Place the whole chicken in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring to a boil, then skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
Char the halved onion and ginger in a dry pan until lightly browned and fragrant. This can also be done under a broiler.
Add the charred onion, ginger, cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves to the pot. Simmer over low heat for approximately 1.5 hours.
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Debone and shred the chicken into smaller pieces.
Strain the broth to obtain a clear stock. Season with fish sauce, salt, and sugar to taste.
Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
To serve, place a portion of rice noodles in a deep bowl or soup bowl, and top with shredded chicken. Ladle the hot broth over the chicken and noodles.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, mint, chopped green onions, and bean sprouts. Serve with lime wedges and fresh chili on the side, for those who like it spicy.
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