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Home Recipes By Meal Lunch and Dinner

Easy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

78 Reviews Recipe
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By: Erin Antoniak • Updated On September 23, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

For something easy, delicious, and reminiscent of your favorite Thai food cart, make this Easy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe. It’s full of many different delicious ingredients and is perfect for serving to guests!

healthy peanut pad thai

A flavorful meal that everyone will love

If you asked me to list my five favorite meals, easy chicken pad Thai would undoubtedly fall into the list. This dish is nothing short of flavorful, with ingredients like rice noodles, onion, carrots, and even honey. The peanut sauce is the best and is made with peanut butter, sesame oil, and rice wine vinegar. There’s a reason this dish is so popular!

This is one of my go-to recipes when I’m in the mood for something extra filling and delicious. It doesn’t take too long to make, and despite the “long” list of instructions, everything is very easy and to the point.

For extra brownie points, serve this up when entertaining friends or family. They’ll be shocked to learn that it didn’t come directly from their favorite Thai food cart!

hand holding bowl of healthy peanut pad thai

Easy chicken pad Thai recipe ingredients

Our easy Thai chicken consists of three parts: The main ingredients, the peanut sauce, and the toppings! Each section uses different ingredients, but together the three parts come together to be über flavorful and oh so tasty! The peanut sauce is personally my favorite part.

Here’s a breakdown of everything that’s included:

Main dish:

  • Chicken breasts
  • Rice noodles
  • Avocado oil
  • Yellow onion
  • Garlic
  • Carrots
  • Red bell pepper
  • Eggs

Peanut sauce:

  • Peanut butter
  • Sesame oil
  • Fish sauce
  • Rice wine vinegar
  • Limes
  • Honey
  • Coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
  • Dried ginger
  • Sriracha (optional but recommended)

Toppings:

  • Lime
  • Peanuts
  • Sriracha
  • Cilantro
  • Green onion
eggs in skillet with peppers and onions

Tools used to make easy pad Thai

You’ll need a few tools to make this recipe. You’ll be chopping a bunch of veggies and the chicken, so be sure to choose the proper knife! As always, can’t forget measuring cups. You’ll only need four sizes for this meal.

  • Cutting board
  • Cutting knife
  • Skillet or dutch oven
  • Meat thermometer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cooking spatula
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups: 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup

How to make this easy chicken pad Thai recipe

This chicken recipe is a bit more in depth than usual, but trust me when I say that it’s extremely easy. Follow the directions in order, and you’ll be well on your way chicken pad Thai goodness! Here’s how it’s done:

Begin making this dish by cleaning and chopping all of your vegetables. Dice your chicken into small cubes. If the breasts are large, slice them in half or pound until thin before cutting into cubes.

Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to the package.

Heat a large skillet or dutch oven with 2 tbsp of avocado oil. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes or until cooked and no longer pink. Stir frequently. If using a meat thermometer, the temperature should reach 165F.

Next, remove the chicken and place in a bowl.

Add 2 tbsp of avocado oil to the same pan.

Add the onion, garlic, carrots, peppers, and salt. Let cook until everything is softened, about 7-9 minutes.

While the veggies are cooking, make the peanut sauce by whisking all of the sauce ingredients.

Then, once the veggies are softened, make an empty circle in the middle of the pan by pushing them aside.

Crack three eggs in the middle. Scramble the eggs so that the yolks and whites are mixed. Let cook, slowly scrambling.

Once the eggs have cooked, mix them together with the rest of the veggies. Then, add the chicken, noodles, and the peanut sauce.

Turn the heat to low and stir until all of the ingredients are well combined. Tongs are helpful to toss everything together here.

After about 5 minutes, turn off the heat.

Top with cilantro, peanuts, lime, sriracha, and green onion, and serve!

healthy peanut pad thai

Commonly asked pad Thai questions

Here are some helpful pointers and tidbits that may help you when making this recipe. If you still have a question, feel free to leave it in the comments!

Can I use turkey instead?
The short answer is yes! You can definitely use turkey meat in this recipe just as you would use chicken. Follow the instructions the same way, and it will be sure to turn out perfectly.

What’s the difference between coconut aminos and soy sauce?
Coconut aminos and soy sauce are quite similar. Soy sauce is slightly richer, though coconut aminos contain more nutrients. The coconut option is also free of gluten.

What internal temperature does chicken need to reach?
Before removing your chicken from the stove, the internal temperature should reach 165F. The same goes for turkey, if that’s what you’re using.

How should chicken pad Thai be stored?
Store leftover chicken pad Thai in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days. Ensure that the container is securely sealed in order to maintain the texture and flavor.

Try these easy recipes next

Meals don’t have to be long and complicated. I’m all about keeping things as simple as possible, which is why I love putting together easy recipes! Here are some more ideas for quick weeknight dinners that I’m sure you’re love.

  • Roasted Breakfast Potatoes
  • BBQ Baked Tempeh
  • White Chicken Chili
  • One Pan Salmon Dinner
hand holding bowl of healthy peanut pad thai
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 78 reviews

Easy Chicken Pad Thai

For something easy, delicious, and reminiscent of your favorite Thai food cart, make this Easy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe. It’s full of many different delicious ingredients and is perfect for serving to guests!

Prep: 20 Cook: 20 Total: 40 minutes
Yield 8 servings 1x
Scale
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 2lbs chicken breast (about 3 large breasts)
  • 8oz rice noodles
  • 4 tbsp avocado oil (divided)
  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced small
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large carrots, sliced into sticks
  • 2 medium red bell peppers, sliced into thin slices
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 eggs

Peanut Sauce

  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
  • 2 small limes, juiced
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos or soy sauce
  • 1/4 tsp dried ginger
  • 1 tsp sriracha *optional but recommended*

Toppings:

  • lime, peanuts, sriracha, cilantro, green onion

Instructions

  1. Prepare all of your vegetables by chopping. Dice your chicken into small cubes, if your breasts are very large, slice them in half or pound them until thinner, then cut into cubes.
  2. Meanwhile, cook rice noodles according to package.
  3. Heat a large skillet or dutch oven with 2 tbsp avocado oil. Once hot, add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes or until cooked and no longer pink. Stir frequently. If using a meat thermometer, temperature should read 165F.
  4. Remove chicken to a bowl. Add 2 tbsp avocado oil to same pan.
  5. Add in onion, garlic, carrots, peppers and salt. Cook until softened, about 7-9 minutes.
  6. While veggies are cooking, make the peanut sauce by whisking together all of the ingredients. If your sauce is not thin enough to pour, add a few tbsp water.
  7. Once softened, make an empty circle in the middle of the veggies by pushing them aside and crack three eggs in the middle. Scramble the eggs up so the yolk and white are mixed. Let cook, slowly scrambling. 
  8. Once eggs have cooked, mix together with rest of veggies. Then add in the chicken, cooked noodles, and the peanut sauce.
  9. Turn heat to low and stir all ingredients until well combined. Tongs are helpful to toss everything here.
  10. After about 5 minutes, turn off heat and serve.
  11. Top with cilantro, peanuts, lime, sriracha, green onion.
Author: Erin Antoniak Category: dinner, gluten-free Method: Stovetop Cuisine: Thai Diet: Gluten Free
hand holding bowl of healthy peanut pad thai

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

  1. Kate Bland says

    Posted on 10/16 at 11:33 am

    My family absolutely LOVED this for dinner last night. They even had seconds!! Made me so happy. Thanks Erin!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/16 at 12:29 pm

      Hi Kate, I am so happy to hear that!!

      Reply
  2. Olivia Porcello says

    Posted on 10/7 at 6:56 pm

    Parents raved about this one for days! Such a good one. So yummy

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/9 at 11:47 am

      Hi Olivia, I am so happy everyone loved it!

      Reply
  3. Gillian says

    Posted on 10/1 at 2:06 pm

    This was insane. Do yourself a favor a make this for dinner tonight. Thank you Erin, this will be a regular weekly recipe for me now 🙂

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/1 at 2:17 pm

      Hi Gillian, thank you so much! I am so happy you love it so much!

      Reply
  4. Veronica says

    Posted on 9/21 at 11:25 am

    So yummy! Is the sauce freezable ??

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/25 at 10:34 am

      Hi Veronica, yes. It should freeze for up to 3 months.

      Reply
  5. Erin says

    Posted on 9/12 at 9:28 pm

    Wow. Saw all of the re-makes on Instagram so we decided to try this one. Absolutely going in our meal rotation, it is delicious! And so easy! Thanks for a great dinner recipe!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/16 at 3:43 am

      Hi Erin, I am so happy to hear that! Glad you love it as much as I do!

      Reply
  6. Nicole Zisa says

    Posted on 9/2 at 11:32 am

    Super easy and sooo delicious! If I don’t have chicken on hand, I just add extra veggies! Definitely adding this recipe to my rotation.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/4 at 12:42 am

      Hi Nicole, I’m so glad you enjoyed it and great idea!

      Reply
  7. Tessa says

    Posted on 8/28 at 1:56 am

    Very tasty! However I don’t think it tastes like traditional pad Thai I would get a restaurant because it has peanut butter in the sauce, I still really loved it! Great recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/28 at 9:23 am

      Hi Tessa, thanks for your kind words! Glad you loved it!

      Reply
  8. Kaitlin says

    Posted on 8/26 at 11:44 am

    Very easy and yummy! Loved doing it in my Dutch oven- less mess! I couldn’t find fish sauce and didn’t have sesame oil and it worked fine- added a tad more rice wine vinegar and soy sauce. I think it would also be great with shrimp or tofu! Thanks for the awesome recipes Erin!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/26 at 2:48 pm

      Hi Kaitlin, thank you so much for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed it and made it your own with what you had. Shrimp and tofu would be great in it to!!

      Reply
  9. Randi says

    Posted on 8/25 at 4:52 pm

    Made this last night for dinner and it was a hit with us and the kids- and I had delicious leftovers for lunch today.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/26 at 2:42 pm

      Hi Randi,I am so happy you and your family enjoyed it!! I always love having leftovers for the next day- the best!

      Reply
  10. Katie says

    Posted on 8/24 at 8:15 pm

    This is a total winner!!! My fiancé and I LOVED this recipe – we made it last night and I was so excited to have the leftovers tonight! I might’ve loved the leftovers version even more – can’t wait to make it again!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/24 at 8:44 pm

      Hi Katie, I am so happy you both enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  11. Kelly says

    Posted on 8/23 at 9:20 pm

    Wow! This recipe is incredible. Have been dying for some delicious Pad Thai since moving out of Philly. This recipe was FANTASTIC… better than any takeout we’ve found in the ‘burbs.

    Followed directions 99.999% (just added some chili paste to the sauce for extra heat). Otherwise would not change a thing.

    Can’t wait to make this again.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/24 at 8:34 pm

      Hi Kelly, ah I am so happy you loved it so much and added some extra heat! Yum!!

      Reply
  12. Jordan says

    Posted on 8/22 at 7:57 am

    This might be one of my favorite recipes of all time!! I subbed almond butter in the sauce and sprinkled cashews on top due to a peanut allergy in our family and it was excellent!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/22 at 1:20 pm

      Hi Jordan, I am so happy you enjoyed it and made it your own! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  13. Melanie says

    Posted on 8/20 at 7:46 pm

    So delicious!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/21 at 8:00 am

      Hi Melanie, I am so happy you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  14. Grace says

    Posted on 8/19 at 1:13 pm

    AMAZING recipe (and the leftovers!) Made it the other day and the whole family loved it! Even my brother who doesn’t normally like a peanut sauce. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/19 at 1:48 pm

      Hi Grace, I am so glad you and your family enjoyed it so much!!

      Reply
  15. Allison says

    Posted on 8/18 at 11:23 pm

    Love this recipe, especially the peanut sauce. It makes the dish so creamy! I also love all the different textures in the dish.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/19 at 1:42 pm

      Hi Allison, I am so happy you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  16. Marissa says

    Posted on 8/17 at 9:16 pm

    Made this recipe tonight and it was SO GOOD! I halved it and still have plenty of leftovers. I also used spaghetti squash instead of rice noodles because I already had it made. Will definitely be making again!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/18 at 2:48 pm

      Hi Marissa, thank you so much for your kind words! I am happy you enjoyed it and love that you made it your own! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Ella says

    Posted on 8/17 at 11:27 am

    Sooo good! The sauce is amazing and super versatile, I made extra to put on leftover chicken and veggies! Great easy weeknight meal

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/17 at 2:39 pm

      Hi Ella! Ah I am so happy you enjoyed it!! Love that you made another meal out of it too!

      Reply
  18. Kristy says

    Posted on 8/14 at 8:36 pm

    Being gluten free it can be super hard sometimes finding pad Thai recipes and I will say this recipe is the BEST I’ve found and it’s even better than take out, will forever make, thank you Erin for making the best recipes

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/15 at 8:20 am

      Hi Kristy, thanks for your kind words! I am so thrilled you love it so much!!

      Reply
  19. Amber Studley says

    Posted on 8/13 at 9:56 pm

    Just made this tonight! I can’t eat bell peppers (unfortunately seriously so depressing) bc of my stomach so I swapped in green beans, but followed everything else to a T and it was delicious! Amazing sauce 🥰

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/14 at 11:47 am

      Hi Amber, I am so happy you enjoyed it and made it your own!!

      Reply
  20. Warner says

    Posted on 8/11 at 8:09 pm

    Had all the ingredients on hand and made this tonight – so easy and soo good! Tastes really authentic!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/12 at 7:28 am

      Hi Warner, I am so happy you made it tonight! Thanks for your kind words!!

      Reply
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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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easy chicken pad thai
easy chicken pad thai