Rotisserie Chicken Pho Recipe

Do you have leftover rotisserie chicken pho but are tired of it? Do you want to reinvent it into a brand new dish? You can actually use the chicken bones and carcass to create a deep, flavorful broth from scratch. Add the leftover rotisserie chicken pieces, shred them, and layer them into a comforting bowl of pho. This rotisserie chicken pho recipe is soothing, comforting, and fragrant from the warm spices, ginger, and charred onions. Try this rotisserie chicken pho recipe—it tastes just as good as homemade chicken pho but takes a fraction of the time.

Why You’ll Love This Rotisserie Chicken Pho

Quick and easy shortcut: Uses rotisserie chicken and Instant Pot to get rich pho flavor without hours of simmering.

Deep, aromatic broth: Charred onion, ginger, and warm pho spices create a restaurant-quality broth at home. Great for leftovers: Perfect way to transform leftover rotisserie chicken into something completely new.

Cozy and comforting: Light yet flavorful, this pho is the kind of bowl you crave when you want something warm and soothing.

Weeknight-friendly: Ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional pho, making it ideal for busy days.

Origin of Rotisserie Chicken Pho

Rotisserie chicken pho is a modern adaptation of traditional pho. It combines traditional pho from Vietnam and Western rotisserie chicken for a more convenient approach to making pho. Pho typically takes several hours to make, but you can cut down the time by using this modern method.

Ingredients

For the Broth

• Carcass and bones from 1 rotisserie chicken
  • The main ingredient to creating a rich broth
• 8–10 cups chicken broth or water
  • Base for the broth
• 1 onion, halved
  • Charred, and it adds sweetness and depth to the broth
• 1 piece ginger, halved lengthwise
  • Gives signature warmth
• 1 pho spice mix
  • Traditional spices that create the unique pho aroma
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • Adds umami
• 1 tbsp chicken pho powder
  • Enhances the chicken flavor
• 1/2 tbsp sugar
  • Adds sweetness
• Salt or MSG, to taste
  • Adjust for perfect seasoning

For Serving

• Pho rice noodles
  • Soft, chewy noodles that soak up the broth
• Shredded rotisserie chicken
  • Protein boost
• Green onions, sliced
  • Mild onion flavor
• Lime wedges
  • Brightens the flavor
• Hoisin sauce
  • Adds sweetness and richness to the broth
• Sriracha
  • Adds heat
• Fresh herbs (optional)
  • Refreshing touch

Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients/tools I used:

Instructions

Place the onion and ginger on a baking sheet. Broil, turning halfway through, until nicely charred but not burned. I broiled mine for 10 minutes.

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Add the pho spice mix and toast for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the spices to a spice bag or cheesecloth.

Add the rotisserie chicken carcass and bones to the Instant Pot.

Pour in the chicken broth. Add the charred onion, ginger, fish sauce, chicken pho powder, sugar, and the spice bag.

Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10–15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

Remove and discard the chicken bones, onion, ginger, and spice bag. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve and season with additional salt or MSG, if needed.

Cook the pho noodles according to the package directions.

Divide the noodles among serving bowls. Top with shredded rotisserie chicken, then ladle the hot broth over the top. Garnish with green onions, lime wedges, fresh herbs, hoisin sauce, and sriracha.

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Rotisserie Chicken Pho Recipe Tips

Char the onion and ginger for a deeper broth flavor.

Toast the spice mix for 30-60 seconds.

Do not overfill the max line in the Instant Pot.

Taste and adjust the seasoning after straining the broth.

Storage Tips

Store the broth and noodles in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

The broth freezes well, and you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without an Instant Pot?

Yes. You can simmer everything in a large stockpot on the stove for about 1.5-2 hours until the broth is flavorful.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of a rotisserie chicken?

Any cooked shredded chicken will work, but using the rotisserie chicken carcass creates a richer, more flavorful broth.

What toppings go well with chicken pho?

Popular toppings include sliced green onions, lime wedges, cilantro, Thai basil, hoisin sauce, and sriracha. You can also add bean sprouts or jalapeños if you like.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the char ingredients. Skipping this step will result in a flatter broth flavor.

Overcooking the noodles. Rice noodles can quickly get mushy. Cook it separately and add it right before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Rotisserie chicken → You can use any cooked shredded chicken, leftover roast chicken, or even poached chicken breast or thighs.
• Chicken carcass/bones → Chicken wings, drumsticks, or bone-in thighs will also work to build a flavorful broth.
• Pho spice mix → If you don’t have a mix, use a combination of star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds.

What to Serve With Rotisserie Chicken Pho

Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá): Sweet, bold, and creamy, which is a great contrast to the savory broth.

Crispy egg rolls: Add a crunchy texture alongside the soft noodles and broth.

Pickled vegetables: A small side of pickled carrots and daikon adds a refreshing bite.

Extra herb plate: Serve with extra Thai basil, cilantro, and mint so everyone can customize their bowl.

If you enjoyed this chicken rotisserie pho recipe, you might also like my quick laksa noodles recipe or my tomato egg noodles recipe.

Tomato Egg Noodles

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