Authentic Thai Chicken Pad Recipe

Welcome to a culinary journey to Thailand right from your kitchen with this delectable and easy-to-follow recipe for Flavorful Chicken Pad Thai. Elevate your weeknight dining experience with this vibrant dish that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors, creating a symphony of tastes in each bite.

Crafted with the perfect blend of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and silky Thai rice noodles, this Chicken Pad Thai recipe is a true gem that captures the essence of authentic Thai street food. In just 30 minutes, you can savor the restaurant-quality flavors that will have you coming back for more.

My secret to making this Flavorful Chicken Pad Thai stand out is the addition of chili garlic sauce, which not only brings a kick of heat but also adds a depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or prefer a milder taste, this recipe allows for customization to suit your palate. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a culinary adventure to create a dish that will tantalize your taste buds.

Quick Benefits

• Authentic Flavors: Achieves a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors typical of Thai street food.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with protein and vegetable swaps to suit individual preferences and availability.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well for up to 3 days, with flavors intensifying over time, making it a great meal prep option.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for a weeknight meal that tastes like restaurant-quality.

Why You’ll Love This Authentic Thai Chicken Pad Recipe Recipe

• Authentic Thai Flavors: This recipe captures the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, bringing the taste of restaurant-quality Thai street food to your home.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this flavorful Chicken Pad Thai is perfect for a weeknight meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Family Favorite: Loved by even the pickiest eaters, this dish has become a go-to takeout replacement in many households.
• Customizable: Easily swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu, and adjust the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Meal Prep Ready: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and enjoy even more developed flavors the next day. Perfect for meal prepping!
• Secret Ingredient: The chili garlic sauce provides heat and depth, elevating the dish with a unique flavor profile.
• Versatile Toppings: Garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and green onions for added texture and flavor.
• Noodle Perfection: Thai rice noodles are the ideal choice for their ability to absorb the rich sauce and provide the perfect texture to the dish.
• Balanced Flavors: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and chili garlic sauce creates a harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, and savory tastes.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha to customize the spiciness to your liking.

Ingredients for Authentic Thai Chicken Pad Recipe

Sauce

• 4 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha sauce
• 6 tablespoons soy sauce
• Juice of 1 lime
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

Pasta

• Cilantro, for garnish
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons oil, divided
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 12 ounces Thai rice noodles

How to Make Authentic Thai Chicken Pad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the sauce

Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the noodles

Prepare the noodles as directed on the package.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes until done. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the eggs

In a skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of oil. Scramble the eggs until cooked through, then transfer to a plate.

Step 5: Cook the vegetables

Sauté bell pepper in 2 teaspoons of oil for 1-2 minutes. Add bean sprouts and carrots and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Combine and finish

Combine drained noodles, cooked chicken, scrambled eggs, and sauce in the skillet. Toss and cook for an additional minute.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Garnish the dish with cilantro and chopped peanuts before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the delicious Chicken Pad Thai, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors of this dish actually intensify over time, making it a great make-ahead option for meal prep. To reheat the Pad Thai, add a splash of water before microwaving to prevent the noodles from drying out. It is recommended to heat the dish in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until just warmed through to maintain the perfect texture of the vegetables and chicken.

This versatile Pad Thai recipe can be easily customized based on your preferences and ingredient availability. Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different protein option. You can also swap out vegetables such as bean sprouts with shredded cabbage or add in snow peas, broccoli, or zucchini for variety. Adjust the sauce ingredients like rice vinegar and brown sugar to tailor the flavors to your liking. Remember, the dish can be personalized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile and adaptable meal for any occasion.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian option, tofu can be substituted for chicken. Firm tofu works well in absorbing the flavors of the sauce and provides a protein-rich alternative. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess liquid before slicing and cooking it to achieve a firmer texture.

If you prefer a seafood option, shrimp can be used instead of chicken. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it towards the end of the cooking process to prevent overcooking. This substitution adds a delicate sweetness to the dish and pairs wonderfully with the savory sauce.

To cater to different vegetable preferences or what you have on hand, feel free to swap out the suggested vegetables with others like snow peas, broccoli, or zucchini. Finely shredded cabbage can be a good alternative to bean sprouts for a similar crunch. Customize the dish further by adjusting the sauce to your taste, adding more rice vinegar for extra tang or increasing brown sugar for a sweeter flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, consider setting up a DIY Pad Thai bar for a fun and interactive meal experience with family or guests. Prepare all the components – cooked chicken, vegetables, noodles, sauce, and toppings – and arrange them in individual bowls. Let everyone customize their Pad Thai bowls with their preferred ingredients and spice levels, creating a personalized and flavorful dish tailored to their tastes.

Another creative idea is to transform this Chicken Pad Thai into a vibrant and colorful Pad Thai salad. Toss the cooked noodles together with the chicken, vegetables, and sauce in a large bowl. Serve the salad on a bed of fresh lettuce or mixed greens, garnished with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges. This refreshing and light variation offers a new way to enjoy the flavors of Pad Thai in a salad form, perfect for a quick and healthy lunch option.

FAQs for Authentic Thai Chicken Pad Recipe

Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?

Yes, you can use shrimp, tofu, thinly sliced beef, or other proteins as substitutes while keeping the same flavorful base.

How should I cook the rice noodles for this recipe?

Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, ensuring they reach an ‘al dente’ texture. Avoid over-soaking them in water to prevent them from becoming mushy.

What toppings can I add to enhance the flavor of the Chicken Pad Thai?

Chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and green onions are excellent toppings that not only enhance the flavor but also add a delightful crunch to the dish.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

The level of spiciness in the Chicken Pad Thai depends on the amount of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha used. You can adjust the spiciness based on your personal preference and spice tolerance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Flavorful Chicken Pad Thai is a dish that never fails to impress with its vibrant colors and bold flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is a fantastic introduction to the world of Thai cuisine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different proteins and vegetables to make this dish your own while keeping the same flavorful base intact.

So the next time you’re craving a taste of Thailand, whip up a batch of Flavorful Chicken Pad Thai in your own kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious meal that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Bangkok. Embrace the sweet, sour, and savory symphony of flavors that make this dish a standout favorite. Enjoy the process of cooking and savoring this delightful meal that’s sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.

Authentic Thai Chicken Pad Recipe

“Master the art of authentic Chicken Pad Thai with a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors in just 30 minutes!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineThai

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

Sauce

• 4 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha sauce
• 6 tablespoons soy sauce
• Juice of 1 lime
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

Pasta

• Cilantro, for garnish
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons oil, divided
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 12 ounces Thai rice noodles

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce: Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
2. Cook the noodles: Prepare the noodles as directed on the package.
3. Cook the chicken: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes until done. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the eggs: In a skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of oil. Scramble the eggs until cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
5. Cook the vegetables: Sauté bell pepper in 2 teaspoons of oil for 1-2 minutes. Add bean sprouts and carrots and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Combine and finish: Combine drained noodles, cooked chicken, scrambled eggs, and sauce in the skillet. Toss and cook for an additional minute.
7. Garnish and serve: Garnish the dish with cilantro and chopped peanuts before serving.