Delicious 30-Minute Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup You’ll Love
If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of deliciousness that can be on the table in just 30 minutes, you’ve come to the right place! This Delicious 30-Minute Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup You’ll Love is one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights and cozy family gatherings. It’s bursting with flavor and warms your heart with every spoonful.
There’s something so special about a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup, especially when it’s infused with the aromatic spices of Vietnamese cuisine. The quick cooking time means you can whip this up even after a long day, making it perfect for everyone from busy parents to college students. Trust me, once you try this soup, it will become a cherished recipe in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish fits perfectly into your busy lifestyle.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of spices creates a rich broth that will warm your soul.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
- Customizable: Make it your own by adding different herbs or proteins based on what you have on hand.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this delicious soup is simple and fun! Each item adds its own unique touch to create a flavorful dish that everyone will love.
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons Canola or vegetable oil
- 2 halves Yellow onions (charred)
- 1 piece Ginger (sliced)
- 4 pieces Chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup Cilantro (reserve some for garnishing)
For the Aromatic Spices:
- 3 pods Star anise
- 1 teaspoon Fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon Coriander seeds
- 1 stick Cinnamon
- 2 pieces Cloves
For Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons Fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Rock sugar or raw sugar
For Serving:
- 8 ounces Pho noodles
- 1 small White or yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 stalks Scallions (sliced)
- 1 cup Mixed herbs (cilantro, basil, mint)
- 1 cup Bean sprouts
- 2 pieces Thai chiles (sliced)
- 2 pieces Limes (cut into wedges)
- to taste Hoisin sauce
- to taste Sriracha
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to adapt it to your taste preferences or what you have at home. Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs, shrimp, or tofu for a different flavor and texture.
- Add more veggies: Toss in sliced mushrooms, bok choy, or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Make it spicy: If you like heat, add more Thai chiles or drizzle in extra Sriracha.
- Herb explosion: Use fresh herbs like Thai basil or mint for an aromatic twist.
How to Make Delicious 30-Minute Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup You’ll Love
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by heating the canola oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the charred yellow onions and sliced ginger. Sauté until fragrant—this step helps release their natural flavors into the broth. Next, add the chicken drumsticks along with star anise, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Pour in enough water to cover everything. Bring it all to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. This hearty base is what makes your soup truly special!
Step 2: Season and Sweeten
After about 10 minutes of simmering, stir in the fish sauce and rock sugar. These ingredients add depth and balance to the broth. Keep simmering until the chicken is cooked through—about another 10 minutes should do it. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make everyone eager for dinner!
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
While the broth simmers away, cook your pho noodles according to package instructions. Usually just a few minutes in boiling water does the trick! Drain them well and set aside; they’ll soak up all that delicious broth later.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls
Once everything is ready, remove the chicken from the pot. Shred it into bite-sized pieces and return it back to the broth. Time to assemble! Place some cooked noodles in each serving bowl and ladle over that fragrant broth filled with chicken and spices. Top with thinly sliced onions, scallions, mixed herbs, bean sprouts, Thai chiles, and lime wedges. A dash of hoisin sauce and Sriracha adds just the right finishing touch!
Now you have yourself a delightful bowl of Delicious 30-Minute Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup You’ll Love! Enjoy every warm spoonful shared with family and friends—it’s truly comfort food at its finest!
Pro Tips for Making Delicious 30-Minute Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup You’ll Love
Making this delightful soup can be a breeze with a few handy tips! Here are some suggestions to elevate your cooking experience.
- Char the onions and ginger: This step adds a deep, smoky flavor to your broth, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro, basil, and mint not only add vibrant colors but also provide aromatic notes that brighten the dish.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Since everyone’s palate is different, feel free to tweak the fish sauce and sugar amounts to achieve your desired flavor balance.
- Prep ingredients in advance: Having everything chopped and ready to go will streamline your cooking process and help you stay on track for that 30-minute goal!
- Don’t skip the lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime just before eating adds a zesty kick that complements the savory broth beautifully.
How to Serve Delicious 30-Minute Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup You’ll Love
Serving this delicious soup is as enjoyable as making it! Presenting it well can enhance both its visual appeal and taste experience.
Garnishes
- Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of extra cilantro or sliced scallions on top creates a beautiful finish and enhances freshness.
- Chili slices: Adding fresh Thai chiles provides an exciting heat that can be adjusted based on preference.
Side Dishes
- Spring rolls: These light, crispy rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp make a perfect appetizer and complement the flavors of the soup.
- Asian-style salad: A refreshing salad with shredded carrots, cucumber, and sesame dressing offers crunch and contrast to the warm soup.
- Steamed dumplings: Soft or pan-fried dumplings filled with vegetables or chicken are satisfying additions that pair wonderfully with the broth.
- Rice paper wraps: These delicate wraps filled with fresh veggies or proteins are not only fun to make but also provide a light bite alongside your noodle soup.
Now you’re all set to enjoy this delicious bowl of warmth! Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests, this 30-minute Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup will surely become a favorite. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage
This delicious Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week. Keeping some portions ready in advance can save you time on busy days without sacrificing flavor.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep the noodles separate from the broth to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Freezing
- Portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers.
- Leave some space at the top of each container for expansion.
- Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- For best results, freeze the broth separately from the noodles.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or reheat directly from frozen over low heat.
- Heat in a saucepan until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed.
- If reheating leftovers, gently warm on the stove or in a microwave until hot.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this recipe!
Can I make this Delicious 30-Minute Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this soup a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits!
What can I substitute if I don’t have fish sauce for this Delicious 30-Minute Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup?
If fish sauce is unavailable, you can use soy sauce or coconut aminos as an alternative. They will provide a savory depth that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?
Yes! While Pho noodles are traditional, you can substitute with rice noodles or even whole wheat spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
How spicy is this Delicious 30-Minute Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup?
The spiciness largely depends on how many Thai chiles you choose to add. For a milder soup, start with fewer chiles and adjust according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this delicious 30-minute Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup as much as I do! It’s not just about nourishment; it’s about creating warm memories around your dining table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs and spices, and share it with loved ones. Happy cooking!
Delicious 30-Minute Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup You’ll Love
Indulge in the warmth of a comforting bowl of Delicious 30-Minute Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this quick recipe bursts with aromatic flavors that will make your taste buds sing. With tender chicken, fragrant spices, and fresh herbs, each spoonful offers a satisfying escape into the world of Vietnamese cuisine. In just half an hour, you can whip up this heartwarming dish that is sure to become a new family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Canola oil
- 2 halves Yellow onions (charred)
- 1 piece Ginger (sliced)
- 4 pieces Chicken drumsticks
- 3 pods Star anise
- 1 teaspoon Fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon Coriander seeds
- 1 stick Cinnamon
- 2 pieces Cloves
- 2 tablespoons Fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Rock sugar or raw sugar
- 8 ounces Pho noodles
- 1 small White or yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 stalks Scallions (sliced)
- 1 cup Mixed herbs (cilantro, basil, mint)
- 1 cup Bean sprouts
- 2 pieces Thai chiles (sliced)
- 2 pieces Limes (cut into wedges)
- to taste Hoisin sauce
- to taste Sriracha
Instructions
- Heat canola oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté charred onions and ginger until fragrant.
- Add chicken drumsticks and spices (star anise, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves). Pour in water to cover and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat to simmer for about 10 minutes; then stir in fish sauce and rock sugar. Cook until chicken is done.
- Cook pho noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Assemble bowls with noodles and broth, topped with onions, scallions, herbs, bean sprouts, chiles, and lime wedges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 400g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
