Chicken Pad Thai

Chicken Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s most beloved street food dishes, known for its irresistible balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. This iconic noodle dish features tender rice noodles tossed with juicy chicken, eggs, crunchy peanuts, and fresh vegetables, all coated in a rich, flavorful Pad Thai sauce. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and tastes, making it a global favorite.

What makes Chicken Pad Thai truly special is its ability to deliver complex flavors using simple ingredients. Despite its restaurant-quality taste, it can be prepared easily at home in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving authentic Thai flavors or looking to elevate your weeknight dinner routine, Chicken Pad Thai is a satisfying and exciting dish that never disappoints.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Chicken Pad Thai recipe because it brings authentic Thai flavors straight to the home kitchen without being complicated. The sauce is bold yet balanced, the chicken stays tender, and the noodles soak up every bit of flavor beautifully. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but is still wholesome and filling.

Another reason I enjoy this recipe is its flexibility. You can adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spice level to suit your taste, making it perfect for everyone at the table. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that comes together quickly—ideal for busy days.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Classic Thai street food favorite
• Perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and savory
• Quick and easy to prepare at home
• Customizable with vegetables or spice level
• Restaurant-quality flavor in one dish

Once you try Chicken Pad Thai, it’s guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.

Recipe Overview

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Thai
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving

Ingredients

For the Pad Thai Sauce

• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste (or lime juice substitute)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or palm sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional)

For the Noodles and Stir-Fry

• 200 g rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 3 green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts, crushed

For Garnish

• Lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro
• Extra peanuts
• Red chili flakes (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Soak rice noodles in warm water until softened; drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together all Pad Thai sauce ingredients.
3. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add chicken and cook until lightly golden and cooked through.
5. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
6. Push chicken to one side and pour in eggs; scramble gently.
7. Add noodles and pour sauce over everything.
8. Toss well until noodles are coated and tender.
9. Add bean sprouts and green onions; toss for 1–2 minutes.
10. Remove from heat and garnish before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Noodles: Soak rice noodles until pliable but not mushy.
2. Mix the Sauce: Combine fish sauce, tamarind, sugar, soy sauce, and chili paste.
3. Cook the Chicken: Stir-fry chicken until fully cooked.
4. Add Eggs: Scramble eggs directly in the pan.
5. Combine Everything: Add noodles and sauce, tossing continuously.
6. Finish with Veggies: Add sprouts and onions for crunch.
7. Garnish and Serve: Top with peanuts and lime.

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How to Serve Chicken Pad Thai

• Serve hot, straight from the wok
• Garnish generously with crushed peanuts
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime before eating
• Serve with chili flakes or chili sauce on the side

Recipe Tips

• Do not over-soak noodles; they finish cooking in the pan
• Keep all ingredients prepped before cooking
• Use high heat and stir quickly
• Taste and adjust sauce before adding noodles

Variations (Detailed)

Shrimp Pad Thai

Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood version.

Vegetable Pad Thai

Skip chicken and load up on vegetables like carrots and bell peppers.

Spicy Pad Thai

Add extra chili paste or Thai bird chilies.

Low-Sugar Pad Thai

Reduce sugar and increase lime juice for tanginess.

Gluten-Free Pad Thai

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator

• Store leftovers in an airtight container
• Keeps well for 2–3 days

Freezing

• Not recommended; noodles may become mushy

Reheating

• Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Conclusion

Chicken Pad Thai is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that showcases the beauty of Thai cuisine. With its perfect balance of textures and tastes, it delivers comfort and excitement in every bite. Easy enough for weeknight cooking yet impressive enough for guests, this dish proves that homemade Thai food can be just as satisfying as takeout.