My Thai recipes are some of my most popular recipes on my site and I knew it was time for an authentic-tasting chicken pad Thai recipe that’s easy, ready quicker than you can call for takeout, and leaves you going back for more. This homemade pad Thai recipe feeds a crowd, so invite your friends over or get ready to enjoy delectable leftovers.
What Is Pad Thai?
Pad Thai is a popular street food dish that’s served all over Thailand. It typically features rice noodles, bean sprouts, peanuts, scrambled egg, and a source of protein (I’ve heard that shrimp is most common in Thailand). The ingredients are stir-fried in a wok in a delicious sauce made from soy sauce, fish sauce, and lime. The resulting explosion of tastes and textures is what makes this dish so delicious! The rice noodles remain chewy, while the veggies add a slight crunch. Note that the recipe I’m sharing in this post is NOT authentic pad Thai. It’s simply a home cook’s version of pad Thai using ingredients I can easily find at my local supermarket.
Recipe Ingredients
To make this easy chicken pad Thai recipe, you’ll need:
Flat rice noodles (sometimes called pad Thai noodles or ban pho noodles) Coconut oil Onion Chicken breasts Garlic Ground ginger Green cabbage (an 8-ounce bag of chopped cabbage is a time-saver) Shredded carrots (use pre-shredded to save time) Low-sodium soy sauce Fish sauce Lime juice Honey Green onions Peanuts
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Make Chicken Pad Thai
Homemade chicken pad Thai comes together quickly and easily. Here’s an overview of how the recipe is made:
Tips for Making This Recipe
One 12-ounce bag of coleslaw mix would do double-duty for the cabbage and carrots. This likely will also have red cabbage, and slightly less carrots, but in terms of taste, it will be very similar and is a time-saver and you’ll a tiny bit of money on ingredients compared to buying cabbage and carrots separately. Note that fresh ginger can be used instead of dried (use half the quantity listed if using fresh). Rather than using a combination of sesame and coconut oil, you’re welcome to use vegetable and/or olive oil. (Note that the mere 1 tablespoon of coconut I used in this big-batch recipe does not make the dish taste at all like coconut if you’re sensitive to the flavor).
Recipe Variations to Try
There are a million versions and variations of pad Thai you can try. Some optional ideas and variations include:
Add bean sprouts, bell peppers, and/or mushrooms. Rather than green onions, use fresh Thai basil. Sriracha adds a touch of heat, and for me Thai food needs to have at least some heat, but you can omit it if you’re sensitive to spices. Add extra sriracha and/or dried chili flakes if you want more heat.
Video Tutorial
More Chicken Stir-Fry Recipes:
ALL OF MY ASIAN RECIPES! To reheat: I recommend reheating the chicken pad Thai in a skillet over medium heat. You may need to add a little oil to the pan if the noodles seem dry. I don’t recommend reheating pad Thai in the microwave as that will make the noodles and chicken rubbery. Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Chicken Stir-Fry with Noodles — Skip takeout and make this EASY stir fry that’s ready in 15 minutes!! Loaded with juicy chicken, crisp-tender veggies, comforting noodles, and Asian-inspired flavors! Perfect for busy weeknights!! 15-Minute Chicken, Vegetable, and Ramen Noodle Stir Fry – Don’t call for takeout when you can make this EASY Asian stir fry in minutes!! HEALTHIER and faster than takeout and great for busy weeknights!! Chicken Egg Roll Bowls — These egg roll bowls are easy, ready in 15 minutes, full of flavor, have lots of texture, and are way healthier than actual egg rolls! Pair the stir-fry with steamed or cauliflower rice and a simple green salad for a full meal! Sweet Chili Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry – EASY, ready in 30 minutes, made in ONE skillet, and layered with Asian-inspired flavors! Juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, red bell peppers, and more are coated with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and finished with fresh cilantro for a pop of freshness! Chicken Chow Mein — Chewy chow mein noodles, crisp-tender veggies, and juicy chicken are stir-fried in a sesame-soy sauce! It’s a SIMPLE and FAST recipe that anyone can make. Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Fried Rice — One-skillet, ready in 20 minutes, and you’ll never want takeout again after tasting how good homemade is!! Way more flavor, not greasy, and loads of juicy chicken!!
