Quick & Flavorful Pressure Cooker Chicken Pho: A Modern Twist on a Vietnamese Classic

Pressure Cooker Chicken Pho

Introduction

Pressure Cooker Chicken Pho brings the aromatic, soul-warming flavors of Vietnamese cuisine to your table in a fraction of the time. By harnessing the speed and efficiency of a modern pressure cooker, you can enjoy a deeply flavorful broth, succulent chicken, and fresh toppings in under an hour—making it an unbeatable choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike.

Whether you’re craving something light and nourishing or want to impress guests with an authentic dish, this recipe delivers all the classic Pho goodness with a modern twist on convenience.

The Allure of Homemade Chicken Pho

Classic chicken pho is famed for its heady, spiced broth, delicate rice noodles, and bright, fresh toppings. A pressure cooker intensifies the flavor of aromatics, ginger, and spices, creating a broth that’s as rich and nuanced as one simmered for hours. The result is a bowl that’s restorative, beautifully balanced, and endlessly customizable—perfect for a comforting meal or a show-stopping centerpiece at your next dinner party.

Key Steps for Full-Flavored Broth

For authentic flavor, char your onions and ginger first—this crucial step adds depth and complexity. In a pressure cooker, the broth melds flavors rapidly, extracting every bit of savory goodness from the chicken and classic spices like star anise and cloves.

Using the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart makes it simple to monitor time and pressure, yielding a crystal-clear, aromatic broth. If you prefer your chicken perfectly shredded, a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black can help you achieve the ideal texture in seconds.

Noodle and Garnish Preparation

While your broth is pressure cooking, use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to prepare a beautiful spread of fresh herbs, onions, jalapeños, and limes—every bit as inviting as your favorite pho shop.

Don’t forget to soak and cook your flat rice noodles just before serving for optimal texture. A Homaxy 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Kitchen Dish Cloths, 6-Pack, Dark Grey is helpful for drying your herbs, ensuring your garnish looks as crisp and appetizing as possible.

Assembly and Serving Suggestions

Ladle hot broth over a nest of rice noodles, then top with tender chicken slices, vibrant herbs, and any garnishes that appeal to you: Thai basil, cilantro, mung bean sprouts, or jalapeño slices. Offer hoisin and sriracha on the side for guests to customize each bowl.

For meal-prep or to enjoy pho on-the-go, pack your toppings and noodles separately in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green and add piping-hot broth when ready to eat.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 generous bowls of chicken pho. Each serving typically contains 350–400 calories, depending on the amount of noodles and garnishes. It’s naturally low in fat and packed with protein, perfect for a wholesome meal any time.

Pressure Cooker Chicken Pho (Recap)

Pressure Cooker Chicken Pho combines the rich tradition of Vietnamese cuisine with the speed of modern technology. The intensely aromatic broth, succulent chicken, and fresh, vibrant toppings ensure this dish pleases every palate—making it a brilliant choice for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
1 large onion, peeled and halved
1 3-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1 tbsp coriander seeds
2 whole star anise
4 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
6 cups water
1 tbsp fish sauce (plus more to taste)
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
8 oz dried flat rice noodles (pho noodles)
For serving: Fresh cilantro, Thai basil, sliced green onions, crisp bean sprouts, lime wedges, jalapeño slices, hoisin and sriracha sauce

Instructions

  1. Set your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to the sauté function. Char the onion and ginger, turning occasionally, until lightly blackened (about 5 minutes). Add the garlic for the last 30 seconds.
  2. Add coriander seeds, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick; toast until fragrant (1–2 minutes).
  3. Add chicken, water, fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Secure lid, cook at high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  4. Meanwhile, soak rice noodles in hot water as instructed on package. Prepare Pho garnishes using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for uniform slicing. Drain the noodles when ready.
  5. Remove chicken; shred using a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black. Strain broth, adjust seasoning with more fish sauce or salt if needed.
  6. Divide noodles among bowls, add shredded chicken, and ladle over hot broth. Top with your desired herbs and garnishes. Serve immediately.
  7. To store leftovers or pack for lunches, portion broths and toppings into separate containers such as the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for optimal freshness.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

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