Instant Pot Pho Ga

Instant Pot Pho Ga, also known as Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup, is the perfect quick comfort meal. It’s packed with flavor, super healthy, and comes together in just 25 minutes.

You still get that rich, herby broth and tender chicken, but without spending hours in the kitchen.

Light, cozy, and totally delicious, this version makes it easy to enjoy your favorite pho any night of the week.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This easy Instant Pot pho ga recipe works on a variety of different levels.

You will love this recipe because it is quick and easy to prepare. With the Instant Pot's pressure-cooking technology, you can achieve deeply flavorful broth and tender chicken in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop methods.

Moreover, its customizable nature allows for endless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you prefer chicken thighs or breasts, traditional spices or creative twists, or even alternative proteins like tofu or seafood, this recipe adapts beautifully to your desires.

Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly cost-effective, requiring simple and affordable ingredients that are readily available at most grocery stores. By using economical cuts of chicken, pantry staples like spices and noodles, and versatile garnishes, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality bowl of pho ga at a fraction of the cost of dining out.

Ingredients

Aromatics:

In addition to onion and ginger, you can enhance the flavor profile of your chicken noodle soup by using other aromatics such as garlic cloves, shallots, and lemongrass.

Seasonings:

Essential seasonings, such as cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, coriander, cardamom seeds, and fish sauce, infuse the broth with layers of complex flavors ranging from warm and sweet to earthy and aromatic. Aromatics such as Chinese five-spice powder and fennel can also be used to impart more flavor and aroma to your homemade Instant Pot pho ga.

Chicken:

When making Instant Pot homemade chicken pho, opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces such as thighs and drumsticks, as they impart rich flavor to the broth. Look for pieces that are fresh, plump, and free from any unpleasant odor. Before cooking, rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. If chicken isn't your protein of choice, you can also use beef, shrimp, pork, or tofu to make your Instant Pot pho.

Rice Noodles:

Before adding them to your easy pho ga recipe, cook the rice noodles separately according to the package instructions. When serving, place the cooked noodles in bowls and ladle the hot broth and chicken over them. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy in the broth. Additionally, zucchini, sweet potato, soba, shirataki, and bean thread noodles can all be used in place of rice noodles if you don't like or have access to them.

Fresh Herbs:

Garnish each bowl of your homemade Instant Pot pho ga with plenty of fresh herbs, such as cilantro, Thai basil, chives, parsley, and green onions. These add freshness and brightness to the dish.

Toppings:

In addition to jalapenos and scallions, you can add a number of different toppings to your Instant Pot Vietnamese soup. Bean sprouts, sliced red chili peppers, mung bean sprouts, and pickled onion will all create additional texture and flavor in your Vietnamese chicken noodle soup

How to Make Instant Pot Pho Ga

Step One: 

Take the lid off your Instant Pot and turn it on to saute for 10 minutes

Step Two: 

Add the canola oil, onion, and ginger. Saute until aromatic.

Step Three: 

Add the star anise, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cardamom, chicken, fish sauce, sugar, water, salt, and pepper to the pot.

Step Four: 

Close the lid and cook at high pressure for 15 minutes.

Step Five: 

When cooking time is complete, do a quick pressure release.

Step Six: 

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.

Step Seven: 

Layer rice noodles, chicken, herbs, broth, scallions, and jalapeno in a bowl and top with a spritz of lime juice. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Step Eight: 

Serve while hot, and enjoy!

Tips

• Wait for a natural release instead of a quick release for a more flavorful Instant Pot pho ga. This will allow the flavors to fully meld together and develop a more robust taste.

What to Serve With Pho Ga

Serve your Instant Pot Pho Ga with a variety of accompaniments to enhance the dining experience. For example, serve homemade Vietnamese fish sauce, hoisin, or garlic Sriracha sauce on the side so that diners can customize their bowls according to their taste preferences. Pair the steaming bowls of pho ga with crunchy Vietnamese spring rolls or a light and refreshing side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

FAQs

What should I do if my broth turns out too oily or greasy?

To remedy oily or greasy broth, chill it in the refrigerator until the fat solidifies on the surface. Skim off the solidified fat with a spoon or use a fat separator. Reheat the broth before serving, adjusting seasoning if needed. Alternatively, use a paper towel to blot excess fat from the surface.

Can I make vegetarian or vegan pho ga in Instant Pot?

Yes, you can create a vegetarian or vegan version of pho ga in the Instant Pot by using vegetable broth and replacing the chicken with tofu or a variety of mushrooms for texture and flavor.

How long can leftover Instant Pot pho ga be kept fresh?

Leftover chicken noodle soup will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The broth can also be frozen for up to 3 months and used later.

More Soup Recipes

Nothing hits the spot quite like a warm hearty bowl of soup like this homemade pho ga. This curated collection of more soup recipes will continue to inspire you at mealtime.

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Instant Pot Ramen

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup

Potato Leek Soup