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If you’ve ever craved a meal that bursts with lively flavors, a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, and offers a fantastic mix of textures, then this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe is your new go-to dish. It’s incredibly satisfying without being complicated, combining tender chicken, chewy rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, and zesty lime in an unforgettable harmony of taste that will brighten up any weeknight dinner or impress guests with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Pad Thai Recipe shines because it relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each component brings its own magic, from the silky rice noodles providing the perfect base to the flavorful sauces creating that classic Pad Thai taste, plus fresh crunchy veggies that elevate the dish both in texture and color.
- 8 oz flat rice noodles: These soft, slightly chewy noodles are the heart and soul of this dish, soaking up all those delicious sauces beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Either vegetable or peanut oil works great for stir-frying, ensuring everything cooks evenly without sticking.
- 1 chicken breast, thinly sliced: Tender and lean, this protein cooks quickly and blends perfectly with the noodles and sauce.
- 2 eggs: Adds a rich, fluffy texture and extra protein that completes the classic Pad Thai mix.
- 1 cup bean sprouts: These bring a fresh, crisp contrast that keeps the dish lively and light.
- 2 green onions, chopped: A mild onion flavor that adds both color and a subtle zing.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic foundation that enhances the savory depth of the recipe.
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone that makes every bite exciting.
- 1 lime, cut into wedges: The final touch for a brilliant burst of citrus that brightens and balances all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty, umami base lending complexity and richness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste: The key ingredient that gives this Pad Thai its signature tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: A savory powerhouse that deepens the taste and makes it authentically Thai.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the tanginess with its mellow sweetness, rounding out the sauce beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Rice Noodles
Start by soaking the flat rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes, or follow the package directions. This softens them to the perfect texture so they cook quickly and absorb every drop of the flavorful sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the noodles soak, whisk together the soy sauce, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl. This luscious sauce blends sweet, salty, and tangy notes that define the essence of this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and cook until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Remove it carefully and set aside for later.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
If your pan looks dry, add a bit more oil before cracking in the eggs. Scramble them gently until just set—creating silky soft curds that add richness and body to the dish.
Step 5: Toss Noodles and Sauce
Add the soaked noodles and your prepared sauce to the skillet, tossing everything together. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the noodles to soak up the vibrant sauce and develop a glossy, irresistible sheen.
Step 6: Combine All Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then toss in the bean sprouts, chopped green onions, and crushed peanuts. Stir-fry everything for an additional minute to combine flavors while keeping the bean sprouts crisp and the peanuts crunchy.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Serve your Chicken Pad Thai Recipe piping hot with lime wedges on the side. The fresh lime juice squeezed on top adds that quintessential brightness that awakens every bite.
How to Serve Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Garnishes
The real charm of this dish is in its garnishes. Fresh lime wedges add a zesty burst, while extra crushed peanuts and a sprinkle of chopped green onions provide texture and a beautiful visual contrast. If you like an extra kick, toss on some chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies for heat.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own but pairs wonderfully with light Thai-inspired sides like a crisp cucumber salad or a simple papaya salad. These refreshing sides help balance the richness of the Pad Thai and add even more layers of fresh flavor to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve your Chicken Pad Thai Recipe in a shallow bowl with lime wedges artfully placed on the side, and a small dish of extra crushed peanuts and chili flakes. Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or Thai basil for a fragrant touch that elevates the dish visually and aromatically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep garnishes like lime wedges and crushed peanuts separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and crunch.
Freezing
While you can freeze Chicken Pad Thai, it’s best avoided if you want to preserve the texture of the noodles and fresh veggies. If you must freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month and note that some vegetables may become soggy upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or a little oil to prevent sticking. Stir frequently and heat until just warmed through to keep the noodles from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible for better texture retention.
FAQs
Can I use another protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef work wonderfully in this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe. Adjust cooking times slightly to accommodate the protein you choose for the best results.
Where can I find tamarind paste?
Tamarind paste is usually available in Asian grocery stores or the international aisle of many supermarkets. It’s essential to achieving the authentic tangy flavor that makes this Pad Thai special.
How spicy is this recipe?
This version is mild by default but you can easily add your favorite chili flakes or fresh chilies to increase the heat level to your taste. The lime and peanuts help balance out any extra spice wonderfully.
Are the noodles gluten-free?
Yes, flat rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, making this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe a great option for those avoiding gluten. Just check the soy sauce label to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce, chop the veggies, and slice the chicken in advance, but it’s best to cook the noodles and combine everything just before serving to ensure freshness and perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and joyful about making this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe at home. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to pull together, making it an absolute winner whether you’re cooking for yourself or for friends. I promise, once you try it, this recipe will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen as well.
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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 offers a flavorful and authentic Thai street food experience made at home. Tender chicken breast is stir-fried with rice noodles, eggs, and crunchy bean sprouts, all tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce made from tamarind paste, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Garnished with crushed peanuts and fresh lime wedges, this dish is both satisfying and vibrant, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Main 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 about 30 minutes or according to package instructions until they are soft but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and set the sauce mixture aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Scramble Eggs: If needed, add a little more oil to the pan. Crack in the eggs and scramble them gently until they are just set but still moist. This adds texture and richness to the dish.
- Cook Noodles with Sauce: Add the soaked noodles and prepared sauce to the pan with the eggs. Toss everything together and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the savory, tangy sauce fully.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the bean sprouts, chopped green onions, and crushed peanuts. Stir-fry for another minute to combine all flavors and warm the sprouts slightly while maintaining their crunch.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Pad Thai hot, garnished with additional crushed peanuts if desired, and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish for a fresh burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Soaking the noodles properly is crucial for achieving the perfect texture—soft yet slightly chewy.
- If tamarind paste is unavailable, a mix of lime juice and a little brown sugar can be a substitute, but flavor will differ slightly.
- To make this dish spicier, add a pinch of red chili flakes or serve with fresh sliced chilies.
- Peanut oil is preferable for authentic flavor and high-heat cooking, but vegetable oil works well too.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
