Quick & Zesty Chicken Pad Thai Recipe for Flavorful Meals

Whipping up a delectable chicken pad thai sends my taste buds on an instant adventure through bangkok’s vibrant street food scene.

Noodles dancing with zesty flavors capture the essence of authentic thai cuisine.

Succulent chicken strips intermingle with silky rice noodles, creating a symphony of textures.

Tangy tamarind sauce weaves magic into every single bite, balancing sweet and savory notes perfectly.

Fresh herbs and crunchy peanuts add delightful complexity to this classic dish.

Crisp vegetables bring a refreshing crunch that makes each mouthful irresistible.

You won’t be able to resist diving fork-first into this incredible culinary journey.

Why Chicken Pad Thai Is A Classic

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra veggies to make this Pad Thai perfectly match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this restaurant-style dish in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy families craving something delicious and satisfying.
• Balanced Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet, tangy, and spicy notes with tender chicken and soft noodles, creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: An approachable Asian-inspired recipe that appeals to both adventurous and picky eaters, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Chicken Pad Thai Ingredient List

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides the main source of meat in this classic Thai dish.
• Eggs: Adds richness and additional protein to the pad thai.

• Rice Noodles: The traditional starch that forms the foundation of the pad thai.

• Fish Sauce, Tamarind Paste, Soy Sauce: Create a complex, tangy, and savory base for the sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the salty and sour flavors in the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a spicy kick to the pad thai.

• Garlic: Provides a deep, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Bean Sprouts, Green Onions: Add freshness, crunch, and a light vegetable element.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Peanuts, Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Offer texture, freshness, and a bright finishing touch.

How To Make Chicken Pad Thai

Step 1: Boil Delicate Noodles

Prepare rice noodles following package directions. Drain completely and let rest in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Craft Flavor Explosion Sauce

• Fish sauce
• Tamarind paste
• Sugar
• Soy sauce
• Red pepper flakes

Whisk until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Sear Juicy Chicken Strips

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook chicken until golden brown and thoroughly done, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate.

Step 4: Create Scrambled Egg Base

In the same skillet, add more vegetable oil. Sauté minced garlic briefly.

Push garlic to one side and pour beaten eggs. Scramble eggs while cooking.

Step 5: Merge Noodles and Protein

Add cooked noodles, prepared chicken, and previously mixed sauce into the skillet. Toss ingredients until evenly coated with sauce.

Step 6: Incorporate Fresh Crunch

• Bean sprouts
• Green onions

Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring everything is heated thoroughly.

Step 7: Plate with Gorgeous Garnishes

• Chopped peanuts
• Fresh lime wedges
• Cilantro leaves

Easy Tips For Chicken Pad Thai

• Soak rice noodles briefly in warm water before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve perfect texture.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using fresh chili peppers for more intense spiciness.
• Prep all ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth cooking process and prevent overcooking delicate components.
• Replace chicken with tofu or shrimp for versatile protein options that suit different dietary preferences.
• Use fresh ingredients like crisp bean sprouts and green onions to enhance overall flavor and authenticity of the dish.

New Takes On Chicken Pad Thai

• Shrimp Pad Thai: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp for a seafood-rich version that brings coastal flavors to the classic dish.
• Vegetarian Thai Noodles: Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh, adding extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for a protein-packed plant-based meal.
• Spicy Pad Thai Fusion: Increase red pepper flakes and add sriracha sauce for an intensely hot version that kicks up the heat levels.
• Gluten-Free Thai Feast: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

What To Pair With Chicken Pad Thai

• Pair with Crisp Thai Singha Beer: Refreshing light lager cuts through the rich, tangy pad thai flavors, cleansing the palate with its crisp finish.
• Complement with Vibrant Thai Iced Tea: Sweet, creamy beverage balances the spicy and savory notes of the chicken pad thai, providing a cooling contrast.
• Match with Bright Riesling Wine: Slightly sweet, acidic white wine enhances the dish's complex flavors, especially the tamarind and fish sauce undertones.
• Boost with Chilled Jasmine Green Tea: Delicate, fragrant tea offers a clean, light accompaniment that doesn't overpower the pad thai's intricate taste profile.

Storing Chicken Pad Thai Made Simple

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining flavor quality.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled Pad Thai to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if bean sprouts are included, as they'll lose texture.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Add splash of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Aim for even warming without overcooking noodles.
• Skillet Reheating: Warm small amount of oil in pan over medium heat. Add Pad Thai, stirring gently to prevent sticking.

Chicken Pad Thai FAQs Answered

• What is fish sauce and why is it important in Pad Thai?

Fish sauce is a fermented condiment made from anchovies that adds a deep, savory umami flavor essential to authentic Thai cuisine. It provides a salty and complex taste that cannot be easily substituted.

• How do I prevent my rice noodles from sticking together?

Rinse the noodles with cold water after cooking and toss them with a small amount of oil to keep them separated. Make sure to drain them thoroughly before adding to the skillet.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken with tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetarian fish sauce or soy sauce as a substitute to maintain the traditional flavor profile.

Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling chicken pad thai delivers a symphony of Thai street flavors, blending tangy, sweet, and savory notes in one irresistible dish. Crisp rice noodles, tender chicken, and crunchy peanuts create a perfect balance you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

Noodles and Vegetables:

• 8 oz (226 grams) rice noodles
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Sauce and Garnishes:

• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and reserve for later use.
2. Create a tangy sauce by whisking fish sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small mixing bowl.
3. Sear chicken slices in a large skillet with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining oil and quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Slide garlic to one side and pour beaten eggs, scrambling them directly in the pan.
5. Once eggs are fully cooked, incorporate prepared noodles, seared chicken, and prepared sauce into the skillet. Toss ingredients thoroughly to ensure even coating.
6. Fold in crisp bean sprouts and sliced green onions, continuing to stir for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated uniformly.
7. Plate the pad thai immediately, generously topping with chopped roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and serving with zesty lime wedges on the side.

Notes

• Noodle Prep Hack: Soak rice noodles in warm water instead of boiling to prevent them from becoming mushy and maintain the perfect al dente texture.
• Protein Power: Swap chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version or use shrimp for a seafood twist that adds a delightful oceanic flavor.
• Spice Control: Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance, starting with a pinch and gradually increasing for those who love a fiery kick.
• Flavor Boost: Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes before cooking to allow ingredients to meld, creating a more complex and deeply satisfying taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg