Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

This Chicken Pad Thai recipe brings the flavors of your favorite Thai restaurant right to your kitchen! Tender rice noodles are tossed with a savory and slightly sweet Pad Thai sauce, chicken, and fresh vegetables for a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and you can customize it to your liking with different proteins or vegetables. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful: The homemade Pad Thai sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and umami flavors, creating an authentic taste that rivals your favorite takeout.
• Easy to make: This recipe is simple to follow, with easy-to-find ingredients and clear instructions.
• Better than takeout: You can control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.
• Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to use different proteins, such as shrimp, pork, beef, or tofu.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Chicken Pad Thai

This recipe uses a combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a delicious and flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pad Thai Sauce:

• Palm Sugar: Adds sweetness and a unique caramel-like flavor to the sauce.
• Fish Sauce: Provides a salty and umami flavor.
• Tamarind Paste: Adds a sour and tangy note.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and acidity.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds a savory depth.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a touch of heat.

For the Pad Thai Noodles:

• Vermicelli Rice Noodles: Thin rice noodles that are perfect for Pad Thai.
• Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
• Chicken Breast: Thinly sliced for quick cooking.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent flavor.
• Eggs: Adds richness and protein.
• Scallions: Adds a fresh, oniony flavor.
• Bean Sprouts: Adds a crunchy texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous garnish.
• Finely Chopped Peanuts: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Lime Wedges: For serving.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make Chicken Pad Thai

Step 1: Make the Pad Thai Sauce

In a large jar with a lid, combine the palm sugar, fish sauce, tamarind paste, lime juice, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Shake vigorously until well combined. If the sugar doesn’t completely dissolve, stir until incorporated. Alternatively, you can whisk the ingredients together in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the thinly sliced chicken and cook until almost done. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Step 4: Sauté the Garlic and Eggs

Wipe out the wok and add the remaining vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the beaten eggs and stir until just cooked.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

Add the cooked chicken back to the wok and mix with the eggs. Add the cooked noodles and break them up with tongs to prevent sticking. Pour in the prepared Pad Thai sauce and stir to coat all the ingredients.

Step 6: Cook and Serve

Allow the noodles to cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the sauce is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Add the scallions and 1 cup of bean sprouts. Toss to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining bean sprouts, fresh parsley, chopped peanuts, and lime wedges.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Palm sugar: For convenience, use palm sugar that dissolves easily in liquid. If using traditional palm sugar in a hard disk form, you’ll need to cook it in the sauce before assembling the Pad Thai.
• Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness of the Pad Thai sauce to your liking by adding more palm sugar, granulated sugar, or brown sugar.
• Protein: You can easily adapt this recipe to use different proteins, such as shrimp, pork, beef, or tofu.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli.

How to Serve Chicken Pad Thai

• Main course: This Pad Thai is a complete and satisfying meal on its own.
• Side dish: You can also serve it as a side dish with other Thai-inspired dishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Pad Thai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?
While rice noodles are traditional for Pad Thai, you can experiment with other types of noodles, such as thin spaghetti or fettuccine.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce.

My Pad Thai is too dry, what should I do?
If your Pad Thai is too dry, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to moisten it up.

Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, you can add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Chicken Pad Thai. I hope you enjoy it!

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