Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Spicy Chicken Pad Thai is a flavorful and quick take on the beloved Thai street food classic. Featuring tender chicken, rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, and a tangy, spicy sauce, this dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and heat in under 30 minutes. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners and easy to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

rice noodlesboneless, skinless chicken breastsgarliceggsbean sproutsgreen onionscrushed peanutslime wedgesvegetable oil

For the sauce:

fish saucesoy saucesriracha (or your favorite hot sauce)brown sugarrice vinegar

directions

Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and set aside.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add thinly sliced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, add more oil if needed and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.

Push the garlic to the side and scramble the eggs in the pan until cooked.

Add the cooked chicken back to the pan along with the noodles and sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Stir in bean sprouts and chopped green onions, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.

Serve hot, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime wedges.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 3–4 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein.

Add shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.

Use tamari for a gluten-free version.

Adjust the sriracha for your preferred spice level.

Top with fresh cilantro for an herbal twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil until warmed through.Avoid microwaving too long to prevent the noodles from drying out.

FAQs

What type of noodles should I use?

Flat rice noodles are traditional for Pad Thai and work best for texture and taste.

Can I make it less spicy?

Yes, reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce to lower the heat.

Is Pad Thai gluten-free?

It can be if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure the other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken with tofu and use vegetarian fish sauce or extra soy sauce.

How do I keep noodles from sticking?

Rinse the noodles after boiling and toss them with a little oil if not using immediately.

What can I use instead of fish sauce?

Soy sauce with a touch of lime juice or tamarind paste can substitute for fish sauce.

Why did my noodles turn mushy?

Overcooking rice noodles can make them mushy—be sure to cook just until tender.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes, it reheats well and can be made ahead for lunches.

Do I need a wok?

No, a large skillet works just as well for home cooking.

What oil is best for stir-frying?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are best for high-heat stir-frying.

Conclusion

Easy Spicy Chicken Pad Thai brings bold, balanced flavors to your table in a quick and satisfying meal. With simple ingredients and customizable options, it’s a go-to recipe that’ll please spice lovers and noodle fans alike. Perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving takeout at home.