If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances rich, savory flavors with a fresh, tangy twist, then you absolutely must try this Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai Recipe. Combining tender chicken bathed in luscious garlic butter with the classic tang and sweet notes of Pad Thai, this recipe elevates a beloved street food staple into an indulgent yet approachable weeknight meal. Every bite bursts with a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds before you know it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai Recipe shine. Each component plays a crucial role — from the creamy butter enhancing the chicken’s succulence to the vibrant herbs and zesty lime lifting the entire dish with brightness.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick, even cooking and easy slicing into perfect strips.
- Butter: Three tablespoons add that rich garlic butter goodness integral to flavor depth.
- Garlic: Four minced cloves contribute a fragrant punch that’s essential for Pad Thai’s signature aroma.
- Rice noodles: Soft and chewy, they provide the ideal base to soak up all the saucy goodness.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté garlic gently without burning, preserving its delicate flavor.
- Eggs: Two to add a silky texture and boost protein content.
- Fish sauce: A quarter cup delivers that unmistakable savory umami that anchors the dish.
- Brown sugar: Two tablespoons balance the saltiness with a subtle sweetness.
- Lime juice: One tablespoon adds a refreshing acidity that brightens every bite.
- Chopped peanuts: A quarter cup for crunch and nutty contrast.
- Cilantro: A quarter cup fresh and chopped to infuse herbal freshness.
- Green onions: Half a cup sliced for mild sharpness and color.
- Soy sauce: One tablespoon to deepen the savory notes.
- Chili flakes (optional): A teaspoon for those who like a little heat to complement the buttery richness.
- Sesame oil: One tablespoon to introduce a subtle nutty undertone.
- Lime zest: One tablespoon adds an extra layer of citrus aroma and flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Step 1: Searing the Chicken in Garlic Butter
Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a large skillet or wok, creating the luscious base for your chicken. Place the chicken breasts into the skillet, letting them cook undisturbed so they get beautifully golden. This step is key to locking in juicy flavors before you slice them into tender strips, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
Step 2: Preparing the Garlic and Noodles
Once the chicken is resting, add olive oil to the same skillet and sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant but not browned — this will give your dish that perfect garlicky hug. Meanwhile, cook your rice noodles according to the package directions, then drain them so they’re ready to soak up the sauce.
Step 3: Scrambling the Eggs
Push the garlic to one side of the skillet to create space, then crack in the eggs and scramble them gently. This addition lends a silky richness that melds beautifully with the noodles and buttered chicken.
Step 4: Crafting the Perfect Sauce
Whisk together fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime zest in a small bowl to create a harmonious sauce that balances salty, sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. Pour this over the noodles, garlic, and scrambled eggs, tossing everything until the sauce clings to each strand.
Step 5: Bringing It All Together
Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet, stirring to incorporate it with the noodles and sauce. For a little kick, sprinkle in chili flakes if you like some spice. Finish by removing the skillet from heat and garnishing with crunchy peanuts, fresh cilantro, and vibrant green onions to add texture and fresh bursts of flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Garnishes
The final garnishes make a huge difference in presentation and taste. Chopped peanuts provide a lovely crunch, while cilantro adds a refreshing herbal note. Don’t forget the green onions for a subtle sharpness that wakes up your palate with every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light sides such as a crisp cucumber salad or steamed bok choy. Their crisp textures and cool flavors contrast the richness of the Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai Recipe perfectly, making your meal feel balanced and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Pad Thai in charming individual bowls piled high with noodles and chicken for a cozy, inviting vibe. Alternatively, presenting it on a large platter with garnishes scattered on top invites sharing and adds a colorful, festive flair to any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
While Pad Thai is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Use a freezer-safe container and thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying out the noodles. Adding a splash of water or extra sesame oil during reheating helps keep everything moist and flavorful, bringing your Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai Recipe back to life.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly fattier and offer a juicier texture, which pairs nicely with the garlic butter in this Pad Thai recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is fish sauce essential to the recipe?
Fish sauce is key for that authentic savory depth, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with soy sauce mixed with a little lime juice to mimic the umami and tangy notes.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and add tofu sautéed in garlic butter instead. You can also replace fish sauce with a vegetarian alternative like tamari for a delightful plant-based version.
What type of noodles works best for Pad Thai?
Traditional Pad Thai uses flat rice noodles, which absorb the sauce wonderfully. Stick to 8-ounce rice noodles as specified, and be sure not to overcook them to keep a pleasant bite.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, preparing the sauce a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the cooking process even faster when you’re ready to assemble the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug in food form. Whether you’re cooking it for a simple weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, it promises delicious results every time. So go ahead, dive into this joyful cooking adventure and treat yourself to the magic of garlic butter paired with classic Pad Thai flavors.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai is a flavorful twist on the classic Thai noodle dish, featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in rich garlic butter and combined with fragrant rice noodles tossed in a tangy, savory sauce. Enhanced with peanuts, fresh cilantro, green onions, and an optional kick of chili flakes, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of textures and tastes perfect for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Butter
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons butter
Noodles and Sauce
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: Melt the butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat to create a rich, flavorful base for the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, depending on thickness.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then slice into thin strips for easy mixing later.
- Prepare Garlic: In the same skillet, add olive oil over medium heat to sauté the minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic.
- Cook Noodles: Meanwhile, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside for tossing.
- Scramble Eggs: Push the garlic to the side of the skillet and crack the eggs into the empty space; scramble them until fully cooked to incorporate into the dish.
- Add Noodles: Add the cooked noodles into the skillet with the garlic and scrambled eggs, mixing to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime zest to create the classic Pad Thai sauce.
- Toss Sauce with Noodles: Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles in the skillet and toss everything well to ensure the noodles are thoroughly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Incorporate Chicken: Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine all elements consistently.
- Add Chili Flakes: If desired, sprinkle in the chili flakes for a spicy kick and stir to distribute evenly.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the finished dish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions to add crunch and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai immediately while hot for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Adjust the chili flakes amount to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Be sure to rest the chicken before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
- Rice noodles should be cooked just until tender to avoid becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best flavor impact.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari sauce.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger groups.
