Name: Rotisserie Chicken Pho
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese-inspired
Ingredients: 1 rotisserie chicken (meat shredded, carcass reserved); 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups water; 1 large yellow onion halved; 3 inches fresh ginger sliced; 4 garlic cloves smashed; 3 whole star anise; 1 cinnamon stick; 4 whole cloves; 1 teaspoon coriander seeds; 3 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon salt or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste; 12 ounces dried rice noodles medium or thin; 4 green onions thinly sliced; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves roughly chopped; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves Thai basil if available; 2 cups bean sprouts rinsed; 2 limes cut into wedges; 1 jalapeño thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons chili crisp or sriracha optional, to taste

A steaming bowl of pho that tastes like it’s been simmering all day… made with a rotisserie chicken you grabbed on the way home. This Rotisserie Chicken Pho gives you all the cozy, aromatic comfort of traditional Vietnamese noodle soup in a weeknight-friendly format.

Fragrant broth, tender chicken, silky rice noodles, and bright toppings like lime, fresh herbs, and chili come together in one big slurpable bowl. It’s light yet satisfying, refreshing yet deeply savory—a perfect balance for chilly nights, sick days, or anytime you’re craving something soothing but still full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Rotisserie Chicken Pho

Rotisserie chicken does most of the heavy lifting here. Instead of poaching meat from scratch, you’re simply shredding a store-bought bird and using the bones to quickly build a rich, deeply seasoned broth. It’s a fantastic way to stretch one chicken into a full, restaurant-style meal.

This recipe is also incredibly customizable. Keep it simple with chicken, noodles, and scallions, or load your bowl with herbs, bean sprouts, jalapeños, and extra chili crisp. You’re in control of the heat, the toppings, and even the noodle type, so everyone at the table gets their perfect bowl.

What Makes Rotisserie Chicken Perfect for Pho?

Rotisserie chicken brings three big advantages: flavor, speed, and zero waste. The skin and bones are already seasoned and roasted, which adds a deep, roasted savoriness to the broth without hours of simmering. Using the carcass to build the broth means you’re getting every bit of goodness out of that chicken.

It also turns pho into a realistic weeknight dinner instead of an all-day project. While traditional pho broth simmers for many hours, this version layers aromatics, spices, and umami boosters into a quick-simmered stock that still tastes complex and cozy.

Ingredients for the Rotisserie Chicken Pho

Before you start cooking, it helps to understand what each ingredient is bringing to the bowl. This way, you can swap things confidently if needed and still end up with a flavorful pho.

Rotisserie chicken (meat and carcass) – The star of the recipe. The cooked meat keeps things fast and tender, while the bones and skin enrich the broth with deep, roasted flavor.
Chicken broth or stock – Forms the base of the soup. Using a good-quality low-sodium broth lets you control the saltiness and gives the spices room to shine.
Water – Lightens the broth and gives the aromatics space to infuse without becoming too salty or overpowering.
Onion and fresh ginger – Charring or sautéing these adds sweetness and warmth, giving the broth that classic pho aroma.
Garlic cloves – Build savory depth and complement the ginger without taking over.
Whole star anise – Essential for that unmistakable pho fragrance with gentle licorice notes.
Cinnamon stick – Adds subtle sweetness and warmth, rounding out the spice profile.
Whole cloves and coriander seeds – Bring gentle spice and citrusy notes that make the broth feel complex and restaurant-worthy.
Fish sauce – A key umami booster that adds savory depth and authentic pho flavor. A little goes a long way.
Brown sugar (or rock sugar) – Balances the saltiness and acidity, giving the broth a smooth, rounded taste.
Rice noodles (medium or thin) – The base of the bowl. They soak up the broth and provide that classic pho slurp.
Green onions (scallions) – Add freshness and mild onion flavor right at the end.
Fresh cilantro – Brings a bright, herbal finish to each bite.
Fresh basil (Thai basil if available) – Adds a peppery, slightly anise-like note that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Lime wedges – A squeeze of lime wakes up all the flavors and lets each person adjust the brightness.
Bean sprouts – Provide crunch and freshness that contrasts with the warm broth and soft noodles.
Sliced jalapeño or bird’s eye chili – For those who like a kick of heat.
Chili crisp or sriracha (optional) – A quick way to dial up spice and add extra flavor to individual bowls.
Salt and pepper – For final seasoning, bringing everything into balance.

How To Make the Rotisserie Chicken Pho

Before you start cooking, read through the steps so you have a clear roadmap. The broth simmers while you prep the toppings, so everything comes together smoothly.

Step 1: Shred the Chicken and Save the Carcass

Remove the skin if you prefer a lighter broth, or leave some on for extra richness. Shred the rotisserie chicken meat into bite-size pieces and set it aside in the fridge so it stays juicy. Reserve all the bones, wing tips, and any leftover skin—these will build the base of your broth.

Step 2: Toast the Aromatics

In a large pot, add a halved onion and thick slices of fresh ginger. You can dry-toast them directly in the pot or add a drizzle of oil and cook over medium-high heat until the edges are lightly charred. This step deepens their flavor and gives your pho that signature aroma.

Step 3: Build the Broth with Spices

Add the reserved chicken carcass to the pot along with chicken broth and water. Toss in the garlic, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, and coriander seeds. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for about 30–40 minutes. Skim off any foam that rises to the top so the broth stays clear.

Step 4: Season with Fish Sauce and Sugar

Once the broth has picked up plenty of flavor from the bones and spices, strain it into a clean pot, discarding the solids. Stir in fish sauce and a bit of brown sugar, then taste. Adjust with more fish sauce, sugar, or a pinch of salt until the broth tastes balanced—savory, slightly sweet, and deeply aromatic.

Step 5: Cook the Rice Noodles

While the broth finishes, cook the rice noodles according to the package directions. Usually, this means soaking them in hot water until tender but still slightly chewy. Rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking and divide the noodles among serving bowls.

Step 6: Warm the Chicken and Prep the Toppings

Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the hot broth and let it warm through for a few minutes without boiling (to keep it tender). Meanwhile, arrange your toppings—sliced green onions, cilantro, basil leaves, lime wedges, bean sprouts, jalapeño slices, and chili crisp or sriracha—on a platter so everyone can customize their bowls.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Ladle the hot, chicken-studded broth over the rice noodles in each bowl. Pile on herbs, sprouts, and chilies as generously as you like, then finish with a big squeeze of lime. Serve immediately, encouraging everyone to taste and tweak their bowl until it’s just right.

How to Serve and Store Rotisserie Chicken Pho

This recipe comfortably feeds about 4 people as a full meal, especially when you load up on herbs and crunchy toppings. Serve the pho piping hot in wide bowls so there’s plenty of room for noodles, broth, and garnishes.

Pho is best served family-style: set out plates of lime wedges, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and sliced chilies so everyone can build their own perfect combination. It makes even a simple weeknight dinner feel special and interactive.

For storing, keep the broth, noodles, and toppings separate. The broth can be cooled and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Store cooked rice noodles in a separate container with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking, and refresh them in hot water before serving.

Leftover chicken can stay in the broth or be stored separately; just be sure everything is cooled and refrigerated promptly. When reheating, warm the broth gently on the stove until steaming but not rapidly boiling to keep the chicken tender.

What to Serve With Rotisserie Chicken Pho?

Pho is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple sides can make the spread feel extra special.

Fresh Spring Rolls

Light rice-paper rolls packed with lettuce, herbs, and shrimp or tofu pair beautifully with a hot bowl of pho and add a fun, hands-on element to the meal.

Vietnamese-Style Cucumber Salad

A crisp salad with cucumbers, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili flakes brings cooling crunch and brightness alongside the warm, savory broth.

Crispy Vegetable Egg Rolls

If you’re craving something crunchy, pair your pho with baked or fried egg rolls and a sweet chili dipping sauce.

Simple Asian Slaw

Shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy sesame dressing make a fresh, colorful side that holds up well even if prepped ahead.

Steamed or Pan-Fried Dumplings

Store-bought dumplings are an easy way to bulk up the meal. Serve them with soy sauce, chili oil, or a splash of black vinegar.

Light Fruit Platter

End the meal with something refreshing like sliced mango, pineapple, or citrus. It’s a simple, no-fuss dessert that still feels special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pho ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is very make-ahead friendly. You can prepare the broth up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge, or freeze it for several months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the broth, warm the shredded chicken in it, and cook fresh noodles so the texture stays bouncy and tender.

Do I have to use fish sauce?

Fish sauce is traditional and adds deep umami flavor, but if you don’t have it or prefer not to use it, you can substitute a splash of soy sauce and a bit of extra salt. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and comforting.

Can I use leftover turkey or other meats instead of chicken?

Absolutely. This recipe is a great template for using leftover turkey, roast duck, or even thinly sliced beef. Just use the bones (if you have them) to fortify the broth and add the cooked meat toward the end so it doesn’t overcook.

What if I can’t find rice noodles?

If rice noodles aren’t available, you can use thin wheat noodles, ramen noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch. The texture will be a bit different, but the flavorful broth and toppings will still shine.

How can I make this pho spicier or milder?

For a spicier bowl, simmer a few slices of chili in the broth, or add more jalapeño, chili crisp, or sriracha to individual servings. To keep things mild, skip the chilies in the broth and let people add heat at the table so everyone can build a bowl that suits their taste.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Rotisserie Chicken Pho to your Pinterest dinner or soup board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you load it up with extra herbs and chili, or keep it simple and soothing? Did you try swapping in different noodles or proteins?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and make cozy bowls of comfort on even the busiest nights.

For more comforting dinners and meal ideas, you might also enjoy exploring my chicken and rice favorites, noodle dishes, and soups across the site, along with other quick weeknight meals inspired by flavors from around the world.

If you’re looking for more recipe inspiration and step-by-step cooking ideas, be sure to follow Meals We Share on Pinterest, where I post new recipes and kitchen inspiration every week.

Conclusion

Rotisserie Chicken Pho is the perfect balance of convenience and comfort. Using a store-bought chicken and pantry spices, you can create a deeply flavorful, steaming bowl of noodle soup in under an hour—no long-simmered stock required.

Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight, soothing a cold, or just craving a big, fragrant bowl of noodles, this recipe has you covered. Customize your toppings, adjust the heat, and make it your own. Once you see how easy it is, you’ll find yourself turning to this pho again and again whenever you need something warm, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying.