Nourishing Broth: The Ultimate Anti-Inflammatory Chicken Pho Recipe for Health and Flavor

Perfect Anti-Inflammatory Chicken Pho Recipe

Introduction

Few dishes blend comfort and wellness quite like a steaming bowl of Chicken Pho. This Perfect Anti-Inflammatory Chicken Pho Recipe goes a step further—infusing classic Vietnamese flavors with powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients, making it as nourishing as it is appetizing. Brimming with fragrant herbs, golden chicken, and a broth that soothes from the inside out, this recipe is ultra-satisfying for anyone seeking both flavor and well-being.

Why This Anti-Inflammatory Chicken Pho Is a Must-Try

The secret to this dish’s magic lies in its blend of traditional pho aromatics (ginger, star anise, cinnamon) with ingredients celebrated for their anti-inflammatory benefits, such as turmeric and garlic. Not only does this combination deliver layered, restaurant-quality flavor, but it also supports a healthy, balanced diet. Whether you’re recovering from a long week or simply looking for a comforting family meal, this pho promises to be a healthful crowd-pleaser.

Building the Healing Broth Base

What sets this pho apart is the homemade broth, slow-simmered with chicken, ginger, onions, turmeric, and spices that are gentle on the digestive system. Turmeric brings a subtle golden color and natural anti-inflammatory properties, while garlic and ginger round out the flavors and further boost the broth’s wellness profile. Allow the broth to simmer slowly for the depth of flavor and maximum health benefits.

Toppings for Maximum Flavor and Wellness

Once the broth is ready, the magic happens in the bowl. Add silky rice noodles, tender shredded chicken, and a generous handful of toppings like bean sprouts, basil, cilantro, lime, and fresh chiles. These toppings not only add crunch and freshness but also provide vitamins, antioxidants, and more anti-inflammatory compounds. A squeeze of lime helps the body absorb nutrients and enhances the pho’s brightness.

Serving Suggestions for the Ultimate Anti-Inflammatory Chicken Pho

For an extra wellness boost, include additional toppings like sliced mushrooms or broccoli florets. Serve alongside sliced avocado for creaminess, or offer a side of kimchi for gut-friendly probiotics. This versatile pho is perfect both for soothing soup suppers and for meal prep, as the broth keeps beautifully and can be frozen for later.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 large bowls. Each serving features lean protein, fresh herbs, and healing spices—around 350 to 400 calories per bowl, depending on toppings and noodle quantity. It’s gluten-free (with rice noodles) and packed with vitamin-rich veggies.

Ingredients

For the Broth:
1.5 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 large onion, halved
3-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1 cinnamon stick
2 star anise pods
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 tablespoon fish sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
1-2 teaspoons sea salt, to taste
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
For the Bowls:
8 ounces rice noodles (pho-style or flat)
2 cups bean sprouts
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup sliced scallions
2 limes, cut into wedges
1 jalapeño or red chile, thinly sliced
Optional Toppings: Sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, avocado, kimchi

💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate a streamlined shopping list organized by store departments—making it simple to grab every anti-inflammatory ingredient on a single efficient trip.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Broil the Aromatics: Set broiler to high. Place onion halves and ginger slices on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for 5-7 minutes until slightly charred, turning halfway.
  2. Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, combine chicken thighs, charred onion, charred ginger, garlic, cinnamon stick, star anise, black peppercorns, turmeric, fish sauce, coconut aminos, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes.
  3. Strain & Shred Chicken: Remove chicken and set aside to cool. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve back into the pot and discard solids. Shred chicken with two forks and return to the broth. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  4. Prep the Noodles: While the broth simmers, cook rice noodles per package instructions. Drain and rinse in cool water.
  5. Assemble Bowls: Divide cooked noodles among bowls. Top with shredded chicken, ladle broth over, and pile on bean sprouts, basil, cilantro, scallions, and any other optional toppings.
  6. Serve: Offer lime wedges and sliced chili for squeezing and extra spice. Enjoy your warm, healing bowl!

Weekly Meal Planning

This Perfect Anti-Inflammatory Chicken Pho Recipe is ideal for prepping ahead—make the broth on the weekend and assemble quick bowls throughout the week for easy, nutritious meals. Schedule this recipe in CookifyAI to add it to your meal plan, and generate smart, consolidated shopping lists that track every ingredient you’ll need across your whole week’s menu.

Planning Benefits:

  • Calculates exact amounts needed for all planned meals
  • Prevents missing key anti-inflammatory ingredients
  • Organizes your groceries by store section
  • Reduces repeated trips and saves time

Pro Tip: Plan multiple anti-inflammatory meals and let CookifyAI automatically optimize your shopping list—great for healthy eating and less food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes (includes broth simmer time)
Total Time: 1 hour

Enjoy a flavorful, healing bowl of Chicken Pho that’s as easy to make as it is good for you!

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