2018 at 7:44 pm

    5 stars
    I'm addicted to pho and have been eating a bunch of chicken pho at restaurants lately. I'm so glad to have found you recipe so I can now easily make it at home! So happy to see you've made the stock from scratch! ?

    Reply
  30. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy

    February 05, 2018 at 1:24 pm

    5 stars
    This is such a great recipe. Who needs take out when you can make food like this at home. The leftovers would be amazing too. Homemade is best, tastes delicious and save you money too.

    Reply
  31. Emily

    February 03, 2018 at 6:13 am

    5 stars
    LOVE the step by step photos, this looks absolutely delicious!

    Reply
  32. Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine

    February 03, 2018 at 3:33 am

    YUM! Love everything about this. Pho is my fav soup -- and this homemade version looks perfect!

    Reply
  33. Helene D'Souza

    February 03, 2018 at 3:19 am

    5 stars
    I love chicken pho and make it at least once a week these days. I never thought of doing it your way, but will try it next time. I think so I would try it with asian basil such as thai basil or sweet tulsi basil. =)

    Reply
  34. Mairi

    February 03, 2018 at 2:06 am

    This actually looks super delicious! I've got to try this this weekend 🙂

    Reply
  35. Natalie

    February 03, 2018 at 12:14 am

    5 stars
    I absolutely love Pho! It's one of my top favorite soups in the whole world - a lot more than ramen or uddon. Looks absolutely delicious and just perfect for this weather ♥

    Reply
  36. Traci

    February 02, 2018 at 10:40 pm

    Hi Tracy, Traci here 🙂 I really need to use Star Anise in my pho next time I make it. I have some on hand but forget I have it. And I know I'm missing out, so thank you for the great recipe! I'll be sure to give it a go! 🙂

    Reply
  37. Evad

    February 02, 2018 at 12:35 pm

    Your quantities are off between the step-by-step photos and the instructions. Also, your instructions at the bottom leave out what’s to be done with the ginger.

    Reply
    • Tracy

      February 02, 2018 at 8:49 pm

      Hi Evad,

      Thank you! Yes, you're right I had adjusted the brown sugar amount and clove count in my recipe and forgot to change the text! Thanks for pointing that out so I could fix it! The ginger was there hiding in the list of all the ingredients in the first step 🙂

      Reply
  38. Ellen

    January 13, 2017 at 6:17 pm

    All was well up until the green mustard stuffs. No, just no. Also missing grilled ginger and onion.

    Reply
  39. Joyce

    November 16, 2016 at 10:27 pm

    Looking forward to beef pho recipe.

    Reply
    • Tracy

      November 17, 2016 at 8:02 am

      Hi Joyce, thanks so much for stopping by! YES. I need to make a beef pho - it's been on my (looonngg) list but you've inspired me to move it to the top! Keep an eye out for it (hopefully) soon! 😀

      Reply
  40. Linna

    November 06, 2016 at 7:51 am

    This sounds great! I wonder if I could make this same recipe, but with pork? Do you think it would work?

    Reply
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