Name: Easy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: ¼ cup tamarind paste; ¼ cup fish sauce; ⅓ cup brown sugar packed; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; Juice of 1 lime; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 10 ounces rice noodles; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided; 1 pound chicken breast boneless and skinless, thinly sliced and cut into bite size pieces; 1 cup bean sprouts; 1 medium carrot julienned or shredded; 4 cloves garlic minced; 3 large eggs lightly beaten; ½ cup roasted peanuts chopped; 3 green onions sliced into 1-inch pieces; Lime wedges for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 8 reviews

If you’ve been craving a delicious Thai meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share with friends, I’ve got you covered. This Easy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe is my go-to for that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory, with tender chicken and chewy noodles that feel just right every time. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made Pad Thai at home before—it’s a total game-changer!

💙

Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Sauce: The combination of tamarind, fish sauce, and brown sugar creates that iconic sweet-sour-salty flavor that defines Pad Thai.
Simple Ingredients: Using easy-to-find staples makes this recipe approachable without sacrificing authenticity.
Quick Cooking: The chicken cooks fast and the noodles come together in under 30 minutes—perfect for when you’re short on time but want something home-cooked.
Texture Play: The mix of soft noodles, crunchy bean sprouts, and chopped peanuts keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.

Easy Chicken Pad Thai, Thai Chicken Pad Thai, homemade Pad Thai, quick Chicken Pad Thai, authentic Thai stir-fry - A black pan filled with stir-fried noodles that are light brown and mixed with small pieces of cooked chicken that are golden and white. Bright green chopped spring onions are scattered evenly on top, along with crushed peanuts adding a pale beige crunch. There are two lime wedges placed on the noodles, one near the center and one on the edge. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a few scattered peanuts nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe plays a special role in layering flavors and textures. I always make sure to use fresh bean sprouts and roasted peanuts—they add that satisfying crunch and freshness the dish needs. Also, picking thin rice noodles is key for the perfect chew without any clumping.

Easy Chicken Pad Thai, Thai Chicken Pad Thai, homemade Pad Thai, quick Chicken Pad Thai, authentic Thai stir-fry - Flat lay of a small heap of thin rice noodles, fresh whole lime and lime wedges, a small pile of sliced green onions, a medium-sized peeled carrot julienned, a handful of fresh white bean sprouts, three whole brown eggs with clean shells, chopped roasted peanuts arranged neatly, a few garlic cloves unpeeled, thinly sliced raw chicken breast pieces, and four small white ceramic bowls containing tamarind paste, dark fish sauce, packed brown sugar, and clear soy sauce, a tiny white bowl with vibrant red pepper flakes, all ingredients fresh and natural on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Tamarind paste: This provides that signature tangy depth; if you can’t find it, lime juice is a decent backup, but tamarind really elevates the dish.
Fish sauce: It adds savory umami flavor that is essential in Thai cuisine, so don’t skip it!
Brown sugar: Balances the sourness of tamarind and saltiness of fish sauce with a gentle sweetness.
Soy sauce: Adds color and a bit of extra savory punch.
Lime juice: Brightens the whole dish and brings the flavors to life.
Red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to give your tastebuds a little wake-up call.
Rice noodles: Choose thin varieties for quick cooking and best texture.
Vegetable oil: Neutral and high smoke point, perfect for quick stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
Chicken breast: Lean and cooks quickly; slicing thin helps it stay tender.
Bean sprouts: Fresh and crisp, they add a great crunch and lightness to the dish.
Carrot: Adds subtle sweetness and color; julienne or shredded works well.
Garlic: A must-have aromatic that makes the dish fragrant and irresistible.
Eggs: Adds protein and a silky texture; scrambling them right in the pan is an easy way to incorporate.
Roasted peanuts: Gives a delightful crunch and nutty depth; always chop them yourself for freshness.
Green onions: Offers a fresh pop of color and mild onion bite.
Lime wedges: For squeezing on top to brighten every bite.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the reasons I love this Easy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you like it spicier or a bit sweeter, or want to go vegetarian, this base is super flexible. Feel free to swap ingredients to suit your mood or the season.

Spicy Kick: I sometimes toss in extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha when I want a fiery version that wakes me right up.
Protein Swap: Shrimp or tofu work beautifully if you want to change things up or cater to dietary preferences.
Veggie Boost: Toss in bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color when in season.
Nut-Free: Simply omit peanuts and add toasted sesame seeds for a different twist if allergies are a concern.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Sauce First

I always start by whisking together the tamarind paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This gives the flavors time to meld while you prep the noodles and chicken. Trust me, having your sauce ready upfront makes the cooking flow smoother—and your Pad Thai will taste like you ordered it from a street vendor in Bangkok!

Step 2: Cook the Noodles Just Right

Follow the package instructions closely and don’t overcook the rice noodles. Immediately drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking, then toss with a little vegetable oil so they don’t stick together. This step took me a while to master, but it’s so worth it—overcooked noodles are the one thing that can derail an otherwise perfect Pad Thai.

Step 3: Sauté Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced chicken pieces and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until they turn lightly golden and are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to move them to a plate—leaving the flavorful oil behind to cook the veggies next.

Step 4: Veggies and Eggs in Harmony

Pop the remaining oil, bean sprouts, carrots, and minced garlic into the pan. Cook them for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, then push the veggies aside and pour in your beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs gently until fully cooked, then stir everything together for a delicious veggie-egg combo that adds great texture.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken and noodles to the pan, add the sauce and sliced green onions, then toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and glossy. I like to give it one final taste test here to see if I need to adjust salt or sweetness—sometimes I throw in a splash of fish sauce or an extra squeeze of lime. Then, off the heat and onto your plate!

💡

Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

Perfect Noodles: Rinse the rice noodles under cold water right after cooking to stop them from getting mushy—this little trick made all the difference for me.
Sauce Balance: Taste your sauce before adding—if it’s too tart, a touch more brown sugar helps balance it out nicely.
High Heat Cooking: Cook quickly on high heat to get that slight char on your chicken and veggies—it adds flavor you don’t want to miss.
Hold Back Peanuts: Save a handful of crushed roasted peanuts for garnishing; it adds an irresistible crunch at the very last moment.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

Easy Chicken Pad Thai, Thai Chicken Pad Thai, homemade Pad Thai, quick Chicken Pad Thai, authentic Thai stir-fry - A dark round plate holds a pile of stir-fried noodles mixed with small pieces of light brown chicken and scrambled egg in yellow chunks. Bright green vegetable pieces are scattered throughout, with white sliced peanuts sprinkled on top. A wedge of lime rests on the side of the plate. A pair of wooden chopsticks lifts a twisted clump of noodles from the right side of the plate. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a soft green cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top my Pad Thai with freshly chopped roasted peanuts and a few lime wedges for squeezing over the plate. Sometimes I sprinkle on extra red pepper flakes if I’m serving guests who like it spicy. Fresh green onions not only taste great but also make the dish look vibrant and inviting—all small touches that turn a simple dinner into a feast.

Side Dishes

Pair this with a light Asian cucumber salad or some crispy spring rolls if you’re feeling fancy. I also love a simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice on the side if you want to stretch the meal a bit further without dulling the bold flavors of the Pad Thai.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve the Pad Thai in individual banana leaf bowls or scatter fresh herbs like Thai basil and cilantro on top. It’s a beautiful way to impress dinner guests and adds a lovely aroma that fills the room. You could even garnish with edible flowers for a wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pad Thai reheats surprisingly well when stored properly. I transfer leftovers to airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to preserve texture and flavor.

Freezing

I’ve learned that freezing isn’t the best for Pad Thai because the noodles can get mushy and the sauce separates slightly. If you do freeze it, try to use it within a month and reheat gently to retain some of the original texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using a skillet on medium heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out. Stir gently until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch, but a quick stovetop reheat keeps textures closer to freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers, and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari to keep the umami flavor without animal products.
What’s the best way to avoid sticky noodles?

Rinsing the cooked rice noodles with cold water right after draining and tossing them with a little oil helps keep them separate and prevents sticking—a small step that really pays off.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made a day or two ahead, which actually helps the flavors deepen. Just give it a good whisk before adding to the noodles and chicken.
What if I can’t find tamarind paste?

If tamarind paste is hard to find, use more lime juice to add acidity, but keep in mind it won’t have the exact same flavor profile—the tamarind adds a unique fruity sourness that’s hard to replicate.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Definitely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and flavor, though they take slightly longer to cook. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook thoroughly before adding the noodles.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s proof that authentic flavors don’t need complicated prep or hard-to-find ingredients. I love sharing it with friends on a casual night and seeing everyone savor the layers of flavor. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making (and eating!) this Pad Thai as much as I do, and once you nail the balance of sauce and textures, it might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner. So grab those ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to whip up a dish that’s bound to impress!