If you have ever craved a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, wonderful textures, and a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy, this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This classic Thai street food favorite combines tender chicken, chewy rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, and fresh herbs in a dish that’s as satisfying as it is quick to make. Whether you’re a Pad Thai novice or looking to perfect your homemade version, this recipe delivers authentic tastes with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can follow.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe lies in its uncomplicated yet essential ingredients, each chosen to create a harmony of taste, texture, and color. From the chewy noodles to the flavorful sauce and fresh garnishes, every element plays a crucial role.
- 8 oz rice noodles: These form the chewy, silky base of the dish, perfectly absorbing the savory sauce.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for a high-heat stir-fry that keeps ingredients flavorful and tender.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a punch of flavor right from the start.
- 1 chicken breast, thinly sliced: Provides lean protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy.
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten: Introduces a soft, rich texture and helps bind the flavors together.
- 1 cup bean sprouts: Offers a delightful crunch and freshness to balance the cooked components.
- 3 green onions, chopped: Brightens the dish with a mild onion flavor and vibrant green color.
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed: Adds essential texture contrast and nutty richness on top.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Provides a fragrant, herbaceous finish that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 lime, cut into wedges: The citrusy zing that ties it all together when squeezed over the plated dish.
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce: The umami backbone of the sauce, lending salty complexity.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Enhances depth and savory notes in the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances saltiness with a subtle sweetness for a classic Pad Thai flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that brightens the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon tamarind paste: Infuses a unique sour note essential for authentic Pad Thai taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Brings a hint of heat to awaken the palate, adjustable to your spice preference.
How to Make Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Noodles
Start by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked noodles should be tender yet have a slight chewiness to keep the authentic texture. Once done, drain them well and set them aside to get ready for the sauce and stir-fry magic.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, tamarind paste, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Whisking these together creates the signature Pad Thai sauce that will coat every strand of noodle with vibrant flavor. This mixture is the heart of your Chicken Pad Thai Recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Garlic
Heat one 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 is browned on the outside and cooked through. This step ensures the chicken stays juicy while infusing the oil and pan with delicious garlicky aroma.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Push the cooked chicken to one side of the pan and pour in the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble the eggs gently until they are fully cooked, then combine them with the chicken. This adds a soft, comforting layer of flavor and texture that melds with the noodles later.
Step 5: Toss in the Noodles and Sauce
Add your drained rice noodles to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over the top. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through. This is where the magic happens, and all those flavors start melding into that unforgettable Pad Thai taste.
Step 6: Add Fresh Vegetables
Stir in the bean sprouts and chopped green onions, cooking everything for another minute. These fresh ingredients add a slight crunch and a burst of freshness that keep this dish from feeling heavy.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat, then sprinkle generously with crushed roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro. Don’t forget the lime wedges to squeeze over for that final citrus burst. Serve immediately for the best experience of your Chicken Pad Thai Recipe.
How to Serve Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Chicken Pad Thai Recipe with crushed roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro not only enhances the flavor but also adds wonderful texture and aroma. Lime wedges on the side are essential for that bright, tangy contrast, allowing each bite to wake up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
Though Chicken Pad Thai stands beautifully on its own, pairing it with a simple cucumber salad or light Asian slaw can complement its flavors perfectly. These sides add coolness and crunch that make your meal feel balanced and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Chicken Pad Thai Recipe in crispy lettuce cups to add fresh crunch and a different eating experience. Alternatively, pack it into a bento box for a portable lunch that keeps all its flavor intact. Presentation is a great way to elevate this beloved dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The noodles may absorb some sauce and soften, but reheating gently will help bring back the delicious texture and flavors.
Freezing
We don’t recommend freezing Chicken Pad Thai Recipe because the noodles tend to become mushy once thawed. For best results, enjoy your leftovers fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your Pad Thai gently in a skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally to prevent sticking and to refresh the textures. Adding a splash of water or a squeeze of lime can revive the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or beef are excellent alternatives that work wonderfully in this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe. Just cook them according to their needed times to ensure they’re tender and flavorful.
Is tamarind paste essential in the sauce?
Tamarind paste provides the characteristic tangy flavor that defines Pad Thai, but if you can’t find it, you can substitute with a mix of lime juice and a little brown sugar, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes! Just replace the chicken with tofu, omit the eggs, and swap fish sauce with a vegan soy sauce alternative or tamari. The dish remains flavorful and vibrant with these simple adjustments.
How spicy is this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe?
The optional red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can adjust or omit them based on your heat preference. The recipe is very flexible and caters well to those who enjoy mild or spicy dishes alike.
What are the best noodles to use?
Flat rice noodles about 1/4 inch wide are traditional and ideal for Pad Thai. They cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully, resulting in the perfect texture every time.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Pad Thai Recipe is a fantastic way to bring the vibrant flavors of Thai street food right into your home kitchen without fuss or excessive prep. The harmony of textures and tastes is truly irresistible and makes for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite go-to dinner!
Print
Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken Pad Thai recipe featuring tender chicken breast, rice noodles, crunchy bean sprouts, and a tangy, sweet-savory sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this classic Thai stir-fry is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Sauce
- 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 the noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, tamarind paste, and red pepper flakes if using—this will be the flavorful base of the dish.
- Cook the chicken and garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and stir-fry briefly until fragrant, then add the thinly sliced chicken breast. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Scramble the eggs: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and pour in the beaten eggs on the empty side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them with the cooked chicken.
- Add noodles and sauce: Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss everything together thoroughly until the noodles are well-coated and heated through.
- Incorporate vegetables: Stir in the bean sprouts and chopped green onions, cooking for an additional minute to slightly soften them while maintaining crunch.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with crushed roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for brightness. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with tofu or shrimp for variations.
- If tamarind paste is unavailable, a mixture of lime juice and brown sugar can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit if sensitive to spice.
- Using day-old noodles can help prevent sticking when stir-frying.
- Serve with extra lime wedges on the side for added tanginess.
