Spoon Simple
Easy Chicken Pad Thai
Sweet, tangy, and savory chicken pad thai with rice noodles, crunchy bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts. Better than takeout and on the table in 30 minutes.
Prep 15 min
Cook 15 min
Total 30 min
Serves 4
Ingredients
Step 1 — Prep the noodles and chicken
- 8 oz rice noodles (pad thai width)
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast (sliced thin)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
Step 2 — Make the pad thai sauce
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste (or 3 tbsp lime juice)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
Step 3 — Finish and garnish
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 4 green onions (sliced)
- ½ cup roasted peanuts (crushed)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Soak the noodles
Place rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with hot water. Soak 8–10 minutes until pliable but still slightly firm — they will finish cooking in the wok. Drain well and set aside.
- 2
Make the pad thai sauce
Whisk together fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust — it should be sweet, salty, and tangy.
- 3
Cook the chicken
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate.
- 4
Stir-fry the noodles
Add remaining oil to the hot wok. Push noodles to one side and pour beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble until just set, then toss with the noodles. Return chicken to the wok, pour sauce over everything, and toss 2–3 minutes until noodles are tender and coated.
- 5
Finish and serve
Remove from heat and fold in bean sprouts and most of the green onions — the residual heat will soften them slightly. Serve immediately topped with crushed peanuts, remaining green onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Nutrition per serving: 480 cal · 32g protein · 52g carbs · 16g fat · 3g fiber
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.
