Caffeine Free Ginger & Turmeric Chicken Pho-Style Soup
This deeply aromatic soup delivers everything you love about a classic pho — fragrant, golden broth, tender shredded chicken, and a gorgeous spread of fresh toppings — without a drop of caffeine in sight. The magic starts with charring the onion, garlic, and ginger directly in a dry pot, a step that builds the kind of smoky, complex depth that makes the broth taste like it simmered all day. Turmeric, Ceylon cinnamon, and whole cloves layer in warmth and spice, while coconut aminos and a splash of apple cider vinegar round everything out with a savory, slightly bright finish. Instead of rice noodles, spiralized zucchini ribbons soak up the hot broth and turn perfectly tender-crisp in seconds, making this a lighter but still deeply satisfying bowl. Fresh cilantro, Thai basil, scallions, and a squeeze of lime at the table let everyone customize their serving, just like the real thing. It's the kind of recipe that feels restorative and special on a weeknight without requiring any complicated sourcing — every ingredient is straightforward and easy to find.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the broth
- 2 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 8 cups chicken bone broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, halved
- 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
- 3-inch piece fresh ginger, halved lengthwise
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- 3 whole cloves
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
For the bowls
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized or peeled into wide ribbons
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh bean sprouts (optional)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ½ cup fresh thai basil or regular basil leaves
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- 1
Set a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Place the onion halves and garlic head cut-side down directly in the dry pot, along with the ginger halves. Cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes, until the cut surfaces are deeply charred and fragrant.
- 2
Add the chicken pieces, bone broth, turmeric, ground ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, and cloves to the pot. Pour in enough water to fully submerge the chicken if needed (up to 2 additional cups). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer.
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