Slanted Door's Famous Chicken Pho: Watch How It's Made
Slanted Door's Famous Chicken Pho: Watch How It's Made is a easy Vietnamese‑American recipe that serves 4. 260 calories per serving. Recipe by Goldbelly on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $15.20 total, $3.80 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (Lean, high‑quality, measured for consistent fat content)
- 8 cups Chicken Stock (Low‑sodium, homemade or high‑quality store‑bought)
- 8 ounces Egg Noodles (Traditional Asian egg noodles; break in half for easier eating)
- 1 large Carrot (peeled and sliced into thin rounds)
- 2 stalks Celery Stalks (chopped 1/4‑inch pieces)
- 0.5 large Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 small Jalapeño (optional, sliced thin; seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (adds depth; low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Fish Sauce (optional, for authentic umami)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (for sautéing aromatics)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Trim any excess skin from the chicken thighs, then cut into bite‑size pieces. Pat dry with paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Aromatics
Heat vegetable oil in the large stock pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté 3–4 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Chicken and Stock
Add the chicken pieces to the pot, stir for 2 minutes to sear lightly. Pour in 8 cups of chicken stock, then add soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), salt, and pepper.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium heat
Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: Low simmer
Cook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually 5–6 minutes, until al dente.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Optional Heat
If you like a little spice, stir in the sliced jalapeño now and let it infuse for 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately while piping hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 260
- Protein
- 18g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 5g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Gluten (contains wheat), Low‑fat, High protein
Allergens: Egg (in noodles), Wheat (in noodles), Fish (fish sauce, optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Chicken breast, Turkey thigh
- Instead of Chicken Stock: Vegetable stock, Water with bouillon
- Instead of Egg Noodles: Spaghetti, Rice noodles
- Instead of Carrot: Parsnip
- Instead of Celery Stalks: Fennel stalk
- Instead of Yellow Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic paste
- Instead of Jalapeño: Serrano pepper, Red pepper flakes
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari
- Instead of Fish Sauce: Worcestershire sauce (small amount)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Cilantro
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Sea Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Stock Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle
- Fine Mesh Sieve (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Trim and cut chicken to ensure lean pieces and consistent fat content.
- Sauté aromatics without burning the garlic.
- Simmer the broth long enough for chicken to cook through but not over‑cook.
- Cook noodles just until al dente to avoid mushiness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Measure the same amount of fat in each bowl as the founder does; this keeps flavor consistent across servings.
- Use a lean chicken that takes longer to grow for a richer, cleaner broth.
- For extra depth, roast the chicken pieces briefly before adding to the pot.
Troubleshooting
Broth is too salty.
Dilute with additional low‑sodium chicken stock or water, then adjust seasoning.
Noodles become mushy.
Cook noodles separately and add them to the hot broth just before serving, or reduce cooking time by 1‑2 minutes.
Soup is bland.
Add a splash more soy sauce, a pinch of fish sauce, or a dash of freshly ground black pepper.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; soup must be refrigerated or frozen.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the soup in bulk, portion into freezer‑safe bags, and freeze. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- If freezing, add noodles fresh when reheating to keep texture optimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Noodle Soup in Vietnamese‑American cuisine?
Chicken noodle soup, as presented by Charles von der Ahe of The Slanted Door, blends classic Vietnamese pho broth techniques with American comfort‑food noodles. It reflects the immigrant experience of adapting familiar flavors to new environments, offering a soothing dish for hangovers and colds that echoes street‑side breakfast stalls of 1970s Chinatown.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken noodle soup in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, chicken noodle soups range from clear, herb‑forward pho ga to richer, coconut‑based soups in the south. The Goldbelly version stays closer to the northern style, using a clear chicken broth, fresh herbs, and optional jalapeño for a modern twist.
How is Chicken Noodle Soup traditionally served in Vietnamese households?
It is typically served hot in a deep bowl with fresh herbs (cilantro, basil), lime wedges, sliced chilies, and bean sprouts on the side so each diner can customize the flavor and heat level.
What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Noodle Soup traditionally associated with in Vietnamese culture?
Chicken noodle soup is often eaten for breakfast, after a late night, or when someone is feeling under the weather. It’s also a comforting dish served during family gatherings in cooler weather.
What other Vietnamese‑American dishes pair well with this Chicken Noodle Soup?
Pair it with a light spring roll, a side of pickled vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice‑vinegar and sugar for a balanced meal.
What makes this Chicken Noodle Soup special or unique in Vietnamese‑American cuisine?
The soup uses a specially raised, lean chicken with measured fat content, ensuring a clean broth that travels well frozen. The addition of optional jalapeño adds a subtle heat that distinguishes it from traditional pho.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Noodle Soup at home?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, which makes them mushy, and letting the broth boil too hard, which can turn it cloudy. Also, under‑seasoning the broth will result in a bland soup.
Why does this Chicken Noodle Soup recipe use lean chicken thighs instead of regular chicken?
Lean thighs provide a richer flavor than breast while keeping the fat content consistent across servings, as emphasized by the chef. The longer growth time of the chicken also contributes to a more developed taste.
Can I make this Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cool the soup quickly, then portion into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding fresh noodles if desired.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the soup is done cooking?
The broth should be clear and steaming, the chicken pieces should be opaque and tender, and the vegetables should be just soft. Noodles should be al dente—soft but still firm to the bite.
How do I know when the Chicken Noodle Soup is done cooking?
Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and that the noodles are al dente. The broth should be hot enough to steam continuously when ladled.
What does the YouTube channel Goldbelly specialize in?
The YouTube channel Goldbelly showcases iconic regional foods from across the United States, often featuring chefs who package their restaurant‑quality dishes for nationwide shipping.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Goldbelly?
Goldbelly focuses on high‑quality, transportable meals that retain restaurant‑level flavor. Their videos emphasize ingredient sourcing, preparation techniques, and how dishes can be frozen or shipped without loss of taste.
How does the YouTube channel Goldbelly's approach to Vietnamese‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Goldbelly highlights the scalability and packaging of dishes like this chicken noodle soup, showing how traditional flavors can be preserved for nationwide delivery, whereas most cooking channels focus solely on in‑home preparation.
What other Vietnamese‑American recipes is the YouTube channel Goldbelly known for?
Goldbelly has featured dishes such as Bánh Mì sandwiches, Pho, and Crispy Shrimp Rolls, all presented with a focus on preserving authentic taste for shipping.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
