What is a recipe that changed my life? If you’re anything like me, you have probably had those nights where takeout is calling your name. If your stomach is louder than your heart, you know you should cook something. What is the best chicken pad thai recipe? Is it faster than waiting for delivery? Think of it as the comfort of a warm bowl of spaghetti, but with an amazing sweet, tangy, and sour flavor. What is a spicy kick that will have you craving it all the time? My family begs me to make it and I am so excited to share it with you.
What is chicken pad thai?
Chicken Pad Thai is a classic Thai street food dish that’s known for its incredible balance of flavors. Think of it as a stir-fry party in your mouth! It’s essentially rice noodles tossed in a sweet, sour, and savory sauce, usually with protein (in this case, chicken!), veggies, and crunchy peanuts. The name “Pad Thai” literally translates to “Thai stir-fry,” which pretty much sums it up. It’s a dish that’s incredibly versatile and customizable, so you can really make it your own. And trust me, once you nail the sauce, the possibilities are endless! I will show you how to make a delicious Chicken Pad Thai.
Why do I love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This Chicken Pad Thai Recipe is a winner for so many reasons, but let me break it down for you.
* **Flavor Explosion:** The sauce is the star of the show, and it’s a symphony of sweet, sour, tangy, and slightly spicy notes. The brown sugar offers a lovely sweetness that plays off the tartness of the lime juice, while the fish sauce adds a salty, umami depth. It’s seriously addictive!
* **Surprisingly Easy:** Don’t let the long ingredient list intimidate you. This recipe is actually incredibly simple to throw together. Once you have all your ingredients prepped, it comes together in a matter of minutes. It is a quick and easy dish the whole family will enjoy.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Compared to ordering takeout, this Chicken Pad Thai is incredibly cost-effective. You can usually find rice noodles and most of the other ingredients at your local grocery store for a fraction of the price of delivery.
* **Totally Customizable:** This is where the fun really begins! Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu, add different veggies like Bell Peppers or broccoli, or adjust the spice level to your liking. Make it your own!
What I love most about this recipe is that it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I’ve made it for everything from weeknight dinners to casual get-togethers with friends, and it’s always a hit. I like to compare it to my other favorite quick dinner, Shrimp Scampi, because both feel fancy without being overly complicated. Trust me, this Chicken Pad Thai Recipe is a must-try!
How do I make Chicken Pad Thai?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to make Chicken Pad Thai? What’s the best way to make a sauce, stir-fry the chicken and veggies, cook the noodles, and serve it all. If you have a wok, toss everything together and serve. What is the beauty of this recipe? What’s the best homemade sauce? Buy in a bottle. I promise, you can do this!
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
What is the key to authentic fish sauce?
How much rice vinegar do you use?
3 tablespoons brown sugar (for sweetness and caramelization)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (adds umami and depth)
1-2 tablespoons Chili Garlic Sauce (depending on your spice preference)
1 tablespoon peanut butter (adds richness and body to the sauce) – 1 teaspoon salt (Adds a little bit of pepper to taste)
For the Pad Thai: What is the best way to
8 ounces rice noodles (the flat, wide ones work best)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
1 pound boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 clove
1 cup bean sprouts. 1 tsp
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped peanuts. 1 cup whole peanut.
2 eggs, lightly beaten. Served with
What are lime wedges?
How do I follow the
Step 1: Prep the Noodles
Soak the rice noodles in hot water according to package directions until they are pliable but not mushy. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Drain them well and set them aside. The noodles will continue to cook when you toss them in the sauce, so don’t overcook them at this stage!
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, and Peanut Butter until the brown sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more brown sugar. If you want more spice, add more chili garlic sauce.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns properly.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
If you want to cook a chicken on one side of the wok, pour the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are cooked through, then mix them with the chicken.
Step 5: Add the Noodles and Sauce
How do you cook rice noodles in a wok? Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Then add the bean sprouts and green onions and toss to combine. Don’t be afraid to get in there and toss everything together to ensure the noodles are coated.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the chicken from the heat and garnish with chopped peanuts. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing. What’s your favorite lime flavor?
What should I serve it with?
What is a good Pad Thai recipe? What are some good meal ideas?
For an appetizer: Fresh Spring Rolls with peanut sauce are the perfect light and refreshing starter. The creamy peanut sauce complements the flavors in the Pad Thai beautifully.
For a Side Dish: What is the differenceWhat is a good Cucumber Salad with rice vinegar and sugar? Is it light and refreshing?
For Dessert:Mango sticky rice is a classic Thai dessert that’s sweet, creamy, and utterly delicious. What is the best way to end a Thai meal?
Growing up, my mom always served Pad Thai with a side of shrimp crackers. I thought they were a little strange at first, but now I can’t imagine having Pad Thai without them! What is a good family dish to eat together?
What are some good tips for perfecting chicken pad Thai?
How can I take my Chicken Pad Thai to the next level?
Noodle Perfection: Don’t overcook the noodles! They should be pliable but still have a little bit of bite to them. Overcooked noodles will become mushy and sticky in the wok.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out. You want it to be able to coat the noodles evenly.
Wok Hei (Breath of a Wok): To get that authentic wok hei flavor, make sure your wok is screaming hot before you add the ingredients. This will give the dish a slightly smoky flavor that’s characteristic of street food Pad Thai.
Protein Power: Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. My brother in law likes to add tofu and it gives it a great flavor profile.
Spice It Up: If you like your Pad Thai extra spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
I’ve learned over the years that the key to great Pad Thai is all about balance. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavors and find what works best for you. And most importantly, have fun! Trust me, the results are well worth the effort.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Chicken Pad Thai:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving Pad Thai at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the Pad Thai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce over time, but it will still be delicious. We love to eat leftovers the next day!
Freezer Instructions: While you can freeze Pad Thai, the noodles may become a bit mushy when thawed. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips: To reheat Pad Thai, you can microwave it for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Or, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite Chicken Pad Thai Recipe! I truly believe that this is a dish that everyone should have in their repertoire. It’s quick, easy, customizable, and bursting with flavor. What more could you ask for? It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or even a special occasion. If you love this recipe, you should also check out my spicy noodle recipe. It is a family favorite as well! I really hope you’ll give this recipe a try. Once you do, I promise you’ll be hooked! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken breast
- 8 ounces Rice noodles
- 0.5 cup Peanut butter
- 0.25 cup Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice
- 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Fish sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Bean sprouts
- 0.5 cup Chopped peanuts
- 2 green onions Green onions, chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook rice noodles according to package directions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and fish sauce.
- Add cooked chicken and noodles to the bowl and toss to coat.
- Stir in bean sprouts, peanuts, and green onions.
- Serve immediately.
