Chicken Pad Thai is one of those irresistible dishes that combines sweet, salty, tangy, and nutty flavors with tender chicken, chewy rice noodles, and fresh veggies. Whether you’re craving a taste of Thailand or want to impress guests with a vibrant, homemade meal, making Chicken Pad Thai at home is easier than you think. Let’s dive into a friendly, step-by-step guide on how to make this classic Thai street food favorite.
What Is Chicken Pad Thai?
Pad Thai is a popular Thai stir-fried noodle dish traditionally made with rice noodles, eggs, tofu or shrimp, peanuts, bean sprouts, and a flavorful sauce. Chicken Pad Thai swaps in tender pieces of chicken for protein, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. The magic lies in the sauce—a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors that coat every ingredient perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pad Thai
– 7 ounces flat rice noodles (soaked in warm water to soften)
– 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced into strips)
– 2 large eggs (beaten)
– 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
– 3 garlic cloves (minced)
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 1/3 cup green onions (chopped)
– 1/3 cup roasted peanuts (chopped)
– 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
– Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
– Lime wedges (for serving)
– Vegetable or canola oil (for cooking)
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 1/3 cup tamarind paste (or substitute with rice vinegar or white vinegar)
– 3 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 2 teaspoons peanut butter (adds creaminess and depth)
– 1/4 cup ketchup (adds sweetness and color)
– 2 tablespoons water
Optional: Chili flakes or fresh chili for a spicy kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Noodles
Start by soaking your rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes until they soften but are still slightly firm. Drain and set aside. This step ensures your noodles cook evenly and don’t clump together later.
2. Make the Sauce
Whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. This sweet, tangy, and savory sauce is what gives Pad Thai its signature flavor. You can make this ahead of time and keep it warm while you cook.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for about 4-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Aromatics and Veggies
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the garlic and onions until fragrant and soft, about 1-2 minutes. Add shredded carrots and red peppers if you like extra veggies. Toss in the bean sprouts and green onions, saving some green onions for garnish.
5. Cook the Eggs
Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Crack the eggs into the empty side and scramble them gently until fully cooked. This adds a lovely texture and richness to the dish.
6. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the drained noodles and slowly pour in the sauce, tossing everything together to coat the noodles evenly. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the noodles absorb the sauce and everything is heated through.
7. Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat and stir in fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts. Serve your Chicken Pad Thai with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. For extra flavor, sprinkle with chili flakes or fresh chili if you like it spicy.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Pad Thai
– Use fresh rice noodles if possible—they soften quickly and absorb sauce better.
– Don’t over-soak noodles; they should be pliable but not mushy.
– Make the sauce ahead to save time during cooking.
– Adjust sweetness and tanginess by tasting the sauce before adding it to the noodles.
– Add crushed peanuts just before serving for crunch.
– Try substituting chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for variety.
Why This Recipe Works
This homemade Chicken Pad Thai recipe balances all the key elements of the dish: tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, fresh veggies, and a sauce that is sweet, tangy, and savory with a hint of nuttiness from peanut butter and peanuts. The method is straightforward, making it accessible even to beginner cooks, while still delivering authentic flavors.
Chicken Pad Thai is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together in a colorful, satisfying dish you can enjoy any night of the week.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and get ready for a delicious plate of homemade Chicken Pad Thai that will rival your favorite Thai restaurant!
Chicken Pad Thai is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Give it a try and savor the taste of Thailand in your own kitchen!