There’s something irresistibly comforting about a plate of homemade Chicken Pad Thai. This iconic Thai street food has found its way into our hearts with its perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors. My version brings all those authentic tastes right to your kitchen, without requiring a trip to a specialty store or hours of preparation.
What makes this Flavorful Chicken Pad Thai special is how it captures the essence of Thailand in every bite – tender chicken pieces, chewy rice noodles, crunchy bean sprouts, and that signature tangy-sweet sauce that ties everything together. It’s a complete meal in one dish that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes – perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something exciting but don’t have hours to spend cooking
- Customizable heat level – make it as mild or spicy as your family prefers
- One-pan meal means less cleanup and more time enjoying your evening
- Balanced nutrition with protein, vegetables, and carbs all in one colorful dish
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop overnight
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 12 ounces Thai rice noodles
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons oil, divided
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
- Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes until done. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in the skillet. Add the eggs and scramble until done. Remove from the pan.
- Add 2 teaspoons of oil and sauté the bell pepper for 1-2 minutes. Add the bean sprouts and carrots and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Add the drained noodles, cooked chicken, scrambled eggs, and sauce to the skillet. Cook for 1 more minute while tossing.
- Serve the dish garnished with cilantro and chopped peanuts.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce
- Can’t find tamarind paste? Substitute with 1 tablespoon lime juice mixed with 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Prep all ingredients before you start cooking – once you begin, the process moves quickly
- Don’t soak the noodles too long or they’ll become mushy when stir-fried
- Add thinly sliced red bell pepper or carrots for extra color and nutrients
- For an authentic touch, look for palm sugar to replace brown sugar in the sauce
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chicken Pad Thai as a complete meal on its own, or pair it with a light Thai cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich noodles. For a more substantial spread, start with some spring rolls or tom yum soup as an appetizer.
Traditional condiments like extra crushed peanuts, lime wedges, bean sprouts, and chili flakes can be served on the side, allowing everyone to adjust their dish to their personal taste preference.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent noodles from drying out
- The dish is done when noodles are tender but still have a slight chew – avoid overcooking
- If sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water; if too thin, cook slightly longer to reduce
FAQs
Can I make Pad Thai ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Pre-mix the sauce, slice the chicken, and chop vegetables up to 24 hours in advance, then assemble and cook just before serving.
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
If you need a fish sauce alternative, try a mixture of soy sauce with a touch of lime juice and a pinch of sugar. The flavor won’t be identical, but it will provide similar umami notes.
Are rice noodles gluten-free?
Yes, traditional rice noodles are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients like fish sauce and soy sauce are also gluten-free if preparing for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
How can I make this spicier?
For extra heat, add more sriracha to the sauce, incorporate fresh Thai chilies while cooking, or serve with chili oil on the side. You can also include a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when garnishing.
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