Chicken Pad Thai
Looking for a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and the unique taste of Thailand? Look no further than Chicken Pad Thai! This delightful stir-fry is not only a beloved street food in Thailand but also an easy weeknight meal that can be whipped up in no time. With the right ingredients and a bit of technique, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into why Chicken Pad Thai is worth your time and how to make it perfectly every time!
Why Chicken Pad Thai is Worth Your Time
Chicken Pad Thai is a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors that come together in a single bowl. The combination of chewy rice noodles, succulent chicken, and a medley of crisp vegetables, all brought together with a tangy and slightly sweet sauce, makes this dish irresistibly satisfying. It’s versatile and can be adjusted to suit your tastes, whether you prefer it spicy, sweet, or somewhere in between. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
The Essentials
To make a delicious Chicken Pad Thai, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound flat rice noodles
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 medium onion, diced small (I used sweet Vidalia)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin long strips
- 3 to 5 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger (1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger may be substituted)
- 8 ounces thinly sliced green cabbage (about 3 to 4 loosely packed cups)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
- 1 large egg, scrambled
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (optional and to taste)
- 3 green onions, sliced into thin rounds (optionally substitute with 1/3 cup minced fresh Thai basil)
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (I used reduced-salt)
Equipment Breakdown
Before we start cooking, let’s make sure you have the right tools for the job:
- Large skillet or wok: Essential for stir-frying the ingredients evenly.
- Large pot: For boiling the rice noodles until they are tender.
- Spatula: To toss and stir the ingredients as they cook.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Knife and cutting board: For slicing the chicken and vegetables.
Build Chicken Pad Thai Step by Step
Creating Chicken Pad Thai is an enjoyable process. Follow these steps for a perfect dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once boiling, add the flat rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are tender but still chewy. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat the Oils
In a large skillet or wok, heat the toasted sesame oil and coconut oil over medium-high heat. This combination of oils adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and ground ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the sliced chicken breast to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and has started to brown. Make sure to stir frequently for even cooking.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked through, add the sliced cabbage and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crunchy.
Step 6: Combine the Sauces
In a small bowl, mix together the low-sodium soy sauce, fish sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, and honey or agave syrup. Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
Step 7: Incorporate the Noodles
Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet, tossing gently to combine all the ingredients. Make sure the noodles are well-coated in the sauce and mixed with the chicken and vegetables.
Step 8: Finish with Egg and Toppings
Create a space in the center of the skillet and crack the egg into it. Scramble the egg until cooked through, then mix it into the noodle mixture. If desired, stir in sriracha to taste. Finally, sprinkle the sliced green onions and chopped peanuts on top.
Tailor It to Your Diet
Chicken Pad Thai is easily customizable! Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and omit the egg. Use a vegan-friendly sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your rice noodles are certified gluten-free.
- Low-Carb: Swap rice noodles for spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for more color and nutrition.
Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary
Chicken Pad Thai is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. Feel free to adjust the amount of lime juice and sriracha to suit your personal taste, as some prefer it tangier or spicier. If you’re a fan of peanut flavors, consider drizzling some Everything Stir Fry Sauce over the top for an extra kick!
Save for Later: Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to help loosen the noodles. Chicken Pad Thai is also great for meal prep, so feel free to double the recipe and enjoy it throughout the week!
Reader Questions
Can I use other proteins in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, or even keep it vegetarian with tofu. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
What can I serve with Chicken Pad Thai?
This dish is complete on its own, but you can serve it with a side of Shrimp Fried Rice for a heartier meal, or a simple cucumber salad.
Is it necessary to use fish sauce?
Fish sauce adds a distinct umami flavor to the dish, but you can replace it with more soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative if you prefer.
How can I make Chicken Pad Thai spicier?
For a spicier kick, simply increase the amount of sriracha or add some sliced fresh chili peppers during cooking.
Quick Weeknight Wins
If you love quick and easy meals, here are some other delicious options to try:
The Takeaway
Chicken Pad Thai is a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that can be effortlessly made at home. With its vibrant colors and satisfying taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re indulging in a cozy dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is versatile enough to impress everyone at the table. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite cooking playlist, and get ready to enjoy a delightful taste of Thailand right from your kitchen!
Chicken Pad Thai
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Noodles. Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once boiling, add the flat rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are tender but still chewy. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat the Oils. In a large skillet or wok, heat the toasted sesame oil and coconut oil over medium-high heat. This combination of oils adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and ground ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Cook the Chicken. Add the sliced chicken breast to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and has started to brown. Make sure to stir frequently for even cooking.
- Step 5: Add the Vegetables. Once the chicken is cooked through, add the sliced cabbage and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crunchy.
- Step 6: Combine the Sauces. In a small bowl, mix together the low-sodium soy sauce, fish sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, and honey or agave syrup. Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Step 7: Incorporate the Noodles. Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet, tossing gently to combine all the ingredients. Make sure the noodles are well-coated in the sauce and mixed with the chicken and vegetables.
- Step 8: Finish with Egg and Toppings. Create a space in the center of the skillet and crack the egg into it. Scramble the egg until cooked through, then mix it into the noodle mixture. If desired, stir in sriracha to taste. Finally, sprinkle the sliced green onions and chopped peanuts on top.
Notes
- Chicken Pad Thai tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
- Adjust lime juice and sriracha to your taste for a tangier or spicier dish.
- Consider drizzling extra peanut sauce for a richer flavor.
