Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate weeknight dinner that’s bold, savory, and absolutely irresistible, my 30 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai is your new best friend! This stunning dish brings all the vibrant flavors of your favorite takeout straight to your kitchen table, with tender chicken, glossy noodles, and a magical garlic butter sauce—all ready in just half an hour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This flavorful 30 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai is all about the balance of simple ingredients that each bring a burst of flavor, color, or crunch. Trust me—every ingredient on this list plays a delicious role!

• Pad Thai or wide rice noodles: Choose fresh or dried; these noodles offer the signature chewy texture and help soak up all the saucy goodness.
• Tamari or soy sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness—tamari is a gluten-free option if needed!
• Maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness balances out all the savory and spicy notes in the sauce.
• Fish sauce: This is your secret for that classic Pad Thai flavor—don’t skip it, but if needed, you can use a vegan alternative.
• Rice vinegar: Brightens the dish with just a hint of tangy acidity.
• Black pepper and chili flakes: Bring warmth, spice, and a little extra kick to taste.
• Sedame oil (or olive oil): Adds richness and a subtle, toasty nutty aroma to the stir-fry.
• Ground chicken: Quick-cooking and super juicy—this is the protein base, but feel free to swap if you like.
• Red bell pepper: For sweetness, beautiful color, and a bit of fresh crunch.
• Salted butter: This is where the garlic butter magic happens—don’t be shy!
• Shallot: Delicate and savory, shallot adds subtle depth that regular onions can’t quite match.
• Garlic: The undeniable star, infusing the whole dish with fragrant, golden flavor.
• Eggs: Folds in creaminess and a lovely rich texture—kind of like soft scrambled eggs and noodles all in one.
• Mung bean sprouts: Adds crunch and freshness that keep every bite lively and light.
• Cilantro or Thai basil: A fresh herbal layer that brightens and elevates everything.
• Green onions: These finish the dish with a gentle bite and vibrant color.
• Roasted peanuts: For that classic Pad Thai crunch and nutty finish—just chop and sprinkle on top.

Variations

I love how easy it is to make this 30 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai your own! Whether you’re working with what you have in the fridge or tailoring it for special diets, you’ve got so many tasty options.

• Swap the protein: Try sliced chicken breast, shrimp, tofu, or even a plant-based ground for a vegetarian twist—just adjust cook time as needed.
• Boost the veggies: Toss in snap peas, shredded carrots, broccoli florets, or whatever crisp veggies you crave for extra color and crunch.
• Adjust the spice: Go mild with just a pinch of chili flakes, or turn up the heat with sriracha, fresh chilis, or extra pepper flakes.
• Vegan pad Thai: Skip the chicken, swap to olive oil and use vegan fish sauce, and add mushrooms or more veggies for a full plant-based version.

How to Make 30 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai

Step 1: Soak the Noodles

Start by soaking your rice noodles according to the package instructions. This is usually just a simple soak in warm or hot water until the noodles are softened and pliable—not fully cooked. Drain them well and set aside while you prep the rest. They’ll finish cooking in the sauce later!

Step 2: Make the Pad Thai Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the tamari or soy sauce, maple syrup, fish sauce, rice vinegar, freshly cracked black pepper, and chili flakes. This gets everything ready for a flavor explosion when it hits the pan, so double check your spice level here.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken and Veggies

Add the sesame oil (or olive oil) to a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble in the ground chicken and add the sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat, until the chicken is browned and the peppers start to soften.

Step 4: Infuse Garlic Butter Flavor

To the chicken and peppers, add your salted butter, sliced shallots, and loads of freshly chopped garlic, plus another pinch of chili flakes and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes golden and crazy fragrant. This is where the magic really happens!

Step 5: Combine Noodles, Sauce, and Eggs

Add the drained noodles and your sauce to the skillet. Toss everything together so the noodles soak up all that saucy goodness. Once combined, push the noodles to one side and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Let them set for about a minute, then gently scramble and fold into the noodles. It’s silky, lush, and so satisfying.

Step 6: Finish Fresh and Serve

Off the heat, add your bean sprouts, loads of chopped cilantro or Thai basil, and green onions. Toss until everything is evenly mixed. Dish it up right away, topped with extra herbs, roasted peanuts, more green onion, and a squeeze of lime juice. Pure happiness!

How to Serve 30 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai

Garnishes

Pile on the toppings! I love a flurry of chopped roasted peanuts, more fresh cilantro or Thai basil, plenty of green onion, chili flakes (for color and kick), and a generous squeeze of lime juice. These garnishes bring freshness, crunch, and restaurant-style flair to each serving.

Side Dishes

This Pad Thai is a full meal on its own, but if you want to create a little Thai-inspired spread, try a simple cucumber salad or quick-pickled veggies for a cooling, tangy contrast. Steamed edamame or a crisp Asian slaw would fit right in, too!

Creative Ways to Present

Channel your inner chef and pile the Pad Thai high in shallow bowls or serve on a big platter for family style. Nestle lime wedges and herb sprigs on top for color, or serve individual portions in takeout boxes with chopsticks for a fun, casual vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld overnight, making it perfect for lunchboxes and next-day cravings!

Freezing

Pad Thai is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. Use a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—just be aware that the texture of the noodles may soften slightly after freezing.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet or saucepan with a splash of water to help loosen the sauce and revive the noodles’ signature chew. The microwave works, too—just cover and stir halfway to heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like making your own 30 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai at home—it’s comforting, wildly flavorful, and comes together before you’ve even finished setting the table. If you’re craving something satisfying yet zippy and fresh, give this recipe a try. I know you’ll love it as much as my family does—have fun and happy cooking!

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