Easy Spicy Chicken Pad Thai

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Spicy Chicken Pad Thai brings the bold and savory flavors of the popular Thai street food right to your kitchen. With tender chicken, a spicy-sweet sauce, and a balance of fresh ingredients, this dish is a complete meal packed with flavor. It’s quick to make, customizable, and sure to become a favorite for those who love a little heat in their meals. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this Pad Thai recipe is easy to prepare and full of delicious complexity.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts (or thighs, sliced thin)
• Rice noodles
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Eggs (2)
• Bean sprouts
• Carrot (julienned)
• Green onions (sliced)
• Red bell pepper (sliced)
• Lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Crushed peanuts (for garnish)

For the sauce:

• Fish sauce
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Lime juice
• Sriracha or chili paste (for spice)
• Rice vinegar
• Tamarind paste (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, sriracha, rice vinegar, and tamarind paste (if using). Set aside.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Push the garlic to one side of the skillet and crack the eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs for 1-2 minutes until cooked through.
6. Add the cooked noodles, sauce, bean sprouts, julienned carrot, red bell pepper, and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
7. Serve the Pad Thai hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, crushed peanuts, and lime wedges.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cook time is 15 minutes, making the total time around 25 minutes.

Variations

• Use shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken.
• Add extra vegetables such as zucchini, snow peas, or bell peppers for more texture.
• Make it less spicy by reducing the amount of sriracha or chili paste.
• Use gluten-free tamari and rice noodles for a gluten-free version.
• Add a dash of hoisin sauce for extra sweetness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles. You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute the chicken for tofu or extra vegetables, and use a vegetarian-friendly sauce.

Can I make Easy Spicy Chicken Pad Thai ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients (chop vegetables, cook noodles) ahead of time for a quicker cooking process.

How do I make the Pad Thai spicier?

Add more sriracha or chili paste to increase the heat level to your liking.

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Rice noodles are traditional, but you can also use egg noodles or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.

How can I balance the flavors?

If the Pad Thai is too salty, add more lime juice or a little sugar. If it’s too sweet, increase the soy sauce or fish sauce.

Is Pad Thai gluten-free?

Traditional Pad Thai is gluten-free when using rice noodles and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time, just add it in when combining everything in the skillet.

Can I freeze Easy Spicy Chicken Pad Thai?

It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the noodles may become mushy upon reheating.

What is tamarind paste, and can I substitute it?

Tamarind paste adds a tangy flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with a bit of lime juice or a splash of vinegar.

How do I store leftover Pad Thai?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Easy Spicy Chicken Pad Thai is a flavorful, quick meal that brings the heat and bold flavors of Thai cuisine to your home. With just the right balance of spice, tang, and sweetness, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory and satisfying. Whether you’re a Pad Thai lover or new to the dish, this easy version will become a go-to in your weeknight meal rotation.

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