The Best Chicken Pad Thai

Chicken Pad Thai

Is there anything more comforting than a plate of warm, perfectly seasoned Chicken Pad Thai?

This classic Thai dish combines tender chicken, rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, and a tangy, savory sauce that’s downright addictive.

Whether you’re a takeout enthusiast or a kitchen experimenter, this easy recipe will bring restaurant-quality flavors to your home.

Ready in just under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect blend of simple and sensational—guaranteed to make your taste buds dance!

How to Make It

Note: This is an overview. See the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Prepare the noodles:
Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 20 minutes or cook according to the package instructions until they’re soft but slightly firm (al dente). Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Mix the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes (if using). This flavorful sauce will bring the dish to life, balancing salty, tangy, and sweet flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Cook the chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken breast and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.

Scramble the eggs:
In the same wok, push the chicken to the side or temporarily remove it. Pour in lightly beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set. The eggs add richness and texture to the dish.

Combine everything:
Add the cooked noodles, prepared sauce, and cooked chicken back into the wok. Toss everything together using tongs or a spatula to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.

Finish with toppings:
Stir in fresh bean sprouts and sliced green onions. Garnish with crushed peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pad Thai

• Prep first: Have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking; Pad Thai comes together quickly!
• Tamarind paste: For the best flavor, use authentic tamarind paste instead of substitutes.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding it to your noodles and tweak the balance of sweetness, saltiness, and tanginess to your liking.
• Cook in batches: If doubling the recipe, stir-fry in smaller portions to ensure even cooking.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the noodles.
• Freezing: Not recommended as the noodles may become mushy.