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Chicken Pad Thai

Skip the takeout and make restaurant-quality Pad Thai at home! This PAI-inspired Chicken Pad Thai is packed with juicy chicken thighs, chewy rice noodles, crisp bean sprouts, and a perfectly balanced sweet, savoury, and tangy sauce made with real tamarind paste. The homemade sauce makes extra, so you'll have plenty on hand for your next craving.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 4
Calories 715 kcal

Equipment

  • Carbon Steel Wok

Ingredients
  

Pad Thai Sauce (Makes Extra)

  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • ¾ cup tamarind paste
  • ½ cup Thai oyster sauce
  • ¼ cup fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp sweet soy sauce

Pad Thai

  • 300 g dried medium rice noodles
  • Hot water for soaking
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp minced shallot
  • 4 eggs
  • ½ cup prepared Pad Thai sauce plus more if needed
  • 4 cups bean sprouts
  • 1 cup garlic chives cut into 1½-inch pieces (or green onions)
  • ½ cup roasted unsalted peanuts chopped
  • 2 limes cut into wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a large microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl, combine the brown sugar, water, tamarind paste, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sweet soy sauce. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, then microwave for another minute. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth (about 2–3 minutes total). Set aside.
  • Place the rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with hot (not boiling) water. Soak for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are flexible but still slightly firm. Drain well.
  • Toss the sliced chicken thighs with the cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  • Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the shallot and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Push everything to one side of the pan and crack in the eggs. Scramble until just set.
  • Add the drained noodles and pour in ½ cup of the prepared Pad Thai sauce. Toss continuously for 2–3 minutes until the noodles become tender and evenly coated. If the noodles seem dry, add another tablespoon or two of sauce or a splash of water.
  • Return the chicken to the pan. Add the bean sprouts and garlic chives and toss everything together for 30–60 seconds, just until the vegetables begin to soften while still retaining some crunch.
  • Divide between four bowls and top with the chopped peanuts. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges.
Keyword Asian Noodles, Authentic Pad Thai, Better Than Takeout, Chicken Pad Thai, Chicken Thigh Pad Thai, Easy Pad Thai Recipe, Homemade Pad Thai, Pad Thai, PAI Pad Thai, Rice Noodles, Tamarind Pad Thai, Thai Noodles, Thai Pad Thai, weeknight dinner