Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • salt
  • fresh ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 5 12 cups chicken broth
  • 2 pieces peeled fresh ginger (1-inch length each)
  • 14 cup soy sauce
  • 14 cup asian fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 4 ounces rice stick noodles
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 12-1 small serrano peppers or 12-1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
  • lime wedge, for serving

Method

  • Season the chicken generously on all sides with salt and pepper and the five-spice powder.
  • In a large heavy frying pan, heat the oil over med-high heat.
  • Working in batches, add the chicken and sear, turning as needed, until golden brown, about 8 minutes.
  • Drain on paper towels, then transfer to a slow cooker.
  • Add the onion to the pan and saute over med-high heat until golden, 6-7 minutes.
  • Pour in 1 cup of the broth and stir to scrape up any browned bits on the pan bottom.
  • Transfer the contents of the pan to the slow cooker.
  • Stir in the remaining 4 1/2 cups broth, the ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, and vinegar.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours; the chicken should be very tender.
  • About 10 minutes before the soup is ready, place the noodles in a bowl with hot water to cover generously and rehydrate.
  • Meanwhile, transfer the chicken to a plate and discard the ginger.
  • Using 2 forks, shred the meat and return it to the soup.
  • Drain the noodles and stir into the soup.
  • Warm through for about 2 minutes on the high setting.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls.
  • Scatter with the basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, and pepper; serve with lime wedges.