Easy Vietnamese Pho

Quick BBQ Chicken Pho (Using Leftover BBQ Chicken)

We’ve travelled to Vietnam around six times, and every visit we discover something new. But there’s one thing that keeps pulling us back every single time — pho.

After plenty of bowls (and plenty of questions), this is the closest we’ve come to recreating that comforting, aromatic broth back home in Australia. Inspired by the flavours of Hoi An, this quick version uses leftover BBQ chicken for depth and smokiness — no all-day simmer required.

A fast, flavour-packed pho-style noodle soup that turns leftovers into a slurp-worthy meal. Perfect for busy weeknights and cooler evenings.

Serves

2–3 people

Time

20 minutes

Ingredients

Broth

  • 1.5 litres good-quality chicken stock

  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed

  • 2 cm piece ginger, sliced

  • 1–2 tbsp fish sauce (to taste)

  • 1 tsp brown sugar

  • 1 Cinnamon Stick

  • 1 Clove

  • 1 star anise

To Serve

  • 200 g rice noodles (flat or medium)

  • 1–1½ cups leftover BBQ chicken, shredded

  • 1 bunch choy sum (or bok choy), chopped

  • Bean sprouts

  • Spring onion, sliced

  • Fresh coriander

  • Lime wedges

  • Fresh chilli or chilli oil (optional)

Method

  1. Prepare the broth
    Bring the chicken stock to a gentle simmer in a large saucepan. Add onion, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, sugar, five spice and star anise. Simmer for 10 minutes to infuse.

  2. Cook the noodles
    Cook rice noodles according to packet instructions. Drain and divide between serving bowls.

  3. Warm the chicken & greens
    Add the BBQ chicken and choy sum to the broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, just until the chicken is warmed through and the greens are tender.

  4. Finish the broth
    Remove the star anise, cinnamon and clove. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

  5. Assemble & serve
    Ladle the hot broth, chicken and greens over the noodles. Top with bean sprouts, spring onion, coriander and chilli if using. Serve with extra lime on the side.

Tanada Farm Tip

BBQ chicken adds instant depth and smokiness to the broth — a brilliant shortcut when time is short. Swap in Choi Sum or even Pak Choy from Tanada Farm

Serving Suggestions

  • Add fresh herbs at the table for maximum flavour

  • Great for using up leftover roast or BBQ meats

  • Easily doubled for family meals

Fresh, fast and full of flavour — farm-style comfort food made simple.