Spicy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

Introduction

Spicy Chicken Pad Thai is a flavorful and satisfying dish that blends savory, sweet, sour, and spicy elements, creating a perfect harmony of tastes and textures. This classic Thai street food has become a favorite worldwide, and for good reason. With tender chicken, stir-fried noodles, crisp vegetables, and a bold, spicy sauce, Pad Thai is a vibrant and comforting meal that can be made easily at home. The added kick of heat from fresh chili peppers ensures this version of Pad Thai is as fiery as it is delicious.

This recipe is simple to make and doesn’t require a lot of time or special ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend treat. Whether you’re new to cooking Thai food or are a seasoned pro, you’ll enjoy preparing this spicy version of a beloved classic. This guide will take you step-by-step through the process, from prepping the ingredients to serving up a plate of spicy, savory goodness.

Why You’ll Love Spicy Chicken Pad Thai

• Bold, Complex Flavors: The combination of tamarind paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar creates a tangy-sweet base for the Pad Thai sauce, which is complemented by fresh herbs, peanuts, and the fiery spice from fresh chili peppers.
• Perfect Balance of Texture: With stir-fried rice noodles, crunchy vegetables, and tender chicken, every bite of this dish offers a delightful mix of textures that make it a fun and satisfying meal.
• Customizable Heat: The spice level can easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences, making it suitable for those who love heat and those who prefer a milder dish.
• Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe can be prepared in about 30 minutes with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Aromatic and Delicious: The fragrance of fresh cilantro, lime, and peanuts wafting from this dish makes it an irresistible meal. Its vibrant colors and delicious smell make it the perfect dish to serve at any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 450-500 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 50-55g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 10-12g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Pad Thai:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 fresh red chili peppers, thinly sliced (adjust to your heat preference)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 8 oz (225g) rice noodles (Pad Thai noodles)
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• ½ cup carrots, julienned
• ½ cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

For the Pad Thai Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce (optional, for added heat)

Special Equipment

While preparing Spicy Chicken Pad Thai doesn’t require specialized tools, having a few key pieces of equipment can make the cooking process easier and ensure the dish comes together seamlessly:

1. Wok or Large Skillet: A wok is ideal for stir-frying as it allows the ingredients to cook evenly and quickly over high heat. If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet or frying pan will work as well.
2. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing the chicken, vegetables, and garnishes. It ensures clean cuts and adds to the dish’s aesthetic appeal.
3. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A wooden spoon or spatula is best for stir-frying because it won’t scratch the surface of your wok or skillet.
4. Large Bowl: A large bowl is useful for tossing the cooked rice noodles with the Pad Thai sauce before adding them to the stir-fry.
5. Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements are key for balancing the flavors in the Pad Thai sauce. Using proper measuring spoons and cups ensures you get the perfect ratio of ingredients.
6. Strainer or Colander: A strainer or colander is useful for draining the rice noodles after they’ve been cooked. It helps remove excess water, so your noodles don’t get too soggy.
7. Lime Zester (Optional): For an extra burst of citrus flavor, a lime zester can be used to create thin lime zest to garnish the Pad Thai.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles

Start by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Generally, this involves boiling water, adding the noodles, and cooking them for 4-5 minutes until they’re soft but still firm to the bite. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Be sure to toss them with a little oil to prevent sticking if you’re not using them immediately.

2. Make the Pad Thai Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, and Sriracha sauce (if using). Stir well to dissolve the sugar and blend all the ingredients together. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary—add more lime juice for extra tang, more sugar for sweetness, or more Sriracha for heat.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and stir-fry until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

4. Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

In the same wok or skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and sliced chili peppers, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the carrots, red bell pepper, and green onions to the pan, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes, just until they begin to soften. You want them to remain crisp-tender for the best texture.

5. Scramble the Eggs

Push the vegetables to one side of the wok or skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them, stirring occasionally, until they are just set. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the vegetables.

6. Combine the Noodles, Chicken, and Sauce

Add the cooked chicken back into the pan along with the rice noodles. Pour the Pad Thai sauce over everything and toss well to coat all the ingredients. Stir-fry the noodles and chicken for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined. The noodles should be coated in the flavorful sauce and slightly caramelized.

7. Add Bean Sprouts and Garnish

Once the noodles are ready, add the bean sprouts and chopped cilantro to the wok. Toss to combine and let the bean sprouts soften slightly from the heat of the noodles.

Serve the Pad Thai immediately, garnishing with chopped roasted peanuts and lime wedges. The peanuts add crunch, while the lime gives a fresh citrus kick when squeezed over the dish.

Tips for Perfect Spicy Chicken Pad Thai

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, cilantro, lime, and chili peppers make all the difference in flavor. Try to use fresh ingredients instead of dried or jarred versions for the best result.
• Adjust the Heat: If you like your Pad Thai spicier, add more chili peppers or a spoonful of chili paste to the sauce. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chili peppers or omit the Sriracha.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Rice noodles cook quickly, so be sure to monitor them closely. Overcooking them can result in mushy noodles. It’s best to cook them just until tender and firm to the bite.
• Use a High Heat: Stir-fry the ingredients on high heat to get that smoky flavor that’s characteristic of Pad Thai. This also helps cook the chicken quickly and caramelizes the sauce on the noodles.
• Make It Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version of this dish, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and ensure the sauce doesn’t contain fish sauce by using soy sauce or a vegetarian fish sauce alternative.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables such as mushrooms, snow peas, or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.

Variations of Spicy Chicken Pad Thai

• Shrimp Pad Thai: Swap out the chicken for shrimp for a lighter version of this dish. Simply cook the shrimp until pink and add them to the stir-fry in place of the chicken.
• Tofu Pad Thai: For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water, and cut into cubes. Fry the tofu until crispy and golden, then add it to the stir-fry with the noodles.
• Peanut-Free Pad Thai: If you have a peanut allergy, you can omit the peanuts and use toasted sesame seeds,

sunflower seeds, or cashews as a garnish instead.

• Spicy Coconut Pad Thai: For a creamier, richer twist, you can add a few tablespoons of coconut milk to the sauce, giving the dish a smooth texture and a subtle sweetness.

Storage and Shelf Life

Pad Thai is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later:

• Refrigeration: Leftover Spicy Chicken Pad Thai can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce and lose a bit of their original texture, but it will still be delicious.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the Pad Thai in a pan over low heat and add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the noodles. Stir-fry until heated through, and garnish with fresh cilantro and peanuts.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Spicy Chicken Pad Thai

To make this dish even more satisfying, you can serve it with some delicious side dishes:

• Thai Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side salad with cucumbers, red onion, and a tangy dressing made from lime, sugar, and fish sauce. It’s the perfect contrast to the spicy and savory Pad Thai.
• Thai Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables, shrimp, or chicken make a great appetizer or side dish to complement the bold flavors of Pad Thai.
• Thai Iced Tea: A cool, sweet Thai iced tea is the perfect beverage to balance the heat in the Pad Thai. Its creamy and spiced flavor pairs well with the dish.

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Conclusion

Spicy Chicken Pad Thai is a wonderfully balanced dish full of bold flavors, satisfying textures, and plenty of heat. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that can easily be customized to suit your preferences. With its combination of savory chicken, stir-fried noodles, crunchy vegetables, and tangy sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves bold, Asian-inspired cuisine. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to try something new, Spicy Chicken Pad Thai will leave you coming back for seconds. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Thailand in your own home with this easy and delicious recipe!