If you have ever craved the irresistible flavors of Thai street food right in your own kitchen, this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly balances the sweet, salty, and tangy notes with a hint of spiciness, all while featuring tender chicken and chewy rice noodles. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a vibrant, satisfying dish that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to make. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a way to impress guests, this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward pantry staples and fresh produce, each playing a crucial role in creating the authentic taste, texture, and vibrant color of your Chicken Pad Thai Recipe. The combination of savory sauces, crunchy toppings, and fresh herbs will bring every bite to life.
- 8 oz rice noodles: These provide the classic chewy texture that is the heart of any Pad Thai.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for cooking without overpowering the delicate flavors of the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds fragrant depth and a little bite when sautéed.
- 1 chicken breast, thinly sliced: Delivers tender protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten: Gives a silky richness and extra texture to the mix.
- 1 cup bean sprouts: Adds a refreshing crunch contrast.
- 3 green onions, chopped: Provides subtle sharpness and vibrant green color.
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed: For nutty crunch and a bit of salty goodness.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Adds bright, herbal freshness that wakes up the palate.
- 1 lime, cut into wedges: Gives a zesty, tangy lift just before serving.
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce: The umami powerhouse that brings authentic Thai flavor.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds savory depth and color.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the saltiness with gentle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Contributes mild acidity and brightness.
- 1 teaspoon tamarind paste: Gives a distinct tangy richness typical of Pad Thai sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat if you like your dish with a kick.
How to Make Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking your rice noodles according to the package’s directions until they are tender but still slightly firm. Drain them thoroughly and set aside. Properly cooked noodles ensure that each bite of your Chicken Pad Thai Recipe has that signature chewy texture without turning mushy.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Sauce
Whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, tamarind paste, and optional red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This sauce is the magic behind the dish, combining salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy elements that coat the noodles perfectly.
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 and sliced chicken breast, cooking until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. This step infuses the oil with garlic’s aroma while sealing in the chicken’s juicy flavor.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Push the chicken to one side of your pan, then pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble them gently until fully cooked, then mix with the chicken. This simple step adds richness and a touch of fluffiness to your Chicken Pad Thai Recipe.
Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet along with the prepared sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to make sure every noodle is coated in that luscious, balanced sauce. This is where your Chicken Pad Thai Recipe really starts to come alive.
Step 6: Add Fresh Veggies
Stir in the bean sprouts and chopped green onions, cooking for just another minute. These vegetables bring a fresh crunch and brightness, creating a delightful contrast to the savory noodles and tender chicken.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro on top. Serve immediately alongside lime wedges for squeezing. These final touches add layers of flavor and texture, completing your Chicken Pad Thai Recipe beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes are not just decorative; they elevate the dish with texture and freshness. Crushed peanuts bring crunchy saltiness, cilantro offers bright herbal notes, and a wedge of lime adds a refreshing zesty finish when squeezed over your plate.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Pad Thai with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad to keep the meal balanced and refreshing. Asian-inspired vegetable spring rolls also complement the flavors without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Chicken Pad Thai Recipe in banana leaf wraps for an authentic touch or dish it out in vibrant bowls sprinkled with extra peanuts and chili flakes for a pop of color. Mini lettuce cups with a small scoop are great for parties and add a fun handheld twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the Chicken Pad Thai cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, leftovers will keep fresh for up to 3 days. Keep garnishes separate to maintain their crunch and color.
Freezing
While not ideal to freeze noodles because they can become mushy, you can freeze portions of the cooked chicken with sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before adding freshly cooked noodles and garnishes.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or lime juice to loosen and refresh the noodles. Avoid the microwave if possible, as this can sometimes affect texture. Top with fresh peanuts and herbs after warming.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp or tofu are popular variations for Pad Thai and can easily replace chicken. Just adjust cooking times accordingly: shrimp cooks quickly, and tofu should be sautéed until golden for best texture.
Is tamarind paste necessary for the sauce?
Tamarind paste adds the characteristic tang that makes Pad Thai so unique. If you can’t find it, substitute with lime juice mixed with a bit of brown sugar, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
How spicy is this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, so you can control the heat level. For a mild dish, leave them out; for a spicy kick, add more or serve with fresh sliced chilies on the side.
What type of noodles work best?
Flat rice noodles, usually labeled as Pad Thai noodles or wide rice sticks, are the best choice. Avoid thin rice vermicelli as they do not hold up well in this dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and double-check your fish sauce ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free. Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, making this dish a safe option for gluten-sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe at home — it’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with layers of flavor that satisfy every craving. Once you try it, you’ll realize how approachable yet impressive this dish is, perfect for any night of the week. So grab your ingredients and start cooking; I promise your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Chicken Pad Thai recipe offers a flavorful and authentic Thai stir-fried noodle dish that combines tender chicken, savory tamarind sauce, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick dinner, it showcases the classic balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch from peanuts and bean sprouts.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, chopped
Toppings & Garnish
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Sauce Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions until tender, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, tamarind paste, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined and the sugar dissolves.
- Cook Garlic and Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and thinly sliced chicken breast, cooking until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Scramble Eggs: Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet, pour in the lightly beaten eggs on the empty side, and scramble until fully cooked. Then mix the scrambled eggs with the chicken evenly.
- Add Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet and pour over the prepared sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the noodles and ingredients are well coated with the sauce.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Stir in the bean sprouts and chopped green onions, cooking for an additional minute just to slightly soften but retain their crunch and freshness.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with crushed roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges to squeeze over just before eating.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the Chicken Pad Thai while hot and enjoy the harmonious flavors immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the noodles, as they will continue to cook slightly when added to the skillet.
- You can substitute chicken breast with shrimp or tofu for variation.
- If tamarind paste is unavailable, substitute with equal parts lime juice and brown sugar for a similar tangy sweetness.
- Adding crushed peanuts at the end preserves their crunchy texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- For gluten-free, ensure soy sauce is labeled gluten-free or use tamari.
