Tantalizing Spicy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe: Quick & Homemade

Whipping up a mouthwatering spicy chicken pad thai can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Aromatic noodles dance with tender chicken, creating a symphony of bold flavors that’ll make you forget takeout exists.

Authentic Thai street food meets your kitchen, promising an explosion of taste in every bite.

Vibrant ingredients like tangy tamarind and crunchy peanuts bring this classic dish to life with minimal effort.

Bright herbs and zesty lime add a fresh kick that makes this recipe sing.

Spice lovers will rejoice at the perfect balance of heat and savory goodness.

You’ll find yourself transported to the bustling streets of bangkok with just one forkful of this incredible pad thai.

Spicy Chicken Pad Thai Ingredients List

• Chicken: Tender protein that provides hearty flavor and main substance of the dish. Boneless and skinless chicken breasts work best.

• Rice Noodles: Soft, smooth base that absorbs sauce beautifully. Choose flat rice noodles for authentic pad thai texture.

• Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce: Salty and umami flavor enhancers that create depth. Low sodium versions are good for controlling salt.
• Brown Sugar: Sweet balancer that helps create caramelized flavor profile. Dark brown sugar offers richer taste.
• Lime Juice: Bright acidic component that adds freshness. Fresh limes provide better flavor than bottled juice.
• Sriracha, Chili Flakes: Spicy elements that bring heat and complexity. Adjust amount based on personal spice tolerance.

• Garlic, Onion: Foundational flavor builders that provide aromatic base. Fresh garlic cloves are more potent than pre-minced.

• Eggs: Protein-rich binder that adds creamy texture. Farm-fresh eggs have best flavor and texture.
• Peanut Butter (Optional): Nutty thickener that creates richer sauce. Natural peanut butter works best.

• Bean Sprouts, Green Onions: Fresh crunch that adds brightness and texture. Use crisp, fresh sprouts.
• Crushed Peanuts, Cilantro: Final flavor and texture enhancers. Toasted peanuts provide more intense nuttiness.
• Lime Wedges: Fresh citrus for final bright squeeze. Serves as optional extra seasoning.

• Cooking Oil: Neutral medium for sautéing and preventing sticking. Vegetable or canola oil recommended.

Cooking Instructions for Spicy Chicken Pad Thai

Step 1: Tame The Noodles

Place rice noodles in boiling water and cook according to package directions. Once soft and tender, drain completely and set aside.

Step 2: Craft The Flavor Explosion

• Soy sauce
• Fish sauce
• Fresh lime juice
• Brown sugar
• Sriracha
• Peanut butter
• Chili flakes

Step 3: Transform The Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high flame. Toss chicken into the hot pan and cook until golden and completely done. The chicken should look beautifully caramelized and feel firm when touched. Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 4: Awaken The Aromatics

In the same sizzling pan, add fresh oil. Quickly dance garlic and onions around until they release their incredible fragrance and turn slightly translucent.

Step 5: Scramble The Eggs

Slide onions to one side of the pan. Pour eggs directly into the empty space and scramble until just barely set with soft, fluffy texture.

Step 6: Create Culinary Magic

• Cooked noodles
• Prepared chicken
• Crafted sauce

Toss ingredients until perfectly coated. Gently fold in bean sprouts and green onions.

Step 7: Dress And Serve

• Crushed peanuts
• Fresh cilantro

Squeeze lime wedges over the top. Serve immediately while piping hot!

Spicy Chicken Pad Thai Tips for Bold Flavor

• Drain Noodles Perfectly: Pat rice noodles dry after draining to prevent them from becoming soggy, ensuring a crisp and authentic pad thai texture.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust sriracha and chili flakes according to your heat tolerance, creating a personalized spicy experience that suits your palate.
• Protein Swap Options: Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or thinly sliced beef for versatile protein alternatives that keep the dish exciting.
• Quick Sauce Hack: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors, preventing peanut butter from clumping and ensuring a smooth, well-integrated taste profile.
• Crisp Vegetable Technique: Add bean sprouts and green onions at the end to maintain their fresh crunch and prevent overcooking, preserving their vibrant texture and nutrients.

How to Store and Reheat Spicy Chicken Pad Thai

• Store leftover Pad Thai in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water to prevent dryness and maintain noodle texture.
• Revive flavors by reheating in a skillet over medium heat. Drizzle a little oil to prevent sticking and refresh the dish's moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking noodles.
• Fresh herbs and extra crushed peanuts can help restore the original vibrant taste and crunch when serving leftovers.

Best Pairings for Spicy Chicken Pad Thai

• Pair this spicy chicken pad thai with crisp, refreshing beverages that balance its bold taste.
• Choose light lagers like Singha or Chang to cool down the spicy notes and complement the dish's complex flavors.
• Mix a zesty gin and lime cocktail to echo the lime's brightness in the pad thai and cut through its richness.
• Select a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to counterbalance the heat and enhance the dish's aromatic profile.

Fresh Variations of Spicy Chicken Pad Thai

• Vegetarian Pad Thai: Replace chicken with firm tofu, pressed and cubed. Use vegetable broth instead of fish sauce for a plant-based version that's packed with protein.
• Gluten-Free Pad Thai: Swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use rice noodles and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai: Substitute rice noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles. Reduce brown sugar or use a sugar-free alternative to keep carbohydrates minimal.
• Seafood Pad Thai: Trade chicken for shrimp or a mix of seafood like scallops and prawns. Adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking delicate proteins.

Spicy Chicken Pad Thai FAQ Guide

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of fish sauce to maintain flavor complexity.

• Is pad thai spicy?

The recipe includes sriracha and chili flakes, so it has a moderate heat level. You can adjust spiciness by reducing or eliminating those ingredients.

• What if I don't have fish sauce?

Substitute with soy sauce and a splash of worcestershire sauce. This will provide a similar umami depth to the dish.

• Are rice noodles gluten-free?

Most rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, but always check packaging to confirm. Use certified gluten-free soy sauce if needed for a completely gluten-free meal.

Reasons to Make Spicy Chicken Pad Thai Tonight

• Packed with spicy sriracha, tangy lime, savory soy sauce, and nutty peanuts, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination of sweet, sour, and heat in every bite.
• Easily swap chicken for tofu, adjust spice levels, or add extra veggies to make this dish match your personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Using just one pan reduces dishes, making this recipe a dream for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal kitchen mess.

Easy Spicy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Sizzling spicy chicken pad thai delivers authentic Thai street flavors with bold, tangy notes dancing across your palate. Crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and silky noodles combine perfectly, transporting you straight to Bangkok’s bustling culinary scene.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin

Noodles and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) rice noodles
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or more soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional, for creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup crushed peanuts
• Lime wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Immerse rice noodles in boiling water, following package guidelines. Drain thoroughly and set aside, ensuring they remain separate and don’t clump together.
2. Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking soy sauce, fish sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, brown sugar, sriracha, optional peanut butter, and chili flakes in a compact mixing bowl until perfectly blended.
3. Preheat a spacious skillet with oil over robust heat. Introduce chicken pieces, allowing them to transform into golden-brown morsels while cooking completely through, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer cooked protein to a temporary holding plate.
4. Utilize the same pan’s residual heat and remaining oil. Introduce minced garlic and sliced onions, creating an aromatic foundation by sautéing until fragrant and slightly translucent.
5. Create a small clearing in the pan’s landscape. Gently pour beaten eggs into the cleared space, scrambling delicately until they reach a soft, slightly runny consistency.
6. Merge all components harmoniously: integrate noodles, previously cooked chicken, and prepared sauce into the pan. Toss with precision, ensuring each ingredient receives an even coating of flavor. Incorporate crisp bean sprouts and freshly chopped green onions.
7. Elevate the dish’s presentation by generously sprinkling crushed peanuts, scattering fresh cilantro leaves, and positioning lime wedges strategically. Serve immediately while ingredients maintain their optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter to create a nut-free version perfect for those with allergies.
• Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish celiac-friendly without losing authentic flavor complexity.
• Reduce sriracha by half if you’re sensitive to heat, allowing you to control spice levels while maintaining delicious taste profile.
• Press and drain tofu as a fantastic protein alternative for vegetarians, ensuring it gets crispy and absorbs the incredible sauce perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 72 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg