Chicken Pad Thai

Chicken Pad Thai is a vibrant and delicious stir-fried noodle dish that brings the bold flavors of Thai cuisine right to your kitchen. With its perfect balance of savory, sweet, sour, and spicy, this dish has become a favorite worldwide. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and chewy rice noodles, all tossed in a tangy tamarind sauce, makes this an irresistible meal. Whether you’re a Pad Thai lover or new to this dish, the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients will have you coming back for more.

This homemade version is easy to make, and with a few simple steps, you can create a dish that’s just as good, if not better, than takeout. Pad Thai is not only delicious, but it’s also highly customizable. From adjusting the spice level to adding your favorite veggies or proteins, the possibilities are endless. Chicken Pad Thai is the perfect weeknight dinner or weekend treat, and it’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to.

Whether you’re craving a flavorful, satisfying meal or just want to try your hand at a classic Thai dish, Chicken Pad Thai is the way to go.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
2. Packed with Flavor – Sweet, savory, sour, and spicy flavors combine in every bite.
3. Customizable – Adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your preferences.
4. Healthy – With lean chicken and lots of vegetables, this dish is both filling and nutritious.
5. One-Pan Meal – It’s a simple, one-pan dish that minimizes cleanup.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast (boneless and skinless)
• Rice noodles
• Eggs
• Green onions
• Carrots
• Bean sprouts
• Garlic
• Tamarind paste
• Fish sauce
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Lime juice
• Peanut butter (optional for extra richness)
• Red chili flakes or fresh chili
• Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
• Cilantro (for garnish)
• Cooking oil (vegetable or sesame oil)

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Pad Thai: Add more chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies for an extra kick.
• Shrimp Pad Thai: Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist on the classic.
• Noodle Alternatives: If you don’t have rice noodles, you can use other thin noodles, though the texture will vary.
• Nut-Free: Omit peanuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Pad Thai Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and peanut butter (if using). Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth. Adjust sweetness or sourness to taste by adding more sugar or lime juice.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Cut the chicken into thin strips and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and crack the eggs into the pan. Scramble the eggs, cooking them until set. Push the eggs to one side of the pan.

Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the garlic, carrots, and green onions to the pan. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 6: Combine the Noodles and Chicken

Add the cooked noodles, chicken, and Pad Thai sauce to the pan. Toss everything together so the noodles are coated with the sauce and the chicken and vegetables are evenly distributed. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, making sure everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Serve the Pad Thai in bowls, topped with bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges. You can also sprinkle more chili flakes for added heat.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Soak the noodles properly: Don’t overcook the rice noodles—they should be tender but still slightly chewy.
• Balance the flavors: Taste the sauce as you make it and adjust the sugar, lime, or fish sauce to get the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and sour.
• Use a wok: A wok gives the dish a great flavor and allows for even cooking, but a large skillet works well too.
• Prep in advance: Prep all your ingredients (chop veggies, slice chicken, mix the sauce) ahead of time to make cooking faster and easier.
• Customize with extras: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or snow peas.

How to Serve

Serve Chicken Pad Thai hot with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness. Pair it with a side of steamed rice or a simple cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal. For added flavor, top with more crushed peanuts, chili flakes, or fresh cilantro.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Pad Thai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since rice noodles can absorb the sauce over time, you may need to add a splash of water or lime juice when reheating to loosen it up.

Freezing

Pad Thai isn’t the best dish for freezing due to the texture of the noodles, but if you must, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a pan with a little water or oil to rehydrate the noodles.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to bring back the noodles’ texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different protein?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, tofu, or even pork for different variations.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and tamari in place of regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

3. Can I make Pad Thai ahead of time?

It’s best to make it fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead (such as chopping the veggies and mixing the sauce).

4. Is Pad Thai spicy?

It can be, depending on the amount of chili flakes or fresh chilies you add. Adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.

5. What can I substitute for tamarind paste?

If you don’t have tamarind paste, you can substitute with lime juice or a mixture of vinegar and sugar for a similar tangy flavor.

6. Can I use store-bought Pad Thai sauce?

Yes, if you’re in a pinch, store-bought Pad Thai sauce can work, but homemade sauce offers much better flavor and customization.

7. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with tofu, tempeh, or more vegetables for a vegetarian version.

8. What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add bell peppers, snow peas, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

9. Can I use regular noodles instead of rice noodles?

While traditional Pad Thai uses rice noodles, you can substitute them with other types of noodles, though the texture will vary.

10. How can I make Pad Thai spicier?

Add more chili flakes, fresh chilies, or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.

Conclusion

Chicken Pad Thai is a satisfying, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings the vibrant taste of Thai cuisine into your home. With its mix of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, this stir-fried noodle dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, Chicken Pad Thai is always a crowd-pleaser. So grab your wok and get ready to make this delicious, homemade version of the classic dish!

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