Easy Chicken Pad Thai

What makes this Pad Thai easy?

Traditional Pad Thai can involve several specialty ingredients and techniques, but this version is designed for busy home cooks. It keeps the classic sweet, savory, and tangy flavor profile while using simple methods that make it easy enough for weeknights.

There's no need for a wok or complicated cooking process. Once your ingredients are prepped, this quick stir-fry comes together in one skillet in just a few minutes.

Ingredients and Their Role in the Dish

These simple ingredients work together to create a flavorful homemade version of one of Thailand's most popular noodle dishes. This is what you'll need...

For the Pad Thai:

• Rice noodles - The traditional noodles used for Pad Thai that soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs - Stay juicy and tender while cooking quickly.
• Garlic - Adds savory depth and aroma.
• Eggs - Provide richness and one of the signature elements of Pad Thai.
• Vegetable oil - Helps cook the ingredients evenly over high heat.
• Bean sprouts - Add freshness and a slight crunch.
• Green onions - Bring a mild onion flavor and bright color.

For the Pad Thai sauce

• Tamarind paste - The signature ingredient that gives Pad Thai its distinctive sweet-tart flavor.
• Soy sauce - Adds salty umami flavor.
• Lime juice - Brightens the sauce with fresh citrus.
• Brown sugar - Balances the tart and savory ingredients.
• Fish sauce - Adds authentic depth and complexity.

For Garnishing

• Roasted peanuts - Add crunch and nutty flavor.
• Lime wedges - A squeeze of fresh lime just before serving brightens every bite.

Ingredient Notes

A few simple ingredient tips will help you make the best Chicken Pad Thai every time.

Rice Noodles - Flat rice noodles labeled for Pad Thai work best. Cook them according to the package directions, being careful not to overcook them since they'll continue cooking in the skillet with the sauce.

Chicken - Chicken thighs are recommended because they stay juicy and flavorful during stir-frying. Chicken breasts also work well if you prefer leaner meat.

Tamarind Paste - Tamarind paste gives Pad Thai its signature sweet-tart flavor. While it can sometimes be found in the international aisle of larger grocery stores, it's also widely available at Asian markets.

How to Make Chicken Pad Thai

Making this easy chicken Pad Thai recipe is surprisingly simple. Here's what to do:

1. Prepare the sauce by whisking tamarind paste, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and fish sauce together. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add whisked eggs and cook until almost set. They will cook quickly.
4. Stir in bean sprouts and cook for 30-60 seconds.
5. Add the noodles and toss to mix.
6. Pour in sauce and stir so it covers all ingredients. Keep tossing until noodles are glossy, rich with sauce, and warmed through. To finish, add sliced green onions and let cook for 1 minute.

Pro Tip: Adjust the pad Thai sauce to your liking. If you want a tangier sauce add more tamarind, for a brighter sauce add more lime, and for a sweeter sauce add more sugar.

Garnish each serving with chopped peanuts and a few lime wedges. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips for Success

These tips will help you get the best flavor and texture every time you're making Chicken Pad Thai Noodles.

• Have everything prepped before you start. This recipe cooks fast, so measure the sauce ingredients, slice the chicken, and prepare the vegetables before turning on the heat.
• Don't overcook the rice noodles. They continue to cook once they're added to the skillet. Slightly undercooked noodles are better than overcooked ones.
• Slice the chicken thinly. Thin pieces cook quickly and stay tender.
• Cook over medium-high heat. The higher heat helps the ingredients cook quickly without becoming soggy.
• Keep everything moving. Toss the noodles frequently so they're evenly coated with the sauce and don't stick together.
• Add a splash of water if needed. If the noodles begin to dry out, stir in 1 to 3 tablespoons of water to loosen the sauce.
• Serve immediately. Pad Thai tastes best while it's hot and the noodles are tender and glossy.

Recipe Variations to Make It Your Own

This homemade Chicken Pad Thai is easy to customize with your favorite proteins and vegetables.

Protein - Replace the chicken with shrimp, thinly sliced pork, beef, or tofu. Rotisserie chicken is another great shortcut for busy weeknights.

Vegetables - Add shredded carrots, cabbage, broccoli florets, snow peas, mushrooms, bell peppers, or baby spinach.

Noodles - Rice noodles are traditional, but if needed you can substitute wider rice noodles or even rice vermicelli, keeping in mind the texture will be slightly different.

Spicy - Stir sriracha, chili garlic sauce, Thai chili paste, crushed red pepper flakes, or sliced fresh Thai chiles into the sauce if you prefer a spicier Pad Thai.

Garnishes - Top with fresh cilantro, extra chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or additional bean sprouts for even more flavor and texture.

Gluten-free - Use certified gluten-free rice noodles and substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check that your fish sauce and other ingredients are also labeled gluten-free if needed.

How to Store

Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing is not recommended. Rice noodles tend to become soft and lose their texture after freezing and thawing, making the finished dish less enjoyable.

To reheat, warm the Pad Thai in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.

More Thai Food Recipes

If you enjoy the bold flavors of Thai cooking, here are a few more easy recipes to add to your menu.

• Slow Cooker Thai Coconut Chicken is a creamy, comforting dinner that's perfect for busy days.
• Thai Basil Pork is a quick weeknight favorite packed with savory flavor.
• Thai Cucumber Salad is crisp, refreshing, and the perfect side dish.
• Thai Beef Salad combines fresh vegetables with tender beef and a flavorful dressing.
• Thai Red Curry Beef is a rich, satisfying meal with warm Thai-inspired flavors.

Find lots of easy Asian food recipes here on 2CM!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pad Thai?

Pad Thai is a popular Thai stir-fried noodle dish traditionally made with rice noodles, a sweet-savory-tangy sauce, eggs, bean sprouts, and a protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

What does tamarind paste taste like?

Tamarind has a unique sweet-tart flavor that's one of the signature tastes of traditional Pad Thai. It adds brightness and balances the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes. Chicken breast is a great substitute if you prefer leaner meat. Slice it thinly so it cooks quickly and stays tender.

What are the best noodles for Pad Thai?

Flat rice noodles labeled for Pad Thai are the traditional choice. They absorb the sauce beautifully while remaining pleasantly chewy.

Can I make Pad Thai without fish sauce?

Yes, although the flavor will be different. You can substitute additional soy sauce with a little extra lime juice or tamarind paste for balance.

Why are my noodles sticky?

Sticky noodles are usually the result of overcooking or letting them sit too long before tossing them with the sauce. Cooking them just until tender and keeping them moving in the skillet helps prevent sticking.

Can I make it spicier?

Absolutely! Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh Thai chiles to suit your taste.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. If doubling, use your largest skillet or cook in two batches so the ingredients have enough room to stir-fry instead of steam.