Chicken Pad Thai

Introduction

Chicken Pad Thai is the ultimate Thai-inspired stir-fry, packed with vibrant flavors and textures that come together to create a perfectly balanced dish. Tender chicken, soft rice noodles, and a tangy, savory sauce blend harmoniously with crunchy peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a kick of lime. Each bite is a burst of savory, sweet, sour, and spicy notes that make this dish a favorite for anyone craving bold, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, Chicken Pad Thai is the ideal choice for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.

The first time I made Chicken Pad Thai, I was amazed by how easily the complex flavors came together. Stir-frying the ingredients while the sauce simmered created a rich aroma that filled the kitchen, and by the time I plated the dish, it looked as beautiful as it smelled. The combination of textures—from the soft noodles to the crunch of peanuts—made every bite even more enjoyable.

What I love most about Chicken Pad Thai is how customizable it is. You can swap in shrimp or tofu for the chicken, adjust the spice level to your liking, or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more color and crunch. No matter how you tweak the recipe, this dish offers the vibrant taste of Thailand right in your own kitchen, making it a perfect option for a flavorful weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish to serve at any gathering.

Perfect for:

Weeknight dinners
Family meals
Stir-fry lovers
Asian cuisine enthusiasts
Quick and easy meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Chicken Pad Thai will become a staple in your recipe rotation:

Flavor Explosion: The balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors will excite your taste buds with every bite.
Customizable Ingredients: You can adjust the spice level, add extra veggies, or use tofu or shrimp for different variations.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish in no time.
One-Pan Meal: Everything is cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Fresh Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies, protein, and rice noodles, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chicken Pad Thai:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
8 oz rice noodles (pad Thai noodles)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup bean sprouts
2 green onions, chopped
¼ cup chopped peanuts
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon tamarind paste
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon sriracha (or to taste)

Ingredient Highlights

Rice Noodles: These thin, chewy noodles are the foundation of Pad Thai and soak up the flavorful sauce perfectly.
Chicken: Tender chicken breast provides protein and balances out the tangy and spicy sauce.
Fish Sauce: A key ingredient in Thai cuisine, fish sauce adds depth and umami to the dish.
Tamarind Paste: This tangy paste gives Pad Thai its signature sourness and depth of flavor.
Peanuts: Chopped peanuts add crunch and a touch of nuttiness to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Noodles:

Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually about 3-4 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Rinse with Cold Water: Rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking. Set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, soy sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, lime juice, and sriracha. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

Cook the Chicken: In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Cook the Eggs and Noodles:

Cook the Eggs: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them, cooking for 1-2 minutes until set.
Add the Noodles: Add the cooked rice noodles to the pan, tossing them in the eggs. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes to heat the noodles through.

Combine and Toss:

Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss to coat evenly.
Add the Chicken and Veggies: Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the bean sprouts and half of the green onions. Toss everything together for another 2 minutes, ensuring everything is well coated with the sauce.

Serve:

Garnish and Serve: Divide the Pad Thai among plates and garnish with the remaining green onions, chopped peanuts, and fresh cilantro (if using). Serve with lime wedges on the side.

How to Serve

Traditional Presentation: Serve on individual plates with lime wedges and extra peanuts for garnish.
With Extra Veggies: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more crunch and color.
As a Meal: Pair with a side of steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad.
With Thai Iced Tea: Pair with a refreshing Thai iced tea for an authentic Thai meal experience.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Be sure to cook the rice noodles al dente so they don’t become mushy when stir-fried.
Adjust the Spice Level: Add more sriracha for extra heat or reduce it for a milder version.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and tamarind paste make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
Customize the Protein: Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for different flavor profiles.
Serve Immediately: Pad Thai is best served fresh and hot, so try to enjoy it right after cooking.

Recipe Variations

Shrimp Pad Thai: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a lighter seafood version.
Vegetarian Pad Thai: Use tofu instead of chicken for a plant-based alternative.
Beef Pad Thai: Swap in thinly sliced beef for a savory variation.
Spicy Pad Thai: Increase the amount of sriracha or add Thai bird’s eye chilies for an extra kick.
Sweet and Sour Pad Thai: Add more sugar and lime juice for a tangier, sweeter version.
Peanut Butter Pad Thai: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamier, nutty texture.
Low-Carb Pad Thai: Substitute rice noodles with zucchini noodles for a healthier, low-carb option.
Curry Pad Thai: Add a spoonful of curry paste to the sauce for a fragrant twist.
Pad Thai with Cashews: Replace peanuts with cashews for a different nutty crunch.
Coconut Pad Thai: Add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy, tropical flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze leftover Pad Thai by storing it in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen up the sauce.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a wok or pan over medium heat for the best texture.

Special Equipment

Wok: A wok is ideal for stir-frying at high heat, allowing you to toss ingredients quickly and evenly for authentic flavor.
Wok Spatula (Chuan): A long-handled spatula helps toss and stir the ingredients without the risk of burns. Its flat surface is perfect for scraping and stirring.
Rice Cooker: Use this to cook your rice perfectly in advance, so you can focus on the stir-fry. It ensures fluffy, evenly cooked rice every time.
Mortar and Pestle: Great for grinding peanuts, garlic, or spices to create a richer, more aromatic flavor base.
Garlic Press: If you’re using fresh garlic, a press can save time and create a finer consistency.
Citrus Juicer: Use this to extract fresh lime juice for the perfect balance of acidity in your Pad Thai sauce.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision in your sauce ingredients, especially for tamarind, fish sauce, and sugar, helps achieve the ideal balance of flavors.
Tongs: Ideal for quickly tossing and turning the chicken and vegetables, ensuring they cook evenly.
Strainer or Sieve: Use this for rinsing rice noodles and draining excess water, ensuring they don’t become too sticky when cooked.
Chopsticks: Handy for stirring, flipping, and serving the Pad Thai in a traditional way, as well as for eating!

FAQ

Can I make Pad Thai ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and chop the ingredients ahead of time to save on cooking time.
Can I use another type of noodle?
While rice noodles are traditional, you can substitute with other stir-fry noodles like egg noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch.
Is Pad Thai gluten-free?
Yes, Pad Thai is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, just swap the chicken for tofu and use a vegetarian-friendly fish sauce or soy sauce.
Can I use store-bought Pad Thai sauce?
You can use store-bought sauce, but making your own allows for a fresher, more customized flavor.

Conclusion

Chicken Pad Thai is a quick, flavorful, and customizable dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine straight to your kitchen. With a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, spicy, and savory notes, this stir-fry is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.

Packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and the deliciously distinct flavors of tamarind, fish sauce, and lime, this Pad Thai is a crowd favorite. Add your choice of toppings, from crushed peanuts to cilantro, to personalize your dish even more.

I can’t wait to see your Chicken Pad Thai creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own. Don’t forget to share your tweaks and flavor secrets in the comments. Happy cooking!