If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances tangy, sweet, salty, and savory notes, this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine tender strips of chicken mingling with silky rice noodles, all coated in a luscious sauce featuring tamarind and fish sauce, then topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh bean sprouts for texture. It’s a classic Thai street food favorite brought right into your own kitchen, delivering bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, well-chosen ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. From the slippery rice noodles to the zingy tamarind paste, every component plays a vital role in creating the iconic flavor and texture that make Chicken Pad Thai Recipe so beloved.
- 8 oz flat rice noodles: These soft, chewy noodles are the heart of Pad Thai and soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or peanut oil): Essential for stir-frying and giving a subtle nutty aroma.
- 1 chicken breast, thinly sliced: Adds lean protein and cooks quickly to tender perfection.
- 2 eggs: Scrambled in for a creamy texture and extra richness.
- 1 cup bean sprouts: Provide a refreshing crunch that lightens the dish.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Bring a fresh, mild onion flavor and a splash of green color.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuse the dish with aromatic depth.
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts: Add a satisfying crunch and buttery taste.
- 1 lime, cut into wedges: Squeezed over just before eating for a bright citrus kick.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Boost savory umami flavor.
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste: The signature tang that gives Pad Thai its distinctive sour-sweet dimension.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: Adds complexity and authentic saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances out the sour and salty for a perfect harmony.
How to Make Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Noodles
Begin by soaking your flat rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes or according to the package instructions. This softens them to the perfect consistency for stir-frying later. Remember to drain them well to avoid sogginess!
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and brown sugar. This homemade sauce is the soul of our Chicken Pad Thai Recipe, bringing together tanginess, sweetness, and a savory punch that you won’t find bottled anywhere.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat your chosen oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the thinly sliced chicken breast and cook until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and is cooked through. Don’t rush—this is where you build that satisfying meatiness. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
If you need to, add a little more oil to the pan, then crack in the eggs. Quickly scramble them until they are just set, soft, and slightly creamy. This adds richness and acts as a binder for the noodles and sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles with Sauce
Add your soaked and drained noodles to the pan along with the sauce. Toss thoroughly so each noodle is luxuriously coated in that bold, flavorful mixture. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is mostly absorbed by the noodles, ensuring every mouthful bursts with flavor.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then toss in the bean sprouts, chopped green onions, and crushed peanuts. Stir-fry everything together for just another minute. This ensures the fresh ingredients retain their texture and the peanuts stay delightfully crunchy.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Plate your Chicken Pad Thai Recipe and offer lime wedges and extra crushed peanuts on the side. The lime will add a fresh brightness that elevates the entire dish right before eating.
How to Serve Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where your Chicken Pad Thai Recipe really comes alive. Sprinkle on extra crushed peanuts for crunch, finely chopped cilantro or more green onions for a fresh herbal note, and never forget those tangy lime wedges. A light squeeze of lime just before digging in breathes a lively freshness into the dish.
Side Dishes
Pad Thai pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides. A crisp cucumber salad dressed simply with rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar works well to balance the rich noodles. Perhaps some grilled satay skewers or a bowl of hot and sour soup can make your meal feel like a complete, flavorful Thai feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Chicken Pad Thai Recipe in edible banana leaf cones or on individual portions of lettuce for a finger-food experience. You can also add a fried egg on top for extra indulgence or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for more nuttiness and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Pad Thai Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two days. To preserve the best texture, it’s a good idea to keep extra peanuts and lime wedges separate until just before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing Pad Thai is not usually recommended because the noodles can become mushy upon thawing. If you do choose to freeze it, separate the components if possible—freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the noodles and fresh vegetables. Use within one month and thaw gently in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm your Pad Thai in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce to prevent sticking and refresh the moisture. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the noodles from becoming rubbery. Add fresh bean sprouts or green onions after reheating to bring back some crunch.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of chicken in this Pad Thai Recipe?
Absolutely! Shrimp is a traditional alternative and cooks quickly, making for a delicious variation. Just be sure not to overcook it to keep it tender and juicy.
Is tamarind paste necessary for authentic Pad Thai?
Tamarind paste is key to achieving that iconic tangy flavor in Pad Thai. While you can substitute with lemon juice or vinegar in a pinch, it won’t quite capture the authentic taste.
What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Flat rice noodles are ideal for Pad Thai because of their texture and ability to absorb the sauce. Look for ones that are about half an inch wide and soak them before cooking to avoid breakage.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and fish sauce, then add tofu in place of meat and use soy sauce or tamari for seasoning. Load it up with extra vegetables to keep things satisfying.
How spicy is this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe?
This recipe has a mild heat level, but you can easily adjust it by adding chili flakes or fresh chilies when cooking. The sauce itself balances sweet and sour rather than spicy flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Pad Thai Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors and welcoming textures that invite you to dig in with joy. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night or impressing friends, it’s a fantastic dish that captures the spirit of Thai cuisine in the comfort of your own kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner staple!
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Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Chicken Pad Thai recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand to your kitchen with tender chicken, flat rice noodles, and a tangy, savory sauce. Quick to prepare and perfect for a fulfilling dinner, this dish is complemented with crunchy peanuts, fresh bean sprouts, and a zesty lime wedge, offering a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 8 oz flat rice noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or peanut oil
- 1 chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Soak Noodles: Soak the flat rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes or according to the package instructions. Once softened, drain them well and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well blended. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and cook until it turns golden brown and is thoroughly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Scramble Eggs: Add a little more oil to the pan if it looks dry. Crack the eggs into the hot pan and scramble them gently until they are just set but still tender.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the soaked noodles and the prepared sauce into the pan with the eggs. Toss everything together well and allow the noodles to cook for 2 to 3 minutes so that the sauce is absorbed and the flavors meld.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add in the bean sprouts, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and crushed peanuts. Stir-fry the mixture for another minute to combine and heat through.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Pad Thai hot, garnished with lime wedges and additional crushed peanuts on the side for extra crunch and brightness.
Notes
- If tamarind paste is unavailable, you can substitute with lime juice mixed with a little brown sugar for a similar tangy sweetness.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute chicken with tofu and use a vegan fish sauce alternative.
- For extra heat, add chopped fresh chili or chili flakes while stir-frying.
- Using fresh flat rice noodles if available can shorten the soaking time significantly.
- Be careful not to overcook the eggs to keep them soft and fluffy in the dish.
