Chicken and Vegetable Pad Thai Recipe

Pad Thai is a beloved dish in many households, and when you add chicken and vegetables into the mix, it becomes a delightful and balanced meal that satisfies both cravings and nutritional needs. As a food enthusiast who frequently tries new recipes, I was thrilled to test out this Chicken and Vegetable Pad Thai recipe. My family, always up for trying my culinary experiments, absolutely loved it. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and the classic Pad Thai flavors created a dish that was not only colorful and appetizing but also incredibly satisfying. Even the kids, who are usually picky eaters, cleaned their plates and asked for seconds. This recipe has quickly become a family favorite, and I’m excited to share it with you so you can enjoy it too.

Ingredients

Creating a delicious Chicken and Vegetable Pad Thai starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 8 oz rice noodles – The foundation of any good Pad Thai, rice noodles are light and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – This will be used for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced thinly – The chicken adds a hearty protein to the dish.
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas) – These add color, crunch, and nutrition.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds a wonderful aromatic base to the dish.
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten – Eggs provide richness and help bind the noodles.
• 1/4 cup fish sauce – A key ingredient in Pad Thai, this adds the characteristic salty flavor.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Adds depth to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar – Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons lime juice – Adds a refreshing tanginess to the dish.
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts – For garnish, adds a crunchy texture.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro – For garnish, adds freshness and a pop of color.
• Lime wedges – Optional, for serving.

Instructions

Preparing Chicken and Vegetable Pad Thai is a straightforward process, perfect for a weekday dinner. Follow these steps for a successful dish:

1. Cook the rice noodles: Begin by soaking the rice noodles in hot water according to package instructions until they are tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
4. Add the eggs: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs onto the other side. Stir the eggs gently until they are just set, then mix them with the vegetables.
5. Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained noodles. Pour in the fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
6. Garnish and serve: Transfer the Pad Thai to serving plates. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your homemade Chicken and Vegetable Pad Thai!

Nutrition Facts

This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Each serving contains about 450 calories, making it a filling yet balanced meal option.

Preparation Time

One of the great things about this Chicken and Vegetable Pad Thai recipe is its quick preparation time. From start to finish, you can have a delicious homemade meal ready in about 30 minutes. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve

Serving Chicken and Vegetable Pad Thai is all about enhancing the flavors and presentation. Here are some tips on how to serve this dish:

• Individual Plates: Serve the Pad Thai on individual plates to ensure each person gets a balanced portion of noodles, chicken, and vegetables.
• Family Style: For a more casual dining experience, serve the Pad Thai in a large bowl at the center of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.
• Garnishes: Provide a small bowl of extra chopped peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges on the table so everyone can customize their dish to their liking.
• Side Dishes: Consider serving Pad Thai with a light side salad or spring rolls for a more complete meal.
• Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, offer chili flakes or a spicy sauce on the side.

Additional Tips

To make the most out of your Chicken and Vegetable Pad Thai, consider these additional tips:

1. Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will make the cooking process smoother and quicker.
2. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier Pad Thai, feel free to add some chili paste or sriracha to the sauce.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish.
4. Experiment with Protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with shrimp, tofu, or beef.
5. Leftovers: Pad Thai makes for great leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, and reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent the noodles from drying out.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken and Vegetable Pad Thai:

1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables or using tofu as a protein substitute.
2. What type of noodles should I use? Rice noodles are traditional for Pad Thai, but you can also use other types of noodles such as glass noodles or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
3. Is fish sauce necessary? Fish sauce is a key ingredient for that authentic Pad Thai flavor, but if you have dietary restrictions, you can substitute it with soy sauce or tamari.
4. How can I make the dish more authentic? To make your Pad Thai more authentic, consider using tamarind paste in the sauce and adding bean sprouts and crushed peanuts as toppings.
5. Can I freeze Pad Thai? While Pad Thai is best eaten fresh, you can freeze leftovers. However, the texture of the noodles may change slightly upon reheating. It’s best to consume it within a month for optimal taste.

With these tips and answers to common questions, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of Chicken and Vegetable Pad Thai. Enjoy this delicious dish and happy cooking!