Quick Chicken Pad Thai: Authentic Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Chicken Pad Thai in under 30 minutes! Enjoy an authentic, flavorful weeknight meal with tender chicken, rice noodles, and classic Thai sauce.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Thai
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Noodle & Protein Core
01 -
8 oz dried flat rice noodles (Pad Thai style)
02 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
→ Authentic Pad Thai Sauce
03 -
3 tbsp tamarind paste
04 -
3 tbsp fish sauce
05 -
2 tbsp palm sugar (or light brown sugar)
06 -
1 tbsp rice vinegar
07 -
1 tsp Sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for heat)
→ Fresh Stir-Fry & Garnish
08 -
3 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
09 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 -
1 large shallot, thinly sliced
11 -
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
12 -
2 cups fresh bean sprouts, divided
13 -
1/2 cup green onions, chopped, divided
14 -
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped, for garnish
15 -
1 whole lime, cut into wedges, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Soak 8 oz dried flat rice noodles in hot water for 8-10 minutes until pliable but still firm. Drain well. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 3 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp palm sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp Sriracha (if using) for your Quick Chicken Pad Thai: Authentic Weeknight Meal sauce.
02 -
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
03 -
Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the pan. Pour in 2 large eggs, lightly beaten, and scramble until just set. Push eggs to one side. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 large thinly sliced shallot to the other side, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 -
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the eggs and aromatics. Add the drained rice noodles and pour in the prepared Pad Thai sauce. Toss everything together vigorously for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated and heated through. This is key for your Quick Chicken Pad Thai: Authentic Weeknight Meal.
05 -
Add 1 cup fresh bean sprouts and 1/4 cup chopped green onions to the pan. Toss for another 1-2 minutes until the sprouts are slightly softened but still retain some crunch. Ensure all ingredients are well combined for a perfect Quick Chicken Pad Thai: Authentic Weeknight Meal.
06 -
Transfer the Quick Chicken Pad Thai: Authentic Weeknight Meal to serving plates. Garnish generously with the remaining 1 cup fresh bean sprouts, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, and 1/4 cup roasted peanuts. Serve immediately with lime wedges for a burst of freshness.
# Notes:
01 -
Noodle Texture is Key: For perfect Pad Thai, ensure your rice noodles are pliable but still slightly firm after soaking. They will finish cooking in the wok, preventing a mushy texture.
02 -
Protein Flexibility: Feel free to substitute the 1 lb chicken breast with chicken thighs, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
03 -
Make Ahead Sauce: The Pad Thai sauce can be mixed up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making this weeknight meal even quicker to prepare.
04 -
Customizable Heat: The 1 tsp Sriracha is optional. For more heat, add extra Sriracha or chili flakes to taste. For less, omit it entirely.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large wok or large skillet
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Knife
04 -
Measuring cups and spoons
05 -
Small bowl
06 -
Spatula or wok utensil
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 590 kcal
Total Fat: 21 g
Total Carbohydrate: 66 g
Protein: 36 g