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Homemade 30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai recipe photo

30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai

This 30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai is quick, flavorful, and customizable! Enjoy tender chicken and shrimp tossed with chewy noodles in a sweet-savory sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Thai

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

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Cooking pot
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Soak 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.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, fish sauce, liquid aminos, and maple syrup. Set this aside as it will become the flavor base of your dish.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Stir in the chopped green onions, bean sprouts (if using), and grated ginger (if using). Cook for an additional minute to warm through.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh basil or cilantro. Serve with lime or lemon wedges for an added zing!

Notes

  • Cook the chicken and shrimp on high heat for the best sear.
  • Don't skip soaking the noodles for the right texture.
  • Adjust sauce ingredients to your taste; extra maple syrup adds sweetness!
  • Always add fresh herbs just before serving for maximum flavor.