Chicken Pad Thai Recipe: Chicken Pad Thai is one of the most popular Thai dishes worldwide, known for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors.
It’s a quick and delicious stir-fried noodle dish made with rice noodles, tender chicken, eggs, bean sprouts, and a flavorful sauce.
This homemade version is easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality Pad Thai at home.
Ingredients Needed
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) rice noodles
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup green onions (chopped)
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Pad Thai Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Optional Additions:
- Crushed chili flakes for extra heat
- Extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Large wok or non-stick skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Having a good wok ensures even heat distribution, which is key to perfectly cooked Pad Thai.
Preparing the Ingredients
1. Preparing the Rice Noodles
- Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 20-30 minutes until soft but not mushy.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Preparing the Chicken
- Slice the chicken into thin strips to cook quickly and evenly.
3. Chopping the Vegetables
- Cut green onions, crush peanuts, and prepare lime wedges for serving.
Making the Pad Thai Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, tamarind paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir well to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Taste and adjust for the perfect balance of sweetness, sourness, and saltiness.
Cooking Chicken for Pad Thai
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the wok and set aside.
Stir-Frying the Dish
- In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil.
- Crack in the eggs and scramble them quickly.
- Add the soaked rice noodles and stir-fry for a minute.
Adding the Sauce and Combining Everything
- Pour the Pad Thai sauce over the noodles and toss well.
- Add the cooked chicken and mix everything together.
- Stir in bean sprouts and green onions for the final minute of cooking.
Final Touches and Garnishing
- Serve hot, topped with crushed peanuts, extra green onions, and a squeeze of lime.
- Optional: Sprinkle some chili flakes for extra heat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-soaking the noodles – they will turn mushy.
- Using too much sauce – it can make the dish soggy.
- Cooking at low heat – Pad Thai needs high heat for the best texture.
Pad Thai Variations
Vegetarian Pad Thai:
- Swap chicken for tofu.
- Use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
Spicy Pad Thai:
- Add extra chili flakes or Sriracha.
Low-Carb & Gluten-Free:
- Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of rice noodles.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of Thai cucumber salad.
- Pair with Thai iced tea for an authentic experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan with a little water or oil to prevent drying out.
Health Benefits of Chicken Pad Thai
- Protein-rich: Chicken and eggs provide high-quality protein.
- Good balance of carbs and fats: Great for energy.
- Customizable for health needs: Adjust the ingredients for a healthier version.
FAQs about Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
1. What ingredients do I need for Chicken Pad Thai?
To make Chicken Pad Thai, you’ll need rice noodles, chicken breast, eggs, tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, green onions, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and vegetable oil. Optional ingredients include red pepper flakes for heat and cilantro for garnish.
2. How long does it take to cook Chicken Pad Thai?
The total cooking time for Chicken Pad Thai is typically around 30 minutes. This includes preparation and cooking time. It’s a great option for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.
3. Is Chicken Pad Thai spicy?
Chicken Pad Thai can be adjusted to your taste preference. Traditionally, it has a balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors with a mild heat level. You can increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
4. Can Chicken Pad Thai be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish by substituting the chicken with tofu and using a vegetarian fish sauce or soy sauce.
5. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
To prevent the noodles from sticking, soak them in warm water until they are just soft enough to be pliable but still firm. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and then toss them with a little oil before adding them to the pan.
6. What is the best way to store leftover Chicken Pad Thai?
Leftover Chicken Pad Thai can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water if the noodles have dried out.
7. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used instead of breast meat. They offer more flavor due to their higher fat content and remain tender and juicy when cooked.
Conclusion
Chicken Pad Thai is an easy, delicious, and satisfying meal that you can make at home with simple ingredients. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll create a restaurant-quality dish packed with authentic Thai flavors. Enjoy your homemade Pad Thai and feel free to customize it to your taste!
