Non-Veg

Authentic Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

Name: Authentic Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g flat rice noodles; 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided; 200g boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup firm tofu, pressed and diced (optional); 2 cups bean sprouts, divided; 1/2 cup chopped chives or spring onion greens; 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed (for garnish); Lime wedges (for serving); For the Pad Thai Sauce:; 3 tbsp fish sauce; 3 tbsp tamarind paste; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

By Recipe Heaven Kitchen17 Mar 20260

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Servings4

DifficultyEasy

Bring the vibrant flavors of Thailand to your kitchen with this easy and authentic Chicken Pad Thai recipe. This high-protein, all-season favorite features stir-fried rice noodles with succulent chicken, scrambled eggs, crisp bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts, all coated in a harmonious sweet, sour, and savory Pad Thai sauce. A delicious and satisfying Thai meal ready in no time!

Ingredients

200g flat rice noodles
2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
200g boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup firm tofu, pressed and diced (optional)
2 cups bean sprouts, divided
1/2 cup chopped chives or spring onion greens
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)
For the Pad Thai Sauce:
3 tbsp fish sauce
3 tbsp tamarind paste
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

1
Prepare Noodles: Soak rice noodles in hot water for 15-20 minutes until softened but still firm (al dente). Drain and set aside.
2
Make Pad Thai Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and chili flakes (if using). Set aside.
3
Cook Chicken & Tofu: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken slices and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. If using tofu, add it to the wok with another 1/2 tbsp oil and stir-fry until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4
Scramble Eggs & Sauté Garlic: Add the remaining 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok. Add minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Push garlic to one side, pour beaten eggs into the other side, and scramble them until just set.
5
Combine & Stir-fry: Add the drained noodles to the wok. Pour the prepared Pad Thai sauce over the noodles. Toss everything together vigorously for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the noodles are fully coated and hot.
6
Add Remaining Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken (and tofu if using) to the wok. Add most of the bean sprouts (reserve some for garnish) and chopped chives/spring onion greens. Stir-fry for another minute until bean sprouts are slightly softened but still retain some crunch.
7
Serve: Transfer the Pad Thai to serving plates. Garnish with crushed roasted peanuts, reserved fresh bean sprouts, and lime wedges on the side for squeezing. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Authentic Chicken Pad Thai!

Frequently asked questions

What type of noodles are best for Pad Thai?▾

Flat rice noodles (Pad Thai noodles) are essential for authentic Pad Thai. Look for ones that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. Soak them until pliable, not fully cooked, as they will finish cooking in the wok.

What is tamarind paste and can I substitute it?▾

Tamarind paste is a key ingredient for Pad Thai's signature sour flavor. You can find it in Asian grocery stores. If unavailable, a small amount of lime juice or rice vinegar mixed with a tiny bit of brown sugar can be a substitute, though the flavor won't be identical.

Can I add shrimp to this recipe?▾

Yes, absolutely! Shrimp is a very common addition to Pad Thai. Add raw shrimp to the wok after the chicken has cooked and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque before adding the noodles.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?▾

After soaking, drain the noodles thoroughly and toss them with a tiny bit of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Also, ensure your wok is hot and you stir-fry quickly.

Can I make Pad Thai vegetarian?▾

Yes! Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or a mix of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. For the sauce, use a vegetarian fish sauce alternative or simply increase soy sauce and add a dash of mushroom seasoning.