Name: Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 ounces flat rice noodles; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1 cup bean sprouts; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 3 green onions, sliced; 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped; lime wedges for serving; 3 tablespoons fish sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1–2 teaspoons Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)

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If you’ve ever craved sweet, tangy, and savory flavors dancing together in one bite, Chicken Pad Thai is your answer. This beloved Thai classic brings together tender chicken, stir-fried rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, and fresh veggies, all tossed in a luscious, aromatic sauce. With its bright pops of color, satisfying textures, and a zingy squeeze of lime, this dish is a complete meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Chicken Pad Thai isn’t just a restaurant favorite—it’s a weeknight hero you can whip up at home in just 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Chicken Pad Thai so fantastic is the way simple, straightforward ingredients transform into a flavor-packed stir fry. Each component adds its own touch, from the chewy noodles to the zesty sauce, creating that unmistakable balance of taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each element matters:

Flat rice noodles: These sturdy yet tender noodles soak up all the sauce and provide the signature bite of classic Pad Thai.
Vegetable oil: Neutral in flavor and perfect for high-heat stir-frying, this oil keeps everything from sticking and helps develop that delicious sear.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Thinly sliced for quick, even cooking and juicy texture throughout.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses the dish with unmistakable aroma and depth—the flavor booster you don’t want to skip.
Eggs: Lightly beaten, eggs add richness and those classic soft curds to the finished stir fry.
Bean sprouts: Crunchy and refreshing, they add lightness and the perfect finishing snap to every forkful.
Shredded carrots: They bring color, sweetness, and a subtle earthy taste you’ll notice in each bite.
Green onions: Added near the end, they offer up a pop of freshness and mild zing that cuts through the sauce.
Roasted peanuts: Chopped for sprinkling, they deliver crunch and a savory nuttiness throughout the dish.
Lime wedges: A final squeeze over the top brings everything together with bright, citrusy tang.
Fish sauce: The backbone of authentic Pad Thai flavor—savory, salty, and utterly essential for depth.
Brown sugar: For subtle sweetness that balances the salty, sour, and spicy elements of the sauce.
Soy sauce: Adds even more savory, umami goodness (opt for tamari if you’re gluten free!).
Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity to help balance out the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce.
Lime juice: Fresh-squeezed for a burst of tang that brightens up the whole stir fry.
Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional): For those who love a gentle or fiery kick, adjust to your spice preference.

How to Make Chicken Pad Thai

Step 1: Cook the Rice Noodles

Start by cooking your flat rice noodles according to the package instructions—usually a simple soak in hot water. Once they’re soft but still a touch chewy, rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking, then set aside. This quick step keeps the noodles perfectly springy and ready to soak up all that wonderful sauce later on.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all of your sauce ingredients: fish sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, and Sriracha if you like heat. Give it a good whisk until the sugar has dissolved. This magical mixture is what gives Chicken Pad Thai its crave-worthy balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Eggs

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Add your thinly sliced chicken and cook, stirring often, until it’s lightly browned and fully cooked through—about 5 to 6 minutes. Push the chicken to one side of the pan, pour the lightly beaten eggs into the other side, and scramble gently. Once the eggs are just set, stir them through the chicken. It’s a simple way to add protein and that classic Pad Thai texture!

Step 4: Stir-Fry Everything Together

Add the cooked noodles, prepared sauce, bean sprouts, shredded carrots, and green onions into the pan. Toss everything together well, making sure each noodle is coated in the glossy, flavorful sauce. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until everything is heated through and paste-like in deliciousness.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Spoon the Chicken Pad Thai onto plates or into bowls. Sprinkle generously with chopped roasted peanuts for crunch and serve with lime wedges on the side. Each bite will be packed with savory chicken, silky noodles, crunchy veggies, and zesty brightness—absolute bliss!

How to Serve Chicken Pad Thai

Garnishes

The finishing touches make this dish truly shine! Sprinkle the top with extra roasted peanuts for crunch, extra bean sprouts for freshness, and a flurry of sliced green onions. Don’t forget the lime wedges—the citrusy squeeze lifts every bite and is an essential part of any great Chicken Pad Thai experience.

Side Dishes

Chicken Pad Thai is satisfying all on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, you can serve it with a crisp cucumber salad, tangy Thai pickles, or a side of steamed Asian greens. Jasmine rice or a light soup (like tom yum) also make delicious, restaurant-worthy accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Chicken Pad Thai in takeout boxes for a fun, cozy vibe, or pile it high on a platter for family-style sharing. For gatherings, set up a DIY Pad Thai bar, letting guests add their favorite garnishes like chilies, cilantro, or more peanuts. You can even serve smaller portions in lettuce cups for a playful appetizer at your next get-together!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Pad Thai in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles will absorb more sauce over time, so they’ll be extra flavorful the next day. Just avoid adding herbs or bean sprouts until you’re ready to serve, so they stay crisp and fresh.

Freezing

For best texture, Chicken Pad Thai is usually enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers if needed. Pack portions in freezer-safe containers, minus the garnishes, for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To bring leftover Chicken Pad Thai back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low with a splash of water or chicken broth. This loosens the sauce and keeps the noodles tender. You can also microwave individual portions, but cover and stir halfway to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Pad Thai gluten free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce, and ensure your fish sauce is certified gluten free. That way, you can enjoy every bite without worry.

What can I use instead of chicken?

This recipe is easy to adapt—try sliced tofu for a vegetarian version, or swap in shrimp for a classic Thai twist. Even thinly sliced beef or pork works well!

How can I make it spicier?

If you love extra heat, simply add more Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to both the sauce mixture and as a topping at the end. Crushed red pepper flakes work in a pinch too!

Why are my noodles sticking together?

If your noodles clump, rinse them well in cold water after cooking, and toss with a small drizzle of oil before using. Stir-frying the noodles with enough sauce also helps prevent sticking.

Can I prep Chicken Pad Thai ahead of time?

Yes! You can chop veggies, slice chicken, and mix the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then cook everything together when you’re ready for a fresh, piping hot meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about making Chicken Pad Thai at home—each time you whip it up, you’ll discover new ways to tweak and enjoy it. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and let Chicken Pad Thai bring a little bit of Thai street food magic to your table!

Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and easy Chicken Pad Thai recipe that brings the flavors of Thailand to your kitchen. Tender rice noodles stir-fried with juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a savory-sweet sauce, topped with peanuts and lime for a burst of freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

8 ounces flat rice noodles
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup bean sprouts
1/2 cup shredded carrots
3 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
lime wedges for serving

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1–2 teaspoons Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Rice Noodles: Prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions, rinse, and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Whisk together fish sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, and Sriracha; set aside.
Stir-Fry: Cook chicken in oil until browned. Add eggs, scramble, then mix in noodles, sauce, bean sprouts, carrots, and green onions. Cook until heated through.
Serve: Top with peanuts and lime wedges before serving.