You are going to love this easy Chicken Pad Thai recipe. Packed with bright, savory flavors and made from pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s quicker and more satisfying than takeout. With a simple homemade sauce and versatile add-ins, you can customize this at home to suit your taste.
You may also enjoy my shrimp pad Thai.
If you’ve ever hesitated to make Chicken Pad Thai at home, this recipe removes the mystery. Using accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create a dish that rivals restaurant versions. It’s family-friendly and easy to adapt for picky eaters or special diets.
Recipe Overview
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is a quick ingredients list for Chicken Pad Thai. Exact amounts are shown in the recipe card further down.
- Thai rice noodles: look in the noodle or Asian aisle.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: thighs work well too.
- Peanut oil or sesame oil
- Red bell pepper
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Green onions
- Eggs
- Unsalted roasted peanuts
- Cilantro
- Maple syrup or honey
- Light-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option
- Rice vinegar
- Lime
Tips and Substitutions
- Vegetarian: replace chicken with tofu or a plant-based alternative.
- Pescatarian: swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood version.
- Extra vegetables: add snow peas, bean sprouts, shredded cabbage or snap peas.
- Spicy: mix in chili paste or sriracha to taste.
- Use a large skillet or wok so you have room to toss the noodles and vegetables evenly.
Common Questions
Light vegetable sides complement Pad Thai well—think stir-fried vegetables, a crisp salad, or roasted cauliflower. Choose something simple to balance the sweet and savory noodles.
Yes. Boneless, skinless thighs are a great option and stay juicy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Try shrimp, beef, tofu, or a plant-based protein to vary the dish.
You may also like
- Easy Orange Chicken Stir Fry
- Asian Chicken Cups
- Beef Lo Mein
- Easy and Healthy Beef Stir Fry
- Chinese Scallion Sesame Pancakes
- Asian Shrimp Zucchini Noodles
- Chicken Fried Rice
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Easy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 ounces Thai rice noodles
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into small strips
- 2 tablespoons groundnut oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 green onions, sliced diagonally into 1-inch pieces
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup unsalted roasted peanuts, chopped
- ⅓ cup cilantro, chopped
Sauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup light-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: maple syrup (or honey), light soy sauce (or coconut aminos), rice vinegar, and lime juice. Set aside.
- Cook the Thai rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the chicken strips, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan. Sauté the red bell pepper, carrots, and garlic for 5–6 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the green onions during the last minute.
- Beat the eggs in a small bowl, then push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour in the eggs. Scramble until just set.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the noodles and the prepared sauce. Toss gently over medium-low heat until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped peanuts and cilantro, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Vegetarian: swap chicken for tofu or mock chicken.
- Pescatarian: use shrimp instead of chicken.
- Veggie swaps: add bean sprouts, snow peas, or shredded cabbage for variety.
- Spicy: add chili paste or sriracha to the sauce for heat.
- Use a large skillet or wok for best results when tossing noodles and vegetables.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.