Dive into the heart of Vietnamese cuisine with an easy and accessible take on Phở Gà, tailored for the modern home cook using an Instant Pot. This beloved noodle soup, traditionally steeped in the complexity of its flavors and the depth of its history, is reimagined in this cookbook recipe to suit the fast-paced lifestyle without compromising taste or authenticity. Phở Gà, or Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup, is not just a dish; it’s a culinary journey that transports you to the streets of Hanoi with every spoonful. By harnessing the convenience and consistency of the Instant Pot, this recipe offers a streamlined approach to crafting a broth that’s aromatic, rich, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, this guide promises to demystify the art of Easy Instant Pot Phở Gà (Cookbook Recipe), ensuring that you can bring a piece of Vietnamese tradition to your table in less time than it takes to order takeout. Whether you’re seeking comfort in a bowl on a chilly evening or looking to impress guests with your international cooking skills, this Instant Pot Phở Gà recipe is your ticket to a culinary adventure.
What is Phở Gà?

Phở Gà is a Vietnamese soup that consists of chicken, rice noodles, and herbs in a clear broth. The dish is a variation of Phở, which is traditionally made with beef (Phở Bò). Phở Gà is popular for its light but flavorful broth and is often served with a variety of fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions, as well as lime wedges and chili peppers for added flavor. It’s a comforting, aromatic dish that’s enjoyed at any time of the day in Vietnam and has gained popularity worldwide for its delicious taste and healthful qualities.
Ingredients Needed
To make authentic tasting phở gà at home, you’ll need:
- whole chicken
- phở gà soup base
- phở gà spice packet
- fish sauce
- Yellow onions, cinnamon sticks, green onion bundle, cilantro bundle, ginger slices, coriander seeds for the broth
- Garnishes:
- green onions
- cilantro
- yellow onion
- chili peppers/jalapeños
- lemon/lime wedges
- Rock sugar, sea salt, bouillon powder, and MSG for seasoning
Helpful Substitutions
If you can’t find phở gà soup base or spice packets, you can substitute:
- Chicken broth + garlic powder, onion powder, ginger powder, cloves, star anise, cinnamon stick
- Soy sauce + brown sugar instead of fish sauce
Cooking Instructions
Making phở gà in the Instant Pot takes only a few simple steps.
Initial Setup
First, combine the chicken, yellow onions, cinnamon, green onion and cilantro bundles, ginger, and coriander seeds in the Instant Pot inner pot. Pour in enough water to reach the 2/3 max fill line.
Pressure Cooking
Next, lock the lid and pressure cook on High for 30 minutes in an 8-quart model or 25 minutes in a 6-quart model. The pot will take roughly 10-15 minutes to build pressure before the timer starts. While the phở cooks, prep your garnishes.
Post-Cook Processing
Once cooking completes, either do a quick pressure release by turning the steam release valve to Venting or allow a natural release for 5-10 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure. Carefully remove the lid when pressure is fully released.
Remove the whole chicken and set aside to cool before shredding the meat off the bones. Use a slotted spoon or mesh strainer to scoop out the solids like onion and spices from the broth.
Broth Adjustment
Check the broth level and add water if needed to reach the 1/2 fill line. Set to Saute mode and allow the broth to simmer. Season the broth to taste with rock sugar for sweetness, sea salt, fish sauce for savoriness, bouillon powder for richness, and MSG for umami flavor.
Final Assembly
Cook the rice noodles following the package directions until just tender. Arrange serving bowls with cooked noodles, shredded chicken, and your desired garnishes like green onion, cilantro, chili peppers, and a lemon wedge. Ladle the hot broth into the bowls and serve immediately while the noodles are fresh.
Considerations
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning and water levels to suit your personal tastes and desired broth consistency.
- Pay attention to the pressure release method. A quick release stops the cooking immediately while a natural release allows carryover cooking to develop the flavors further.
- Consider the cook times and the amount of prep needed when planning to serve phở gà for a meal. For example, a 6-quart recipe serves 4 and takes about an hour total.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive outline, you can confidently make delicious phở gà at home using your Instant Pot. Once you try this classic Vietnamese chicken noodle soup, you’ll want to recreate it weekly for your family. Adjust and customize the recipe to fit your preferences so you can bring the phở restaurant experience to your own kitchen with ease.

Ingredients
- Chicken 1 whole chicken
- Pho ga soup base 3 tbsp Pre-made paste or pho ga spice packet can be substituted
- Fish sauce 2 tbsp
- Water 12 cups
- Onion 1 Cut in half: 1/2 whole, 1/2 thinly sliced
- Ginger 1 knob Peeled
Instructions
- Easy Instant Pot Phở Gà (Cookbook Recipe) Instructions
- Prep the aromatics: Air fry or char the whole onion and ginger for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Alternatively, char them over a stovetop flame until blackened on some sides.
- Optional: Parboil the chicken (cleans and improves broth flavor). Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 1-2 minutes. Remove and rinse under cold water.
- Assemble in the Instant Pot: Add water to the Instant Pot liner. Place the chicken (whole or cut in half) in the pot. Add the charred onion and ginger, pho ga soup base (or spice packet), and fish sauce.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the pressure valve is set to "Sealing." Pressure Cook on High for 30 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: Once cook time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually using the venting valve.
- Shred the chicken and prepare garnishes. While the pressure releases, shred the cooked chicken meat. Prepare your desired garnishes.
- Strain and serve: Strain the broth into a large pot or serving bowl, discarding the chicken pieces, onion, and ginger. Season the broth to taste with additional fish sauce or salt (optional).
- Assemble and enjoy! In individual serving bowls, add cooked rice noodles, shredded chicken, and your chosen garnishes. Pour the hot broth over the ingredients and enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken selection: You can use a whole chicken, chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, breasts), or a combination.
- Pre-made shortcuts: Substitute pho ga soup base with store-bought pre-made paste or a pho ga spice packet.
- Adjusting for taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of fish sauce or add salt to taste for your desired level of savoriness.
- Leftovers: Store leftover broth and cooked chicken in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and assemble pho bowls as desired when ready to serve again.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Instant Pot Phở Gà (Cookbook Recipe)
Serves: 4 persons
Amount Per Serving: 1 bowl
|
||
---|---|---|
Calories | 600 | |
% Daily Value* | ||
Total Fat 25 | 38.5% | |
Saturated Fat 10 | 50% | |
Trans Fat 0 | ||
Cholesterol 100 | 33.3% | |
Sodium 1200 | 50% | |
Total Carbohydrate 50 | 16.7% | |
Dietary Fiber 4 | 16% | |
Sugars 10 | ||
Protein 40 |
Vitamin A Low | Vitamin C Minimal | |
Calcium Low | Iron Moderate |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Vietnamese food recipe