Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

Chicken Pad Thai is a beloved stir-fried noodle dish that combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it a delightful meal for any occasion. This recipe balances protein, carbohydrates, and fresh vegetables, creating a satisfying dish that pleases everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Flavorful: The combination of sauces and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously complex flavor.
3. Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite proteins or vegetables.
4. Healthy Option: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Pot for boiling noodles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

1. Soak the Rice Noodles:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the rice noodles. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes until soft. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Marinate:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce, fish sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and rice vinegar. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce:
   • In another bowl, whisk together the tamarind paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, lime juice, and chili sauce (if using). Set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat Oil:
   • In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Chicken:
   • Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink and cooked through, stirring frequently. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Scramble the Eggs

1. Scramble Eggs:
   • In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them until fully cooked. Remove and set aside with the chicken.

Step 6: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. Sauté Garlic:
   • Add a bit more oil to the skillet if necessary, then add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add Bean Sprouts and Noodles:
   • Add the bean sprouts and soaked rice noodles to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, mixing everything together.

Step 7: Combine Everything

1. Return Chicken and Eggs:
   • Add the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs back into the skillet.
2. Add Sauce:
   • Pour the prepared sauce over the noodle mixture. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles and chicken are well-coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 8: Serve

1. Garnish:
   • Remove from heat and garnish with the green parts of the green onions and crushed peanuts.
2. Serve:
   • Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Optionally, add fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Pad Thai

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor of the dish significantly.
2. Soak, Don’t Boil Noodles: Soaking the rice noodles helps prevent them from becoming mushy. Just ensure they are al dente.
3. High Heat Cooking: Cooking on high heat allows the ingredients to stir-fry quickly, preserving their texture and flavor.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
5. Taste as You Go: Adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste. You might prefer it sweeter, saltier, or spicier.
6. Meal Prep: This dish is excellent for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Variations of Chicken Pad Thai

1. Vegetarian Pad Thai:
   • Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
2. Shrimp Pad Thai:
   • Substitute chicken with shrimp. Cook until pink and opaque, following the same instructions.
3. Beef Pad Thai:
   • Use thinly sliced beef in place of chicken for a different flavor profile.
4. Spicy Pad Thai:
   • Add extra chili sauce or sliced fresh chilies for a spicier dish.
5. Peanut Butter Pad Thai:
   • Stir in a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter into the sauce for a richer, nutty flavor.

Storing and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

1. Refrigerate:
   • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freeze:
   • You can freeze the Chicken Pad Thai in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

1. Microwave:
   • Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
2. Stovetop:
   • For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it from drying out.

Conclusion

Chicken Pad Thai is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Thailand into your home kitchen. With its balance of protein, vegetables, and a delicious sauce, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy. This recipe not only provides a quick and easy dinner option but also gives you the freedom to customize it according to your preferences. Whether enjoyed on a busy weeknight or served at a gathering with friends, Chicken Pad Thai is a dish that will impress and delight.

Yield: 4

Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

Print

Chicken Pad Thai is a beloved stir-fried noodle dish that combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it a delightful meal for any occasion. This recipe balances protein, carbohydrates, and fresh vegetables, creating a satisfying dish that pleases everyone. Traditionally served with lime wedges and crushed peanuts, Chicken Pad Thai is a crowd-pleaser that can be made in under 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• For the Sauce:
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles:
   Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
   
2. Make the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, soy sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, and chili powder. Set aside.
   
3. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
4. Scramble the Eggs:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Push the garlic to the side and add the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until just set, then mix them with the garlic.
   
5. Combine Ingredients:
   Add the cooked noodles, chicken, bean sprouts, carrots, and sauce to the skillet. Toss everything together and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until heated through.
   
6. Finish with Green Onions:
   Stir in the chopped green onions and cook for an additional minute.
   
7. Serve:
   Plate the Pad Thai and garnish with crushed peanuts. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Notes

Vegetable Options: You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, bok choy, or snow peas for extra flavor and nutrition.

Protein Alternatives: Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or a combination of proteins.

Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to your preference for heat.