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Homemade 30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai photo

30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai

A quick, savory Chicken Pad Thai with shrimp, tangy sauce, and crunchy peanuts ready in about 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 Tbsp peanut oil or avocado oil or canola oil
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken cut into strips
  • 1/2 lb raw shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red Thai chili seeded and finely chopped, optional
  • Pinch 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 Tbsp fish sauce
  • 3 Tbsp liquid aminos or coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 2 tsp fresh ginger peeled and grated, optional
  • 1 cup bean sprouts optional
  • 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts chopped
  • fresh basil chopped (or cilantro)
  • lime or lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Wok
  • Pot
  • Small skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Spatula or tongs

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 Tbsp avocado oil and 2 Tbsp peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken strips and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes.
  3. Add the shrimp and cook until shrimp are opaque and both proteins are cooked through, about 2–3 minutes; if needed, cover briefly to finish cooking. Drain any excess liquid and keep the chicken and shrimp in the pan.
  4. Add the minced garlic, chopped Thai chili (if using), a pinch of cayenne, and chopped green onions to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
  5. While proteins cook, bring a pot of water to a boil, remove from heat, add the rice noodles, and let sit for 8 minutes until tender; drain and rinse under cold water.
  6. Heat a small skillet over medium-high heat with a thin coating of oil and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble until just set, then remove and set aside.
  7. In a small bowl whisk together rice vinegar, fish sauce, liquid aminos, maple syrup, and grated ginger to make the sauce.
  8. Add the drained noodles and the sauce to the skillet with the chicken and shrimp; toss and bring to a boil, then cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce reduces and noodles begin to caramelize slightly, about 2–4 minutes.
  9. Stir the scrambled eggs into the noodle mixture and toss to combine. Add bean sprouts if using and toss briefly to heat.
  10. Serve topped with chopped peanuts, chopped basil or cilantro, and lime or lemon wedges.

Notes

  • You can substitute coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce for liquid aminos.
  • Use fresh rice noodles for best texture if available.
  • Adjust chili and cayenne to taste for spiciness.
  • Peanuts can be omitted for a nut-free version.
  • Prep all ingredients before cooking for a quick 30-minute finish.