Name: 30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon avocado oil; 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or canola oil); 1 pound boneless skinless chicken, cut into strips; 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red Thai chili seeded and finely chopped (optional); 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional); 2 large eggs, well beaten; 1 package (8-oz) Pad Thai rice noodles; 4 green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 3 tablespoons liquid aminos (or coconut aminos, or low-sodium soy sauce); 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, peeled and grated (optional); 1 cup bean sprouts (optional); 1/2 cup chopped unsalted peanuts; Fresh basil or cilantro, chopped; Lime or lemon wedges

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If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal that can transport you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok, look no further than this 30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai. This dish is a perfect blend of tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and vibrant vegetables, all tossed together with chewy rice noodles and a sweet-savory sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re a busy professional or a parent juggling a million tasks, this easy-to-follow recipe will allow you to whip up a delicious dinner in no time. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering adventure!

Reasons to Love 30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai

There are so many reasons to love this recipe! First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings. The combination of chicken and shrimp not only adds depth to the dish but also provides a delightful texture. Moreover, the customizable nature of Pad Thai means you can tailor it to suit your preferences, whether you want to ramp up the spice or add in extra veggies. Plus, the tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen while cooking is simply irresistible!

What You’ll Need

To create your very own 30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai, gather the following ingredients:

1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 tablespoons peanut oil (or canola oil)
1 pound boneless skinless chicken, cut into strips
1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red Thai chili, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
2 large eggs, well beaten
1 (8-oz) package Pad Thai rice noodles
4 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fish sauce
3 tablespoons liquid aminos (or coconut aminos, or low-sodium soy sauce)
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, peeled and grated (optional)
1 cup bean sprouts (optional)
1/2 cup chopped unsalted peanuts
Fresh basil or cilantro, chopped
Lime or lemon wedges

Tools of the Trade

Before you start cooking, make sure you have these essential tools on hand:

Large skillet or wok: The ideal cooking vessel for stir-frying your ingredients.
Spatula or wooden spoon: Perfect for tossing and mixing everything together.
Cooking pot: For boiling the Pad Thai rice noodles until they’re perfectly al dente.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring out your ingredients.

Build 30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai Step by Step

Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Soak the Noodles

Begin by soaking the Pad Thai rice noodles in hot water according to the package instructions, usually about 10-15 minutes, until they are soft but still firm. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, fish sauce, liquid aminos, and maple syrup. Set this delicious concoction aside as it will become the flavor base of your dish.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Shrimp

Heat the avocado oil and peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Toss in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, approximately 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic, Thai chili, and cayenne pepper (if using) and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

Push the chicken and shrimp to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them until fully cooked, then mix everything together.

Step 5: Add the Noodles

Add the drained rice noodles to the skillet and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Ingredients

Stir in the chopped green onions, bean sprouts (if using), and grated ginger (if using). Cook for an additional minute to warm through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh basil or cilantro. Serve with lime or lemon wedges for an added zing!

Flavor-Forward Alternatives

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations and alternatives you can try to put your spin on this 30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai:

Vegetable Pad Thai: Skip the chicken and shrimp and load up on extra veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini.
Spicy Pad Thai: Increase the amount of red Thai chili and add a splash of sriracha for a fiery kick!
Protein Swap: Use tofu instead of chicken or shrimp for a vegetarian option.
Nut-Free Version: Omit the peanuts and use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch instead.

What I Learned Testing

Through testing this recipe, I discovered a few tips that made a big difference in the final result:

Make sure to cook the chicken and shrimp on high heat to achieve that beautiful sear.
Don’t skip the soaking step for the noodles; it’s crucial to get the right texture.
Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your personal taste; a little extra maple syrup can add a nice sweetness!
Fresh herbs make a world of difference—always add them just before serving.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making them even more delicious the next day!

Freezing: You can freeze the Pad Thai for up to a month. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Quick Questions

Can I make this Pad Thai ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Just combine everything and cook when you’re ready to eat.

What can I substitute for fish sauce?

If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a little lime juice for a similar umami flavor.

Is Pad Thai gluten-free?

Pad Thai can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice noodles and ensure that your liquid aminos or soy sauce is gluten-free as well.

Can I add other proteins?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in beef, pork, or even leftover rotisserie chicken to switch things up.

One Pan, More Ideas

If you love the one-pan concept, here are some more ideas you might enjoy:

One-Pan Lemon Chicken – A zesty, flavorful dish that requires minimal cleanup.
One-Pan Vegetable Stir-Fry – Perfect for using up leftover veggies in your fridge.
One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp – Quick and delicious, this dish is a seafood lover’s dream!
One-Pan Pasta Primavera – A vibrant and refreshing take on pasta that’s incredibly easy to make.

Wrap-Up

This 30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai recipe is not only quick and easy to make, but it is also packed with flavor and can be tailored to suit various dietary preferences. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of noodles or looking for a dish that impresses guests, this recipe has it all. With fresh ingredients and the ability to customize, it will quickly become a go-to in your weeknight dinner rotation.

So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a delightful culinary journey from the comfort of your home!