Name: Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: ¼ cup fish sauce (or soy sauce for a milder option); 3 tbsp brown sugar (or honey); 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or lime juice); 1 tbsp tamarind paste (or extra lime juice); 1 tbsp peanut butter (optional, for a richer taste); 1 tsp chili sauce (Sriracha or red pepper flakes, optional); 8 oz rice noodles; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 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

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Short Description

Chicken Pad Thai is a classic Thai stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken, rice noodles, scrambled eggs, and a flavorful sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. Topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh lime, this easy homemade version brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Thai flavors – A perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and umami.
Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes for a fast weeknight dinner.
Customizable – Add extra veggies, adjust spice levels, or swap proteins.
Healthier than takeout – Made with fresh ingredients and no MSG.
Great for meal prep – Stores and reheats well for a delicious next-day meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
Soy sauce
Cornstarch

For the Pad Thai Sauce:

Fish sauce
Tamarind paste (or rice vinegar + lime juice)
Brown sugar or palm sugar
Soy sauce
Sriracha or red pepper flakes (for spice, optional)

For the Stir-Fry:

Rice noodles (soaked and drained)
Eggs
Garlic (minced)
Green onions (chopped)
Bean sprouts
Crushed peanuts
Lime wedges
Cilantro (for garnish)
Sesame oil or vegetable oil

Directions

Prepare the noodles – Soak rice noodles in warm water until soft, then drain and set aside.
Marinate the chicken – Toss sliced chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Make the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sriracha.
Cook the chicken – Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden. Remove from the pan.
Scramble the eggs – Push chicken to one side or remove it, then add eggs to the pan and scramble.
Stir-fry everything – Add garlic, soaked noodles, and sauce to the pan. Toss everything together.
Finish and serve – Stir in bean sprouts and green onions, then top with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and cilantro. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy version – Add extra sriracha or Thai chilies.
Extra protein – Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
Low-carb option – Swap rice noodles for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
Vegetarian alternative – Replace chicken with tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
Nut-free version – Skip the peanuts or use toasted sesame seeds.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as rice noodles may become mushy.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the noodles.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of rice noodles?

Yes, but rice noodles give the best texture. Use linguine or spaghetti if substituting.

What can I use instead of tamarind paste?

Mix 1 tablespoon rice vinegar + 1 tablespoon lime juice as a substitute.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?

Toss them with a little oil after soaking and avoid overcooking.

Can I make Pad Thai without fish sauce?

Yes! Use extra soy sauce or coconut aminos for a milder flavor.

What vegetables go well in Pad Thai?

Bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or shredded cabbage work great.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes! If you like extra sauce, double the ingredients and adjust to taste.

How do I make it extra tangy?

Squeeze additional fresh lime juice before serving.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Just toss it in at the end to heat through.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.

What’s the best way to get restaurant-style flavor?

Use a hot wok, don’t overcrowd the pan, and cook ingredients quickly over high heat.

Conclusion

Homemade chicken Pad Thai is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings the best Thai flavors to your kitchen. Whether you like it spicy, mild, or extra saucy, this customizable recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it tonight for a quick and satisfying meal!