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Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

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Short Description

This Chicken Pad Thai is a classic Thai street food dish made with stir-fried rice noodles, tender chicken, and a flavorful sauce. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and nutty flavors, this homemade version is even better than takeout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic flavors – Classic Thai taste with simple ingredients
  • Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Healthier than takeout – No added preservatives or excessive oils
  • Customizable – Adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit your taste
  • Perfect balance of flavors – Sweet, savory, tangy, and nutty
Chicken Pad Thai Recipe this Recipe
Chicken Pad Thai Recipe 10 This Chicken Pad Thai is a classic Thai street food dish made with stir-fried rice noodles, tender chicken, and a flavorful sauce. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and nutty flavors, this homemade version is even better than takeout.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Rice noodles
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • Vegetable oil
  • Garlic, minced
  • Eggs, lightly beaten
  • Bean sprouts
  • Green onions, chopped
  • Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

For the Sauce:

  • Fish sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Tamarind paste
  • Brown sugar
  • Rice vinegar
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

  1. Prepare the noodles – Soak rice noodles in warm water until softened, then drain.
  2. Cook the chicken – Heat oil in a large pan and cook the sliced chicken until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Scramble the eggs – In the same pan, push the chicken to the side and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble until fully cooked.
  4. Sauté the garlic – Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
  5. Combine ingredients – Return the chicken to the pan, add the softened noodles, and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated.
  6. Add vegetables – Stir in bean sprouts and green onions, cooking for another minute.
  7. Garnish and serve – Top with crushed peanuts and serve with lime wedges.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy version – Add extra red pepper flakes or Sriracha.
  • Vegetarian option – Use tofu instead of chicken and swap fish sauce for soy sauce.
  • Gluten-free option – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure rice noodles are gluten-free.
  • Extra veggies – Add bell peppers, carrots, or bok choy for more nutrients.
  • Peanut butter twist – Mix a tablespoon of peanut butter into the sauce for a richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended as rice noodles may become mushy when thawed.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to refresh the noodles. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Chicken Pad Thai Recipe 11 This Chicken Pad Thai is a classic Thai street food dish made with stir-fried rice noodles, tender chicken, and a flavorful sauce. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and nutty flavors, this homemade version is even better than takeout.

FAQs

How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?

Rinse them with cold water after soaking and toss with a little oil before cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but keep the noodles and sauce separate until ready to serve.

What’s the best protein substitute for chicken?

Shrimp, tofu, or beef work well as alternatives.

How do I achieve the right balance of flavors?

Adjust the tamarind paste, sugar, and fish sauce to taste, balancing sweet, sour, and savory elements.

Can I use pre-cooked noodles?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time and adjust the sauce accordingly.

What can I use instead of tamarind paste?

A mix of lime juice and a bit of brown sugar can be a good substitute.

How do I make the dish less salty?

Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the fish sauce quantity.

What sides go well with Pad Thai?

A side of Thai cucumber salad or spring rolls pairs nicely with this dish.

Is Chicken Pad Thai spicy?

It can be, depending on the amount of red pepper flakes or chili added.

Can I add more sauce if needed?

Yes, simply mix additional sauce ingredients and pour over the dish as desired.

Conclusion

This Chicken Pad Thai is a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings the taste of Thailand to your kitchen. Quick, easy, and fully customizable, it’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Try it today and enjoy an authentic homemade Pad Thai experience!

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Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

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  • Author: Maria B. Evans
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Thai
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Description

This Chicken Pad Thai is a classic Thai street food dish made with tender chicken, rice noodles, and a tangy, sweet-savory sauce. Tossed with eggs, crunchy peanuts, and fresh lime, this dish is packed with flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pad Thai Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp tamarind paste (or 1 tbsp lime juice + 1 tbsp rice vinegar as a substitute)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar (or palm sugar)
  • 1 tbsp peanut butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For the Pad Thai:

  • 8 oz rice noodles (medium-width)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, sliced thinly
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles

  1. Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions (usually soak in hot water for 5-7 minutes until soft but not mushy).
  2. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Make the Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, mix together fish sauce, soy sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, peanut butter (if using), and red pepper flakes.
  2. Stir until well combined and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add chicken slices and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked.
  4. Push the chicken to one side of the pan.

4. Scramble the Eggs

  1. Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the empty side of the pan.
  2. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until just set.
  3. Mix with the chicken.

5. Toss Everything Together

  1. Add the cooked noodles to the pan.
  2. Pour in the Pad Thai sauce and toss everything together for 2-3 minutes until evenly coated.
  3. Stir in bean sprouts, green onions, and carrots (if using).

6. Serve & Garnish

  1. Transfer to plates and top with crushed peanuts, cilantro, and extra green onions.
  2. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.
  3. Enjoy hot!

Notes

  • Tamarind substitute: If you don’t have tamarind paste, use lime juice + rice vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.
  • Make it spicier: Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Protein swaps: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef.
  • Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

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