Introduction
If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a touch of exotic flair, look no further than Chicken Pad Thai! This iconic Thai street food is known for its perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy notes, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or just in the mood for something flavorful, Pad Thai never disappoints.
This recipe takes you step-by-step through creating the perfect Chicken Pad Thai at home, offering a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and authentic. The stir-fried noodles, crunchy peanuts, fresh cilantro, and tender chicken pieces combine into a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time cook, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons why Chicken Pad Thai will quickly become one of your favorite dishes:
- Flavor Explosion: The balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy makes every bite an exciting experience.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, swap ingredients, or add extras like shrimp or tofu.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, this is a perfect weeknight dinner or a last-minute dish.
- Fresh & Healthy: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, it’s a balanced, feel-good meal.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in one skillet or wok, which makes clean-up a breeze.
- Authentic Taste: This recipe brings the taste of Thailand to your kitchen with the use of traditional ingredients.
- Versatile: Pad Thai is great on its own but can also pair perfectly with a side of spring rolls or a fresh cucumber salad.
- Fun to Make: There’s something so satisfying about stir-frying everything together and watching it all come together!
Preparation Time and Cook Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbohydrates: 55g, Fat: 14g, Fiber: 3g
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your own Chicken Pad Thai:
For the Pad Thai:
- 8 oz rice noodles (preferably thin or medium-width)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless, cut into thin strips)
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (crushed, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
For the Pad Thai Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar (palm sugar is ideal, but regular sugar works)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Ingredient Highlights
- Rice Noodles: These chewy noodles are a key ingredient in Pad Thai, offering the perfect texture and flavor.
- Fish Sauce: A staple in Thai cuisine, this sauce adds a salty, savory depth of flavor.
- Tamarind Paste: This sweet and sour ingredient is essential for that authentic Pad Thai taste.
- Peanuts: Crunchy peanuts bring a satisfying texture and contrast to the soft noodles.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your own Chicken Pad Thai:
Prepare the Noodles
- Soak the Rice Noodles: Begin by soaking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, you’ll place them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes until they’re soft but still firm to the bite.
- Drain and Set Aside: Once the noodles are ready, drain them and set them aside. You can toss them with a little oil to prevent them from sticking together.
Make the Pad Thai Sauce
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, sriracha, and rice vinegar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is well mixed.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the pan and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push the garlic to one side of the pan and add the beaten eggs. Scramble them until fully cooked, then mix them into the garlic.
Combine Everything
- Add the Noodles: Toss the cooked rice noodles into the pan, followed by the Pad Thai sauce. Stir well to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Add the Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the bean sprouts and chopped green onions. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Serve the Chicken Pad Thai with a generous sprinkle of cilantro, crushed peanuts, and a wedge of lime on the side.
- Enjoy: Squeeze the lime over the top just before eating for an extra burst of freshness.
How to Serve
Here are a few fun ways to serve your Chicken Pad Thai:
- Traditional Thai Way: Serve in individual bowls with extra lime wedges and crushed peanuts on the side for guests to customize their Pad Thai.
- Family Style: Serve the Pad Thai in a large platter for a more casual, family-style meal.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a refreshing Thai-style cucumber salad or a simple green salad with a sesame dressing.
- With Spring Rolls: Serve alongside crispy spring rolls or Thai-style satay for a full meal.
- Street Food Vibe: Serve the dish on a wooden board with a rustic touch for a street food-inspired presentation.
Additional Tips
Maximize your Chicken Pad Thai experience with these helpful tips:
- Prep Ahead: Make the Pad Thai sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Perfect the Noodles: Be careful not to overcook the rice noodles—aim for an al dente texture for the best results.
- Adjust the Spice: Add more or less sriracha depending on your preferred spice level. You can also add red chili flakes or fresh chilies for more heat.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, and lime make a big difference in flavor and presentation.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover Pad Thai in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
Recipe Variations
Try these fun twists on the classic Chicken Pad Thai recipe:
- Shrimp Pad Thai: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood version of this classic dish.
- Vegetarian Pad Thai: Skip the chicken and add more tofu, vegetables, or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Peanut-Free: If you have peanut allergies, try using cashews or sunflower seeds as a substitute.
- Extra Veggies: Add more vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for a healthier, veggie-packed version.
- Sweet & Spicy: Add a bit more sugar and chili paste to create a sweeter, spicier version.
Freezing and Storage
To keep your Chicken Pad Thai fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Storage: Store leftover Pad Thai in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: While Pad Thai is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked noodles and chicken (without the garnish) for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to restore the texture.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover Pad Thai in a wok or skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the noodles.
Special Equipment
Here are the kitchen tools you’ll need to make your Chicken Pad Thai:
- Wok or Large Skillet: For stir-frying all the ingredients together.
- Small Bowl: To mix the Pad Thai sauce.
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs: To stir-fry and toss everything together.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing the chicken and veggies.
- Lime Squeezer: To easily extract lime juice.
FAQ Section
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making Chicken Pad Thai:
- Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a different protein choice. - What can I substitute for tamarind paste?
You can substitute tamarind paste with a mix of lime juice and brown sugar for a similar tangy-sweet flavor. - Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your noodles are gluten-free.
Chicken Pad Thai
- Total Time: 30 min.
Ingredients
For the Pad Thai:
- 8 oz rice noodles (preferably thin or medium-width)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless, cut into thin strips)
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (crushed, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
For the Pad Thai Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar (palm sugar is ideal, but regular sugar works)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Instructions
Prepare the Noodles
- Soak the Rice Noodles: Begin by soaking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, you’ll place them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes until they’re soft but still firm to the bite.
- Drain and Set Aside: Once the noodles are ready, drain them and set them aside. You can toss them with a little oil to prevent them from sticking together.
Make the Pad Thai Sauce
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, sriracha, and rice vinegar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is well mixed.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the pan and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push the garlic to one side of the pan and add the beaten eggs. Scramble them until fully cooked, then mix them into the garlic.
Combine Everything
- Add the Noodles: Toss the cooked rice noodles into the pan, followed by the Pad Thai sauce. Stir well to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Add the Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the bean sprouts and chopped green onions. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Serve the Chicken Pad Thai with a generous sprinkle of cilantro, crushed peanuts, and a wedge of lime on the side.
- Enjoy: Squeeze the lime over the top just before eating for an extra burst of freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 min.
- Cook Time: 20 min.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
Conclusion
Now that you’ve got everything you need, it’s time to cook up some Chicken Pad Thai and savor the bold, vibrant flavors of Thailand right from the comfort of your own kitchen! The combination of tender stir-fried chicken, crisp vegetables, and that perfectly balanced sauce is a match made in flavor heaven. Whether you love a bit of sweetness, tang, or spice, this dish has it all. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and totally customizable to suit your taste.
What I love about making Chicken Pad Thai at home is how fresh and satisfying it is. You can choose your favorite veggies, adjust the level of heat with chili, and even toss in some extra peanuts for that crunchy texture. It’s the perfect way to bring a little piece of Thailand to your dinner table, and the flavors always make it feel like a special meal.
So, get your wok or skillet ready, stir-fry that chicken, and toss everything together to create a deliciously mouthwatering plate of Pad Thai. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations! Enjoy every bite!