If you’ve ever craved the perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of spice, then this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe is exactly what you need. This iconic Thai street food brings together tender chicken, slippery rice noodles, crisp bean sprouts, and a luscious homemade sauce that will have your taste buds singing. It’s a dish packed with vibrant flavors and textures that’s surprisingly simple to whip up in just about 30 minutes—making it a go-to meal whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends with your cooking skills.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the lengthy ingredient list intimidate you—each one plays a key role in creating that authentic Chicken Pad Thai flavor and texture. From the tartness of tamarind paste to the crunch of fresh peanuts, every component is essential to make this dish truly shine.
- 1 cup palm sugar: Adds natural sweetness and a complex caramel flavor, vital for the sauce’s signature depth.
- â…“ cup fish sauce: Brings the unmistakable salty umami note of Thai cuisine that elevates the entire dish.
- 3 tablespoons tamarind paste: Provides a tangy kick that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed: Offers freshness and acidity to brighten the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Adds subtle salty notes without overpowering the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Delivers just enough heat to awaken your palate without overwhelming the dish.
- 14 ounces vermicelli rice noodles: These slender noodles soak up the sauce beautifully while maintaining a delicate texture.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For sautéing ingredients evenly without imparting extra flavors.
- 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced: Tender protein that cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with the noodles.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 4 large eggs, well beaten: Scrambled into the dish for richness and added texture.
- 4 scallions, green part only, cut into 1-inch pieces: Adds mild onion flavor and a burst of color.
- 2 cups fresh bean sprouts, divided: Provides a crisp crunch that contrasts the softness of the noodles.
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish: Offers a herbaceous note and vibrant green contrast.
- Finely chopped peanuts, for garnish: Adds nuttiness and crunch to the final plate.
- Lime wedges, for garnish: Encourages a fresh squeeze of citrus for personalized tanginess.
How to Make Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pad Thai Sauce
Start by combining the palm sugar, fish sauce, tamarind paste, lime juice, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Warm this mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely and the sauce becomes smooth. This sauce is the heart and soul of the dish, giving Chicken Pad Thai Recipe its unmistakable flavor complexity. Set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles
Cook the vermicelli rice noodles according to the package instructions—usually soaking in hot water until tender but still slightly firm. Once cooked, drain them well and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. This step ensures your noodles have the perfect texture that will absorb the sauce without turning mushy.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Removing the chicken temporarily allows you to manage the cooking process perfectly without overcrowding the pan.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Using the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them gently over medium heat until fully cooked, about 2 to 3 minutes, then set aside with the chicken. This adds a silky gooey texture that complements the noodles beautifully.
Step 5: Sauté the Garlic
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds to a minute, until fragrant but not browned. This step releases the fragrant oils that will infuse every bite of your Chicken Pad Thai Recipe.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked noodles, chicken, eggs, and half of the scallions to the skillet. Pour the Pad Thai sauce over everything and toss well so every noodle and bite is coated in that luscious sauce. Tossing vigorously here helps develop a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
Step 7: Garnish and Finish
Add the fresh bean sprouts, folding them into the noodles gently so they stay crisp. Dish out the Pad Thai hot, then scatter the remaining scallions, chopped parsley, and peanuts on top. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over for a zesty finish that truly brings the dish to life.
How to Serve Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like chopped peanuts and fresh parsley aren’t just pretty extras—they add contrasting textures and complementary flavors that make every bite interesting. Lime wedges invite each person to customize the acidity and brightness for a delightful finish that balances every sweet and savory note.
Side Dishes
To complete the meal, consider pairing your Chicken Pad Thai Recipe with light, refreshing sides like a simple cucumber salad or steamed greens tossed in garlic and sesame oil. These sides complement the intensity of the main dish without overshadowing its vibrant flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Chicken Pad Thai in edible banana leaf bowls or pile it high on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves for a playful, hands-on meal. You can also offer a small platter of condiments like extra crushed peanuts, chili flakes, and sliced fresh chilies—allowing everyone to tailor their dish to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles tend to soak up more sauce as they rest, so keep garnishes like peanuts and lime wedges separate to maintain their freshness.
Freezing
While freezing Chicken Pad Thai Recipe is possible, it’s not ideal because the texture of the rice noodles can change and become mushy once thawed. If you do freeze it, use an airtight container and consume within one month for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or lime juice to revive the moisture and flavors. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the dish’s authentic texture and taste, as direct heat methods are preferable.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Chicken works perfectly, but you can swap it for shrimp, tofu, or even beef slices to customize the Chicken Pad Thai Recipe to your liking.
Where can I find tamarind paste?
Tamarind paste is usually available in Asian grocery stores or online. It’s a key ingredient for authentic flavor, so it’s worth tracking down rather than substituting.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less according to your preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with firm tofu and swap fish sauce with a vegetarian alternative like soy sauce or tamari to enjoy a vegetarian version of this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe.
How do I prevent noodles from sticking?
After cooking, rinse the vermicelli rice noodles under cold water and toss with a little oil. This keeps them separate and helps when adding to the skillet later.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Pad Thai Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of layers of flavor, vibrant textures, and the joy of making something truly authentic from your own kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a beloved go-to for sharing with friends and family. Don’t wait to dive in and create your own unforgettable Thai feast!
Print
Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Chicken Pad Thai recipe brings the iconic Thai street food classic to your home kitchen with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Featuring tender chicken breast, vermicelli rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and a savory homemade Pad Thai sauce, this dish is quick to prepare and full of vibrant tastes and textures.
Ingredients
Pad Thai Sauce
- 1 cup palm sugar
- â…“ cup fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Main Ingredients
- 14 ounces vermicelli rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large eggs, well beaten
- 4 scallions, green part only, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups fresh bean sprouts, divided
Garnishes
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Finely chopped peanuts
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Make the Pad Thai Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the palm sugar, fish sauce, tamarind paste, lime juice, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the vermicelli rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and cook for 5-7 minutes, until fully cooked and browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Scramble the Eggs: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary and scramble the beaten eggs over medium heat until fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked noodles, chicken, eggs, and half of the scallions to the skillet. Pour the Pad Thai sauce over the mixture and toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Add the fresh bean sprouts, and toss again. Serve the Pad Thai hot, garnished with the remaining scallions, chopped parsley, peanuts, and lime wedges.
Notes
- Use palm sugar for an authentic Thai sweetness; if unavailable, light brown sugar is a suitable substitute.
- Tamarind paste can be found at Asian grocery stores or online; it provides the signature tangy flavor.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Rinsing the cooked noodles with cold water prevents them from sticking together.
- For vegetarian options, substitute chicken with tofu and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
