Sizzling Authentic Chicken Pad Thai Recipe for Homemade Joy

Crafting an authentic chicken pad Thai recipe connects you directly to the vibrant street food culture of Thailand.

Bustling markets and sizzling woks inspire this classic dish’s remarkable depth of flavor.

Tender chicken, rice noodles, and a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory ingredients dance together in one spectacular meal.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference when recreating this beloved culinary tradition.

Crunchy bean sprouts and chopped peanuts add delightful texture to each delectable bite.

Cooking becomes an adventure when you master these traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Dive into this culinary journey and unlock the secrets of a truly memorable pad Thai experience.

Why Chicken Pad Thai Hits The Spot

• This pad thai brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.
• Easily recreate a professional-level Thai meal without complicated techniques or expensive equipment.
• Preparation and cooking can be completed in minimal time, making it perfect for busy families seeking delicious meals.
• Adaptable recipe allows you to adjust spice levels, protein choices, and vegetable additions to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients For Authentic Chicken Pad Thai

• Chicken: Tender protein base for the dish.
• Eggs: Adds richness and texture to the stir-fry.

• Dried Shrimp: Provides umami and traditional Thai flavor.

• Rice Noodles: Soft and traditional base for pad thai.
• Bean Sprouts: Adds fresh crunch and lightness.
• Garlic Chives: Provides subtle onion-like flavor.

• Garlic, Shallots: Builds deep flavor foundation.

• Soy Sauce, Cornstarch: Creates marinade and thickening agent.

• Crushed Peanuts, Lime Wedges: Adds texture and bright citrus notes.

Cooking Instructions For Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

Step 1: Soften Noodles

Submerge rice noodles in warm water, allowing them to become flexible yet maintain a slight firmness.

Let them relax for 15-20 minutes while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

• Soy sauce
• Cornstarch

Let the chicken absorb these flavors while prepping other components.

Step 3: Sizzle Protein

Fire up your wok or large skillet on high heat.

Drizzle oil and swiftly stir-fry chicken until it’s almost completely cooked through with golden edges.

Step 4: Create Egg Mixture

Slide chicken to one side of the wok.

Crack eggs directly into the open space.

Gently scramble eggs, then blend them with the seared chicken pieces.

Step 5: Build Aromatic Base

• Minced garlic
• Chopped shallots
• Dried shrimp (optional)

Stir-fry until the kitchen fills with an enticing aroma.

Step 6: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Drain noodles and transfer them into the wok.

Pour prepared pad thai sauce over the ingredients.

Toss everything together, ensuring each noodle gets coated with delicious flavors.

Step 7: Add Fresh Crunch

• Bean sprouts
• Garlic chives

Continue stirring until noodles reach perfect texture – cooked yet maintaining a slight chewiness.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Transfer pad thai to serving plates.

• Crushed peanuts
• Extra bean sprouts
• Lime wedges

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips To Perfect Chicken Pad Thai At Home

• Use flat, wide rice noodles specifically for pad thai to achieve authentic texture and taste.
• Chop, measure, and organize all ingredients before cooking to ensure smooth and quick stir-frying process.
• Maintain high heat throughout cooking to create that signature wok hei flavor and prevent soggy noodles.
• Taste and adjust pad thai sauce for perfect sweet, sour, and salty balance by carefully mixing tamarind, fish sauce, and palm sugar.
• Cook ingredients in batches if needed to ensure proper caramelization and prevent steaming instead of stir-frying.

How To Store And Reheat Chicken Pad Thai Properly

• Store leftover Pad Thai in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.
• Warm slightly in a wok or skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes.
• Skip freezing Pad Thai, as rice noodles become mushy and lose their delightful texture when thawed, compromising the dish's authentic taste and quality.

Ideal Pairings For Chicken Pad Thai Dishes

• Elevate Thai Culinary Harmony: Perfect Pairings
• Crisp Rice Wine Refreshment: Select a chilled Thai Singha beer or crisp Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, tangy pad thai flavors and refresh your palate with each bite.
• Complementary Citrus Salad: Prepare a light green papaya salad with lime and chili to enhance the pad thai's zesty profile, creating a balanced and vibrant meal experience.
• Cool Cucumber Counterpoint: Whip up a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar and fresh herbs to provide a cooling contrast to the warm, spicy noodle dish and cleanse your taste buds between bites.
• Tropical Fruit Finale: Serve fresh lychees or a small mango sorbet as a sweet, light dessert that won't overwhelm the complex pad thai flavors, offering a delightful end to your Thai culinary journey.

Chicken Pad Thai Versions You Can Try

• Vegetarian Pad Thai: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, pressing and marinating beforehand for extra flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of traditional sauce.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Choose rice noodles labeled gluten-free and verify all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice noodles with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Reduce sauce quantity and use cauliflower rice as a base for a lighter meal.
• Seafood Variation: Replace chicken with shrimp or mixed seafood like scallops and crab. Adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking delicate proteins.

FAQs

• What makes authentic Pad Thai different from other stir-fried noodle dishes?

Authentic Pad Thai balances sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors through a carefully crafted sauce and specific cooking technique that creates a unique taste profile unique to Thai cuisine.

• Do I need a wok to make Pad Thai?

While a wok is traditional and provides ideal heat distribution, you can successfully make Pad Thai in a large skillet or non-stick pan if a wok isn’t available.

• Why is cornstarch used in marinating the chicken?

Cornstarch helps create a protective coating on the chicken, which keeps it tender and prevents overcooking, ensuring the meat remains juicy during high-heat stir-frying.

• Can I make Pad Thai vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables like mushrooms and add extra protein sources like eggs or plant-based proteins to maintain the dish’s nutritional balance.

Authentic Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor the magic of Thai cuisine with this mouthwatering Chicken Pad Thai, a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. Crisp rice noodles dance with tender chicken, creating a symphony of taste that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 12 ounces 340g boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
• 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
• 2 tablespoons dried shrimp (optional)

Noodles and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces 225g flat rice noodles
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• ¼ cup garlic chives (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 shallots (finely chopped)

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 3 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Marinade:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Garnish:

• ¼ cup roasted peanuts (crushed)
• Lime wedges for serving
• Extra bean sprouts
• Chopped cilantro
• Red chili flakes (to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Immerse rice noodles in lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes until they soften but maintain a slight resistance.
2. Coat chicken slices with soy sauce and cornstarch for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
3. Ignite a wok or large skillet at high temperature, introducing oil to rapidly sear chicken until almost fully cooked.
4. Relocate chicken to one side of the wok, crack eggs directly into the open space, gently scramble, then integrate with chicken pieces.
5. Introduce aromatic elements like minced garlic, finely chopped shallots, and dried shrimp, sautéing until their fragrance intensifies.
6. Thoroughly drain softened noodles and transfer them into the wok, cascading prepared sauce over the ingredients, then vigorously toss to ensure uniform coating.
7. Incorporate crisp bean sprouts and delicate garlic chives, continuing to stir-fry until noodles reach an ideal texture – cooked yet maintaining a slight chewiness.
8. Transfer to serving plates immediately, embellishing with crushed roasted peanuts, additional fresh bean sprouts, and zesty lime wedges for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Avoid over-soaking rice noodles by checking texture every few minutes to prevent mushiness and maintain that perfect al dente bite.
• Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to create a versatile dish that caters to different dietary preferences and protein needs.
• Use high heat for quick stir-frying to achieve that classic wok-hei flavor and prevent ingredients from becoming soggy or losing their vibrant texture.
• Adjust sauce ingredients slightly to control sweetness and tanginess, ensuring the final dish matches your personal taste profile without compromising traditional flavors.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg