Slow-Cooker Chicken & Rice Noodle Soup with Star Anise

3.4
(9)
9 Reviews

This comforting slow-cooker soup is inspired by pho, the traditional Vietnamese noodle dish made with rice noodles and meat, and served in a flavorful, clear broth with a multitude of garnishes. For this recipe, we've used low-sodium chicken broth seasoned with star anise, clove, ginger and cinnamon. Ngo gai (culantro) and onion are also commonly used to flavor the broth. It's perfect for the slow-cooker because pho usually simmers for at least three hours, becoming infused with the flavor of the spices. For garnishing, we've lined up bean sprouts, basil, mint, cilantro, sliced chile and lime wedges, but you could also use cabbage or scallions. One of the best parts of this dish is how customizable it is.

By
Carolyn Malcoun
Carolyn Malcoun
Carolyn Malcoun

As EatingWell's Associate Editorial Director, Carolyn Malcoun searches for cool farmers, chefs and other food stories to tell. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin and a culinary arts degree from New England Culinary Institute. She started at EatingWell as an intern in the Test Kitchen in 2005 and joined the editorial team soon after.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on September 20, 2023
Reviewed by Dietitian
Victoria Seaver, M.S., RD
Victoria Seaver
Reviewed by Dietitian Victoria Seaver, M.S., RD

Victoria Seaver is a registered dietitian and Editorial Director for EatingWell.com. She completed her undergraduate degree in nutrition, dietetics and food science and her masters degree and dietetic internship at the University of Vermont. Victoria has been a part of the EatingWell.com team since 2015.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
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Cook Time:
30 mins
Additional Time:
4 hrs
Total Time:
4 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 servings, about 2 cups each
Nutrition Profile:
Dairy-Free Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity High-Protein Gluten-Free Low-Calorie
Jump to Nutrition Facts
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Ingredients

  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (two 32-ounce boxes)

  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce

  • 10 whole star anise (see Tip)

  • 6 whole cloves

  • 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 2 bone-in chicken breasts (about 2 1/2 pounds total), skin removed, trimmed

  • 6 ounces wide rice noodles

  • 6 cups chopped bok choy

  • 2 cups mung bean sprouts

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves

  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves

  • 1 fresh Thai chile or serrano, thinly sliced

  • 1 lime, cut into 6 wedges

Directions

  1. Combine broth, brown sugar, fish sauce, star anise, cloves, ginger and cinnamon stick in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Add chicken breasts, meat-side down. Cover and cook on High for 4 hours (or on Low for 8 hours).

  2. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Remove spices and discard. Add noodles and bok choy to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on High for 30 minutes.

  3. Remove the chicken from the bone and shred with two forks. When the noodles are tender, stir in the shredded chicken. Serve bowls of soup with bean sprouts, basil, mint, cilantro, sliced chile and lime wedges on the side so everyone can add their own toppings.

Tips

Make Ahead Tip: Combine seasonings with broth; prep chicken; cover and refrigerate separately for up to 1 day.

Equipment: 5- to 6-quart slow cooker

Add star anise, named for its star-shaped pods, to Asian-inspired dishes to lend distinctive licorice-like flavor. Look for it with other bulk spices in natural-foods stores, in Asian markets or online at penzeys.com.

For easy cleanup, try a slow-cooker liner. These heat-resistant, disposable liners fit neatly inside the insert and help prevent food from sticking to the bottom and sides of your slow cooker.

Originally appeared: EatingWell Soups Special Issue April 2016

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

352 Calories
6g Fat
39g Carbs
38g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size about 2 cups
Calories 352
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 39g 14%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Total Sugars 7g
Added Sugars 4g 8%
Protein 38g 75%
Total Fat 6g 7%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 75mg 25%
Vitamin A 4494IU 90%
Vitamin C 30mg 33%
Folate 82mcg 20%
Sodium 594mg 26%
Calcium 163mg 13%
Iron 6mg 31%
Magnesium 65mg 16%
Potassium 954mg 20%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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