Low Fat Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup)

Savor the comforting flavors of **Low Fat Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup)**, a lightened-up version of a Vietnamese classic that’s perfect for a wholesome, heartwarming meal. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, silky rice noodles, and an aromatic, fat-free broth infused with the bold flavors of star anise, cinnamon, and charred ginger. The broth is simmered to perfection, then paired with fresh toppings like bright cilantro, crisp bean sprouts, and fragrant Thai basil for a vibrant finish. With just 15 minutes of prep time and no heavy oils, this low-fat pho is both delicious and nourishing, making it an ideal choice for healthy weeknight dinners or a refreshing lunch. Whether you’re seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine or a flavorful chicken noodle soup with a nutritious twist, this recipe delivers elegance in every bowl.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 200 grams Rice noodles
• 1 medium Onion, halved
• 50 grams Fresh ginger, sliced
• 3 pieces Star anise
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick
• 4 pieces Cloves
• 2 tablespoons Fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.5 cup Scallions, chopped
• 15 leaves Thai basil leaves
• 1 cup Fresh bean sprouts
• 1 piece Lime, cut into wedges
• 1 piece Jalapeño, sliced (optional)
• 2 liters Water

Directions

Step 1

Step 1: Roast the onion and ginger. Heat a dry pan over medium heat and add the halved onion and ginger slices, facing cut sides down. Roast for about 5-7 minutes until they are charred and fragrant. Set aside.

Step 2

Step 2: Prepare the broth. In a large pot, add water, roasted onion and ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, peppercorns, fish sauce, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil.

Step 3

Step 3: Cook the chicken. Add the chicken breasts to the boiling broth. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 4

Step 4: Remove the chicken from the broth. Let it cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 5

Step 5: Simmer the broth. Let the broth continue to simmer for an additional 30-45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Step 6: Strain the broth. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the broth into another pot, discarding the solids to achieve a clear broth.

Step 7

Step 7: Prepare the rice noodles. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 8

Step 8: Assemble the pho. Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls. Top with shredded chicken, then ladle hot broth over the top.

Step 9

Step 9: Garnish and serve. Add fresh cilantro, scallions, Thai basil, bean sprouts, and jalapeño slices (if using) to each bowl. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3346.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1143.0

Total Fat 19.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 295.8mg	0%
Sodium 5778.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 123.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.3g	0%
Total Sugars 26.0g
Protein 131.0g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 608.5mg	0%
Iron 18.1mg	0%
Potassium 2495.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 14.7%

Protein: 43.8%

Carbs: 41.4%