Fiery & Flavorful Spicy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe to Wow Guests

Weeknight dinners reach new heights with this spicy chicken pad thai that promises bold flavors and restaurant-quality excitement.

Authentic Thai cuisine bursts through every delicious bite of this vibrant dish.

Tender chicken strips dance with silky rice noodles, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Chili-infused sauce weaves through the ingredients, delivering a perfect balance of heat and complexity.

Crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs elevate each forkful with bright, zesty notes.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this pad thai transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Let your taste buds embark on a thrilling journey through the streets of Bangkok right from your kitchen.

Instructions for Making Chicken Pad Thai at Home

• Boil Noodle Base

Heat water and cook rice noodles until perfectly tender. Drain and set noodles aside, ready for their flavor adventure.

• Create Tangy Sauce Blend

Whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, fresh lime juice, sweet brown sugar, fiery sriracha, creamy peanut butter, and zesty chili flakes into a mouthwatering sauce.

• Sear Chicken Centerpiece

Sizzle chicken in hot oil over high heat until golden and fully cooked. The goal is crispy exterior with juicy interior. Remove and keep warm.

• Awaken Aromatic Flavors

In the same sizzling pan, quickly dance garlic and onions until they release their fragrant essence.

• Transform Eggs

Slide eggs into the pan, gently scrambling until softly set and nestled among the other ingredients.

• Merge Flavor Symphony

Add noodles, chicken, and prepared sauce. Toss everything together, allowing each ingredient to mingle and celebrate. Fold in fresh bean sprouts and green onions.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle crushed peanuts, scatter fresh cilantro, and squeeze lime wedges over the dish. Serve piping hot and enjoy this explosive flavor journey!

Flavor Tips to Customize Your Pad Thai Experience

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Noodle Perfection: Rinse rice noodles in cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and achieve that restaurant-quality texture.
• Protein Power: Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for a delightful protein variation that keeps the dish exciting and fresh.
• Spice Control: Adjust sriracha and chili flakes to match your heat tolerance – from mild whispers to fiery explosions of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a celiac-friendly version.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to increase nutrition and add vibrant colors to your pad thai.

Ways to Serve Easy Spicy Chicken Pad Thai

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather around the table and make this Pad Thai a fun shared meal where everyone can customize their plate with extra toppings and spice levels.
• Lunch Prep Champion: Pack this dish in airtight containers for a delicious work or school lunch that tastes just as amazing when reheated, maintaining its vibrant flavors and textures.
• Weekend Thai Feast: Create a complete Southeast Asian inspired spread by pairing the Pad Thai with fresh spring rolls, a light cucumber salad, and cold Thai iced tea for a restaurant-quality experience at home.
• Spice Level Adventure: Offer different hot sauce options like sriracha, chili oil, or sambal oelek on the side, allowing each person to adjust the heat to their personal preference and create their perfect plate.

Storing and Reheating Pad Thai Without Losing Kick

• Fridge-Ready Storage: Transfer leftover pad thai to an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent drying.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent noodles from becoming tough. Stir constantly for even heating.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Store sauce and noodles separately when meal prepping to maintain optimal texture. Combine just before reheating to keep ingredients crisp and vibrant.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Chicken pad thai can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 640 kcal

Servings: 2

What You’ll Need for Easy Spicy Chicken Pad Thai

• Chicken Breast: Select fresh, lean cuts for tender and juicy protein packed with flavor.
• Eggs: Ensure farm-fresh eggs for rich, creamy texture and additional protein boost.

• Rice Noodles: Choose thin, flat noodles that absorb sauce beautifully and provide authentic Thai texture.

• Soy Sauce: Brings deep umami and salty complexity to the entire dish.
• Fish Sauce: Adds traditional Southeast Asian depth and authentic tangy flavor profile.
• Lime Juice: Provides bright, zesty freshness to balance the rich ingredients.
• Brown Sugar: Creates subtle sweetness and helps caramelize other ingredients.
• Sriracha: Introduces spicy kick and vibrant red color to the sauce.
• Peanut Butter: Optional ingredient offering creamy richness and nutty undertone.
• Chili Flakes: Adds extra heat and subtle smoky dimension.

• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent base flavor to the entire dish.
• Onion: Provides sweet, subtle background notes and aromatic foundation.
• Bean Sprouts: Contribute crisp, fresh texture and light, earthy taste.
• Green Onions: Offer mild onion flavor and bright green color garnish.

• Peanuts: Add crunchy texture and nutty richness to the final presentation.
• Cilantro: Brings fresh, herbaceous brightness to complete the dish.
• Lime Wedges: Allows diners to adjust final citrus brightness.

Tools to Toss Up Spicy Chicken Pad Thai

• Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for stir-frying ingredients with high heat and even cooking.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Great for blending sauce components without lumps.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping garlic, onions, and preparing garnishes.
• Sharp Knife: Helps chop ingredients precisely and quickly.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate sauce and seasoning measurements.
• Colander: Useful for draining cooked rice noodles.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helps toss and stir ingredients while cooking.

Tantalizing Spicy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Pad Thai, a beloved Thai street classic, delivers complex layers of flavor in this simple recipe. Tangy tamarind, crisp vegetables, and tender chicken combine to create an authentic culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin)
• 8 oz (226 g) rice noodles
• 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional, for creaminess)
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 small onion (sliced)
• 3 green onions (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• ¼ cup crushed peanuts
• Lime wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Noodle Preparation: Submerge rice noodles in boiling water according to package instructions, drain completely, and set aside, keeping strands separated to prevent sticking.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, sriracha, peanut butter, and chili flakes in a bowl until smoothly integrated, creating a complex flavor profile.
3. Protein Transformation: Heat oil in a large skillet over high temperature. Sear chicken pieces until golden and fully cooked, achieving a caramelized exterior. Remove and reserve on a separate plate.
4. Aromatic Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant and translucent, developing a rich flavor base for the dish.
5. Egg Integration: Create a small well in the pan, pour beaten eggs, and scramble until softly set, folding gently into the existing ingredients.
6. Final Fusion: Combine noodles, cooked chicken, and prepared sauce in the skillet. Toss thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors. Fold in bean sprouts and green onions, allowing ingredients to meld together briefly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Finish with a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro leaves, and strategically placed lime wedges. Present immediately to maintain optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

• Master Noodle Separation: Rinse cooked noodles with cold water immediately after boiling to stop cooking and prevent sticky clumping, ensuring a perfect texture in your final dish.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust sriracha and chili flakes according to personal heat tolerance; start with smaller quantities and gradually increase for controlled spiciness without overwhelming flavors.
• Protein Perfection: Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve golden-brown exterior and ensure even, crispy caramelization that locks in moisture and enhances overall taste profile.
• Sauce Balance Technique: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create harmonious blend; taste and adjust sweetness with brown sugar or tanginess with lime juice for personalized flavor complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg