Mastering Authentic Chicken Pad Thai Recipe: Thai Food Magic!

Noodles dance with zesty flavors in this mouthwatering chicken pad thai that captures the essence of Thai street cuisine.

Wok-tossed rice noodles intertwine with tender chicken pieces, creating a symphony of taste.

Crisp bean sprouts and fragrant herbs add layers of texture to this classic dish.

Tangy tamarind sauce weaves through each strand, delivering an explosion of authentic Thai complexity.

Crunchy peanuts and soft egg provide delightful contrasts that elevate every single bite.

The perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory elements makes this recipe a true culinary adventure.

You’ll want to savor every flavorful forkful of this irresistible pad thai that brings Bangkok’s vibrant street food right to your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 4

Chicken Pad Thai Recipe Ingredient Breakdown

• Rice Noodles: Silky base that absorbs delicious flavors and provides traditional Thai texture.

• Chicken, Eggs: Lean protein that adds hearty substance and creates a balanced main dish.

• Fish Sauce: Brings authentic umami depth and traditional Thai seasoning complexity.
• Brown Sugar: Balances savory elements with subtle caramel-like sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds bright, tangy undertone that brightens overall dish.
• Tamarind Paste: Delivers signature sweet-sour Thai flavor profile.
• Peanut Butter: Creates creamy richness and nutty background note.
• Chili Sauce: Introduces gentle heat and zesty kick.

• Garlic: Provides aromatic base with robust flavor foundation.
• Bean Sprouts, Carrots, Green Onions: Add crisp texture, vibrant color, and fresh crunch.

• Peanuts, Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Provide final textural contrast, herbal brightness, and citrusy spark.

Equipment Needed for Chicken Pad Thai at Home

• Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for stir-frying and combining all ingredients with high heat.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the flavorful sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending sauce components smoothly and evenly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken, chopping vegetables, and preparing garnishes.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation and slicing.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Help ensure accurate sauce and ingredient measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring and tossing ingredients while cooking.

How to Cook Chicken Pad Thai With Classic Flavor

• Boil Noodle Magic

Dive into your culinary adventure by transforming rice noodles into a silky canvas. Follow the package’s whispered instructions, then gently rescue them from hot water and let them rest.

• Whip Up Flavor Symphony

In a cozy bowl, dance together fish sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, tamarind paste, peanut butter, and chili sauce. Blend until they create a harmonious sauce that sings with flavor.

• Sizzle Chicken Perfection

Fire up a large pan with a splash of oil. Toss in chicken slices and let them waltz around until golden brown and deliciously crispy. Once done, set them aside for their grand entrance later.

• Egg Choreography

In the same pan, welcome minced garlic for a quick sauté. Slide the garlic to one side and invite beaten eggs to perform a quick scramble until just set.

• Create Culinary Symphony

Reunite your noodles, chicken, and magical sauce in the pan. Toss everything together like a passionate dance. Sprinkle in bean sprouts, carrots, and green onions for a vibrant performance.

• Plate with Pizzazz

Crown your masterpiece with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, a flutter of fresh cilantro, and a cheerful squeeze of lime. Serve immediately and savor each delectable bite!

Spice and Sauce Tweaks for Pad Thai Lovers

• Add an extra splash of fish sauce or chili sauce for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a golden, crispy exterior and prevent soggy meat.
• Replace rice noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version that's packed with nutrients.
• Easily swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or lean beef to create exciting variations that match different dietary preferences and keep the meal interesting.
• This pad thai can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunch solutions.

Serving Pad Thai With Peanuts, Lime, or Herbs

• Fresh Zesty Garnish Party: Sprinkle chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and squeeze lime wedges over the dish for bright, tangy flavor bursts that enhance every single bite.
• Thai Restaurant Style Plating: Arrange pad thai in wide, shallow bowls with extra sauce drizzled around edges, creating a restaurant-quality presentation that looks professionally prepared.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with additional protein like shrimp, tofu, or extra chicken for more substantial meal options that satisfy bigger appetites and add delicious variety.
• Spice Lovers' Corner: Set out small dishes with sriracha, chili flakes, and extra chili sauce on the side, allowing guests to customize heat levels according to their personal spice preferences.

Store Chicken Pad Thai for Meal Prepping Later

• Store leftover Pad Thai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep sauce and noodles separately to maintain texture and prevent soggy consistency.
• Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or additional sauce to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir continuously for even warming and maintain original taste profile.
• When meal prepping, store cooked chicken, noodles, and sauce in separate sealed containers. This approach helps maintain ingredient quality and prevents cross-contamination.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat carefully to preserve the dish's authentic Thai flavor and texture.

Authentic Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delightful Chicken Pad Thai delivers authentic Thai street flavors with sizzling wok-tossed noodles and tender chicken. Crisp bean sprouts, tangy tamarind, and crushed peanuts complete this irresistible classic you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 8 oz rice noodles
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 3 green onions, sliced
• ¼ cup chopped peanuts
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ¼ cup fish sauce (or soy sauce for a milder option)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or lime juice)
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (or extra lime juice)
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional, for a richer taste)
• 1 teaspoon chili sauce (Sriracha or red pepper flakes, optional)

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Instructions

1. Noodle Preparation: Boil rice noodles to perfect tenderness, then drain and let rest at room temperature while preparing other components.
2. Sauce Crafting: Blend fish sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, tamarind paste, peanut butter, and chili sauce into a harmonious, tangy mixture that will elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
3. Protein Searing: Sizzle chicken slices in a scorching wok, rendering them golden and developing a rich caramelized exterior before setting aside.
4. Egg Transformation: Infuse pan with garlic’s aromatic essence, then introduce beaten eggs, creating soft, delicate scrambled curds that will integrate seamlessly with other ingredients.
5. Flavor Fusion: Reunite noodles, chicken, and meticulously crafted sauce in the wok, allowing each element to meld together. Incorporate bean sprouts, carrots, and green onions, letting them briefly dance and release their vibrant flavors.
6. Culinary Presentation: Transfer the steaming pad thai to serving plates, crown with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime wedges, transforming the dish into a visually stunning and palate-pleasing masterpiece.

Notes

• Select fresh rice noodles for authentic texture; dried noodles work but require careful soaking to prevent mushiness.
• Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect caramelization on chicken and create signature wok-style sear without burning ingredients.
• Adjust fish sauce, tamarind, and sugar proportions to create harmonious sweet-tangy-savory flavor profile; taste and tweak as you cook.
• Chop and measure all ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth, quick stir-frying process and prevent overcooking delicate components.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg