Chicken Pad Thai

The first time I tasted Chicken Pad Thai, I was instantly captivated by the explosion of flavors and textures. A friend invited me over for dinner, and as soon as I stepped into her kitchen, the aroma of stir-fried chicken, fresh vegetables, and tangy sauce enveloped me. It was comforting yet exotic, a dish that perfectly blended sweet, salty, and sour. Ever since that night, Chicken Pad Thai has become a staple in my kitchen, a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that never fails to impress. I love how versatile it is; you can adjust the spice levels according to your preference, making it perfect for everyone at the table.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Pad Thai

Each ingredient in Chicken Pad Thai plays a crucial role in creating that deliciously complex flavor profile. The key players—rice noodles, chicken, and the sauce—work harmoniously to deliver a rich, satisfying dish. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, these ingredients come together to create a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

• 14 oz. flat rice noodles: The star of the show, these noodles are chewy and soak up all the delicious sauce, making each bite a delight. Choose quality noodles for the best texture.
• 3 tbsp brown sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory and tangy elements of the dish. It is essential for achieving the authentic Pad Thai flavor.
• ⅓ cup soy sauce: A key ingredient that contributes umami and saltiness, making the dish savory and deeply flavorful.
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar: This ingredient adds acidity, enhancing the overall flavor and cutting through the richness of the chicken.
• 2 tbsp fish sauce: Essential for authentic flavor, it adds depth and a distinctive taste that’s hard to replicate.
• 1 tbsp lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness and a zesty kick to the dish.
• 1 lb. chicken breast: Tender and juicy, the chicken provides protein and complements the noodles beautifully.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for stir-frying, it helps in cooking the chicken and vegetables while adding richness.
• 1 red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and sweetness, contributing to the dish’s overall appeal.
• 1 cup matchstick carrots: They add crunch and a touch of earthiness, making the dish more interesting and nutritious.
• 2 tsp minced garlic: Garlic is a flavor booster, providing an aromatic backdrop for the stir-fry.
• 1 tsp minced ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle spice that enhances the overall flavor.
• 2 cups finely shredded cabbage: This ingredient adds crunch and fiber, balancing the textures in the dish.
• 1 cup green onions: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor that lifts the dish.
• 2 large eggs: They add richness and help bind the dish together, providing a silky texture.
• ⅓ cup cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and is essential for the final garnish.
• ½ cup unsalted peanuts: Chopped peanuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing each bite.
• 1 lime: Cut into wedges for serving, it adds an extra zesty touch when squeezed over the dish.

Step by Step Guide for Chicken Pad Thai

Cooking Chicken Pad Thai is a straightforward process that yields remarkable results. Follow these detailed steps for a delicious dish that’ll impress your family and friends. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

1. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and lime juice. Whisk them together until the sugar has dissolved and set this mixture aside. This sauce is the heart of your Chicken Pad Thai, so make sure it’s well mixed.
2. Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, but be sure to remove them from the water when they’re just about tender. You want them to have a little bite to them, also known as ‘al dente.’ Drain the noodles and quickly rinse them under cool water to halt the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
3. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast strips to the hot oil. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked through, stirring occasionally. You might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
4. If necessary, add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the wok. Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and matchstick carrots. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 2 minutes, or until they begin to soften slightly. You want to maintain some crunch.
5. Next, add in the minced garlic and minced ginger. Cook these for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant, releasing their delightful aromas into the air.
6. Now it’s time to add the cabbage and green onions to the wok. Stir these in and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing them to soften but still retain their vibrant colors.
7. Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet and pour the lightly beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble them gently until they’re fully cooked, then mix them into the veggies. The eggs will add a wonderful richness to the dish.
8. Now, add the cooked chicken and the rice noodles back into the pan. Pour the sauce ingredients over the top, along with a third of a cup of water. Stir everything together, ensuring that the noodles and chicken are well coated in the luscious sauce. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the noodles to finish cooking and soak up all the flavors.
9. If the dish seems too dry, add a bit more water, one tablespoon at a time, until the noodles become slippery and no longer stick together. This is key to achieving that perfect Pad Thai texture!
10. Finally, stir in the cilantro and sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top. Serve your Chicken Pad Thai immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors!

Pro Tips and Tweaks

To make the most out of your Chicken Pad Thai, here are some pro tips and tweaks to enhance your cooking experience.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the noodles may change. If you plan to freeze, consider storing the sauce separately.
• Pairing: Serve Chicken Pad Thai with a side of fresh spring rolls or a light salad for a complete meal.
• Garnish Tips: Experiment with toppings! Try adding bean sprouts, more chopped peanuts, or fresh herbs like mint for an extra layer of flavor.
• Cooking Equipment: A wok is ideal for this dish as it allows for high-heat cooking and even distribution of heat across the noodles and ingredients.
• Ingredient Freshness: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. The fresher your ingredients, the more vibrant your dish will be!

How to Serve Chicken Pad Thai

Serving Chicken Pad Thai can transform a regular meal into a delightful dining experience. Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation and enjoyment:

• Garnish Generously: Enhance your dish with fresh cilantro, crunchy peanuts, and lime wedges. These garnishes add color and an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot from the pan. It retains its flavors and textures when served immediately after cooking.
• Accompany with Sides: Pair Chicken Pad Thai with a light cucumber salad or Asian coleslaw to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the main dish.
• Ideal for Various Occasions: Whether it’s a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or a special occasion, Chicken Pad Thai fits right in. Its impressive presentation makes it suitable for celebrations.
• Portion Control: Be mindful of serving sizes. This dish is filling, and a little goes a long way, especially if you serve it alongside other dishes.
• Seasonal Pairings: Enjoy this dish year-round. In summer, serve with cold drinks like iced tea or lemonade, and during winter, pair with warm, comforting soups.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Chicken Pad Thai is a wonderful dish that brings together a delightful variety of flavors and textures. Its versatility makes it a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. I encourage you to try making this dish at home and enjoy the deliciousness that comes from preparing it yourself. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen!

Chicken Pad Thai

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Pad Thai is a delicious blend of chewy noodles, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies, all enveloped in a savory sauce. This easy weeknight dinner is packed with flavor and sure to satisfy your cravings. Make it tonight for a delightful meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Thai

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 14 oz flat rice noodles
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 lb chicken breast boneless, skinless cut into thin strips
• 2 tbsp olive oil divided
• 1 red bell pepper cut into thin strips
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 2 cups finely shredded cabbage or 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 cup green onions cut into 1" pieces
• 2 large eggs lightly beaten
• ⅓ cup cilantro chopped
• ½ cup unsalted peanuts chopped
• 1 lime cut into wedges

Equipment

• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and lime juice. Whisk them together until the sugar has dissolved and set this mixture aside. This sauce is the heart of your Chicken Pad Thai, so make sure it’s well mixed.
2. Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, but be sure to remove them from the water when they're just about tender. You want them to have a little bite to them, also known as 'al dente.' Drain the noodles and quickly rinse them under cool water to halt the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
3. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast strips to the hot oil. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it's fully cooked through, stirring occasionally. You might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
4. If necessary, add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the wok. Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and matchstick carrots. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 2 minutes, or until they begin to soften slightly. You want to maintain some crunch.
5. Next, add in the minced garlic and minced ginger. Cook these for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant, releasing their delightful aromas into the air.
6. Now it’s time to add the cabbage and green onions to the wok. Stir these in and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing them to soften but still retain their vibrant colors.
7. Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet and pour the lightly beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble them gently until they’re fully cooked, then mix them into the veggies. The eggs will add a wonderful richness to the dish.
8. Now, add the cooked chicken and the rice noodles back into the pan. Pour the sauce ingredients over the top, along with a third of a cup of water. Stir everything together, ensuring that the noodles and chicken are well coated in the luscious sauce. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the noodles to finish cooking and soak up all the flavors.
9. If the dish seems too dry, add a bit more water, one tablespoon at a time, until the noodles become slippery and no longer stick together. This is key to achieving that perfect Pad Thai texture!
10. Finally, stir in the cilantro and sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top. Serve your Chicken Pad Thai immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors!

Notes

• Tip 1: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
• Tip 2: This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the noodles may change. If you plan to freeze, consider storing the sauce separately.
• Tip 3: Serve Chicken Pad Thai with a light cucumber salad or Asian coleslaw to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the main dish.
• Tip 4: Experiment with toppings! Try adding bean sprouts, more chopped peanuts, or fresh herbs like mint for an extra layer of flavor.
• Tip 5: A wok is ideal for this dish as it allows for high-heat cooking and even distribution of heat across the noodles and ingredients.

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Meet Maya Warren

Our main recipe developer and resident forager. My passion is cooking with what the season gives us, whether it’s wild mushrooms from the woods or fresh berries from the garden. I work with Chloe to create our main dishes and with Tessa on new flavor ideas for her bakes. I love the challenge of turning a fresh, raw ingredient into something magical.