Chicken Pad Thai

Chicken Pad Thai is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory with a touch of heat, all wrapped around tender rice noodles and succulent chicken. This Thai street food classic has become a global favorite for good reason—it’s quick to prepare, customizable to your taste, and absolutely packed with flavor. This version brings all the beloved elements of traditional Pad Thai into your kitchen, using ingredients that are widely available in most grocery stores.

With its stir-fried noodles, crunchy bean sprouts, aromatic herbs, and a bold homemade sauce, this Chicken Pad Thai comes together in just about 30 minutes. It’s a satisfying one-pan dish that delivers restaurant-quality results without the need for a wok. Whether you’re new to cooking Asian cuisine or already a pro, this approachable recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. The combination of soft noodles, juicy chicken, scrambled eggs, and bright cilantro creates a dish that’s comforting yet exciting. Serve it for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or when you’re simply craving something deliciously different.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold, Authentic Flavors: A perfect mix of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy in every bite.
2. Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes or less using pantry staples.
3. Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, protein, or veggies to suit your taste.
4. Restaurant-Quality at Home: Tastes just like your favorite Thai takeout, but fresher.
5. One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

Main

• Flat rice noodles
• Boneless skinless chicken breast
• Salt and pepper
• Eggs
• Fresh bean sprouts
• Green onions
• White onions
• Cilantro
• Optional: peanuts

Sauce

• Ketchup
• Fish sauce
• Sugar
• Minced garlic
• Peanut butter
• Lime juice
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Soy sauce

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and fish sauce; use tofu and tamari or mushroom soy sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a spoonful of sriracha for extra heat.
• Nut-Free: Skip the peanut butter and optional peanuts, or use a seed butter like sunflower.
• Low-Carb: Substitute with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
• Shrimp Pad Thai: Swap chicken for shrimp—just sauté briefly until pink and cooked through.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

In the same skillet, crack the eggs and scramble until just set. Push to one side of the skillet.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Add the sliced white onions and green onions to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 5: Combine Sauce Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, peanut butter, lime juice, red pepper flakes, and soy sauce until smooth.

Step 6: Stir-Fry Everything Together

Add the cooked noodles and chicken back into the skillet. Pour the sauce over and toss to combine. Add the bean sprouts and cilantro. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.

Step 7: Serve

Plate the Pad Thai and top with chopped peanuts, extra lime wedges, and more cilantro if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook just until al dente; they’ll soften further in the skillet.
• Prep Sauce Ahead: Have your sauce ready before stir-frying to keep things moving quickly.
• Use High Heat: A hot skillet mimics the intense heat of a wok for authentic stir-fry texture.
• Customize Texture: Blend some of the sauce ingredients if you prefer a smoother finish.
• Use Fresh Lime: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a zing that bottled versions can’t match.

How to Serve

• Serve hot, garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and extra cilantro.
• Pair with Thai cucumber salad or spring rolls for a full meal.
• Offer chili flakes or Thai chili oil on the side for guests who like it spicier.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Not recommended. The noodles can become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or lime juice to rehydrate the noodles, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, fettuccine or linguine can work in a pinch, but flat rice noodles offer the best texture.

2. Is fish sauce necessary?

It adds authentic depth, but you can substitute with soy sauce and a splash of vinegar if needed.

3. What does peanut butter add to the sauce?

It gives richness and a subtle nutty flavor that balances the sweetness and acidity.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure the fish sauce is gluten-free.

5. Is Pad Thai supposed to be spicy?

Traditionally it has a mild spice level, but you can adjust the heat to your preference.

6. Can I make it ahead?

Yes, but it’s best fresh. Store sauce and noodles separately if prepping in advance.

7. What veggies can I add?

Try bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots for added crunch and color.

8. How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

Rinse with cold water after boiling and toss with a little oil if not using immediately.

9. Is ketchup traditional in Pad Thai?

Not in authentic Thai versions, but it’s a popular shortcut in Western-style recipes.

10. What’s the best protein swap for chicken?

Shrimp, tofu, or even beef strips work well in this dish.

Conclusion

This Chicken Pad Thai recipe brings all the flavors of your favorite Thai restaurant right to your table with easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps. It’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable to suit your dietary needs and preferences. From the rich, savory-sweet sauce to the crunchy toppings and vibrant herbs, every bite is a celebration of balance and boldness. Make it for a quick weeknight dinner or as an impressive dish for guests—either way, it’s bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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