If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes, then this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe is your new go-to! It combines tender chicken, silky rice noodles, and a luscious homemade sauce that brings every bite alive with classic Thai flair. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or impressing friends at a casual get-together, this recipe never fails to deliver a comforting yet exciting meal that feels both authentic and approachable. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe, it’s going to become a fast favorite in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to making a standout Chicken Pad Thai Recipe. Each component plays a role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so irresistible.
- 8 oz rice noodles: The foundation of the dish, these noodles soak up the sauce beautifully and provide that signature chewy texture.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil that helps cook the chicken and garlic without overpowering their flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a gentle pungency that awakens the palate.
- 1 chicken breast, thinly sliced: Lean and tender, it cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with the fresh flavors in the dish.
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten: Scrambled in to add richness and a delicate texture.
- 1 cup bean sprouts: Provide a refreshing crunch and lightness that balance the savory noodles.
- 3 green onions, chopped: Brighten the dish with their mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that’s classic to Pad Thai.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Offers a burst of fresh herbaceousness that lifts every bite.
- 1 lime, cut into wedges: The final zesty touch, perfect for squeezing over to add brightness and balance.
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce: Brings umami depth and authentic Thai flavor.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Enhances saltiness and adds complexity.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Gives a gentle sweetness that rounds out the savory elements.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Delivers a mild acidity that keeps the dish lively.
- 1 teaspoon tamarind paste: Essential for that signature tangy note that makes Pad Thai unique.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a hint of heat if you like your dish with a kick.
How to Make Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
The first step is to cook your rice noodles exactly according to the package instructions. This ensures they stay tender yet have just enough bite. Once cooked, drain and set them aside—this allows you to focus on building the flavorful sauce and perfectly cooking the chicken without overcooking the noodles.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
This sauce is the heart of the Chicken Pad Thai Recipe. Combine fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, tamarind paste, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Whisking these ingredients together creates a balanced sauce that is sweet, salty, sour, and slightly spicy—all at once.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Garlic
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, letting it sizzle just until fragrant, and then toss in the thinly sliced chicken breast. Stir frequently until the chicken is browned and cooked through, locking in moisture and flavor.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Push the cooked chicken to one side of the pan. Pour the lightly beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble them gently until fully cooked. Then, combine the eggs with the chicken, creating a wonderful mix of textures in the skillet.
Step 5: Add Noodles and Sauce
Next, add your pre-cooked noodles to the skillet and pour the sauce over the top. Toss everything together well so that every strand of noodle is coated with that irresistible sauce, ensuring the chicken and eggs are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Stir in Fresh Veggies
Stir in the crunchy bean sprouts and chopped green onions, cooking the mixture for just another minute. This step keeps your veggies crisp and vibrant, adding freshness and contrast to the rich noodles.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat. Top your Chicken Pad Thai with crushed roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. These finishing touches add texture, brightness, and an extra layer of flavor that make every bite fantastic.
Step 8: Enjoy Immediately
Chicken Pad Thai is best served hot off the stove to savor the fresh textures and vivid flavors at their peak. Dig in, and enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges truly elevate this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe. They add crunch, herbaceous brightness, and a citrusy zing that brighten every mouthful, making your plate look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
While Chicken Pad Thai is a filling dish on its own, light side dishes such as a simple cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or even a refreshing papaya salad complement it beautifully by adding cooling elements and balancing the rich sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chicken Pad Thai in banana leaves or in small lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld version. You can also garnish with edible flowers or sprinkle a little extra chili for color and spice, turning a beloved classic into an impressive centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Pad Thai can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the garnishes separate if possible, to maintain their texture and freshness.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for this dish because the noodles tend to become mushy when thawed. If you must freeze it, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Chicken Pad Thai gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles if they have dried out. Avoid the microwave when possible to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins besides chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef are fantastic alternatives that work wonderfully in this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe and add variety to your meals.
What if I can’t find tamarind paste?
Tamarind paste is key for that authentic tang. If unavailable, you can substitute with a mixture of lime juice and a bit of brown sugar, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Is this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe spicy?
By default, it’s mildly spicy due to the optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or omitting the flakes entirely based on your taste.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free and double-check that other sauces don’t contain wheat. Rice noodles and tamarind paste are naturally gluten-free.
How can I make the noodles less sticky?
After cooking the rice noodles, rinse them under cold water and toss with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking. This helps the noodles stay separate when you add them to the pan.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe is like inviting a little Thai magic into your home kitchen. The blend of textures, enticing sauce, and colorful garnishes create something truly special. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll find yourself coming back for more and sharing it with friends because it’s just that good!
Print
Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Chicken Pad Thai recipe is a flavorful and healthy twist on the classic Thai street food favorite. It features tender chicken breast, rice noodles, scrambled eggs, and a tangy-sweet sauce made from fish sauce, soy sauce, tamarind paste, and brown sugar. Fresh bean sprouts, green onions, crushed peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges add the perfect crunch and brightness to this quick and easy stir-fry dish.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz rice noodles
Protein
- 1 chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Sauce & Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon tamarind paste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Others
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions until tender, then drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, tamarind paste, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined to create the Pad Thai sauce.
- Cook Chicken and Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sliced chicken breast, cooking until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
- Scramble Eggs: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble until fully cooked. Then, mix the eggs with the cooked chicken evenly.
- Toss Noodles in Sauce: Add the cooked rice noodles into the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss everything well to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in bean sprouts and chopped green onions. Cook for another minute to slightly soften and combine flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the Pad Thai with crushed roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for squeezing over the dish.
- Enjoy Immediately: Serve the Chicken Pad Thai hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chili.
- Soak rice noodles in warm water instead of boiling for more control over noodle texture.
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation.
- Use fresh tamarind paste for authentic flavor, but it can be omitted if unavailable.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce.
