The Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe is a vibrant, fun twist on two beloved dishes, merging the bold flavors of classic Pad Thai with the casual charm of tacos. This dish boasts a perfect harmony of textures—from the tender, flavorful ground chicken coated in Thai seasoning to the crisp freshness of colorful veggies and crunchy peanuts. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both familiar and exciting, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests who love trying something new and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe calls for simple ingredients that work in harmony to deliver maximum flavor and texture. Each component, whether it’s the bright and crunchy veggies or the savory peanut-based sauce, plays an essential role in bringing the whole dish to life.
- Bean sprouts: Fresh and crunchy, they add a light, crisp texture that balances the richness of the chicken.
- Green onions (½ cup, diced): Sharp and mildly pungent, they brighten every bite.
- Red cabbage (1 cup, shredded): Adds a pop of vibrant color and a satisfying crunch.
- Carrots (1 cup, shredded): Sweet and fresh, they add subtle earthiness and texture.
- Red bell peppers (1 cup, julienned): Juicy and sweet, they complement the savory elements.
- Ground chicken (1 pound): A lean protein that soaks up the Thai seasoning perfectly.
- Thai seasoning (1 tablespoon): The key spice blend that infuses the chicken with authentic flavors.
- Tortillas (12 small, about 4.5 inches wide): Street taco size is ideal to hold just the right amount of filling.
- Fresh cilantro (¼ cup): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to finish the tacos beautifully.
- Chopped peanuts (¼ cup): For that essential crunch and nutty flavor classic in Pad Thai.
- Soy sauce (¼ cup): Provides umami depth and saltiness.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a fragrant nutty aroma to the sauce.
- Peanut butter (2 tablespoons): Creates a creamy, rich base for the sauce.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances the savory and spicy notes with sweetness.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Adds a refreshing tang that brightens the entire dish.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon): A spicy kick that wakes up the palate.
- Thai red curry paste (1 tablespoon): Boosts the complexity and heat in the sauce.
How to Make Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Veggie Mix
Start by combining the bean sprouts, green onions, red cabbage, shredded carrots, and julienned red bell peppers in a large bowl. This colorful mix brings texture, freshness, and a burst of vibrant color that contrasts beautifully with the warmer flavor elements of the tacos.
Step 2: Make the Pad Thai Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter, brown sugar, lime juice, Sriracha, and Thai red curry paste. This sauce will be the heartbeat of the dish—creamy, tangy, sweet, and just spicy enough to keep things exciting. Set aside for later use to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Season and Shape the Chicken
Mix the ground chicken thoroughly with the Thai seasoning until well combined. Then, divide the meat mixture into twelve small balls—the perfect size for pressing onto tortillas.
Step 4: Form the Chicken Patties on Tortillas
Place one ball of the seasoned chicken mixture on each tortilla. Using a fork, gently press down to flatten the chicken into a thin patty that covers the tortilla. This technique ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays nicely nestled in the taco.
Step 5: Cook the Tacos
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place each tortilla meat-side down and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure the chicken adheres and browns evenly. Flip each taco and cook on the other side for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges.
Step 6: Assemble Your Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe
Remove the tacos from heat and top each with the fresh vegetable mix. Drizzle generously with the luscious pad thai sauce, then sprinkle chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for that final hit of crunch and herbal brightness.
How to Serve Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your tacos with extra chopped peanuts and cilantro. A wedge of lime on the side is a must, so each person can add a burst of zesty freshness. You can also toss in some thinly sliced red chilies if you’re in the mood for more heat.
Side Dishes
Serve these tacos alongside a light cucumber salad tossed with rice vinegar and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a refreshing contrast. Sticky jasmine rice or simple steamed rice also pairs perfectly, soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, arrange the tacos on a wooden platter with little bowls of extra sauce, chopped peanuts, and lime wedges. You can also offer soft lettuce leaves as a taco shell alternative for a gluten-free option that keeps the freshness front and center.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and veggie components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy.
Freezing
The cooked chicken patties can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the tortillas and fresh vegetables to maintain their texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and slightly crispy. Reassemble the tacos fresh with chilled veggies, sauce, and garnishes to get that signature crunchy and bright flavor back.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork are great alternatives and will absorb the Thai seasoning just as well. For a vegetarian twist, try tofu crumbled and seasoned similarly—it’s all about that flavorful base.
Are these tacos spicy?
They have a mild to moderate kick thanks to the Sriracha and red curry paste in the sauce, but you can always adjust the spice level up or down depending on your taste.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the pad thai sauce actually tastes even better after resting for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors meld beautifully. Just whisk again before using if any separation occurs.
What kind of tortillas work best?
Small street taco-size tortillas, about 4.5 inches wide, are ideal for this recipe. They hold the chicken patties well without overwhelming the dish and are sturdy enough for the toppings.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be with a few tweaks! Use gluten-free soy sauce and make sure your tortillas are corn or another gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a fun, flavorful meal that stands out from the ordinary, this Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s fresh, vibrant, and bursting with layers of taste that keep every bite exciting. Give it a try—you might find you’re already dreaming about your next taco night!
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Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos (serves 6 people, 2 tacos each)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
Enjoy a vibrant twist on traditional tacos with these Chicken Pad Thai Tacos, combining the fresh crunch of bean sprouts and colorful veggies with savory ground chicken flavored with Thai seasoning. Topped with a rich, tangy pad thai sauce, fresh cilantro, and crunchy peanuts, these tacos deliver a delicious fusion of Thai and Mexican flavors perfect for a quick, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup green onions, diced
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red bell peppers, julienned
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
- 12 small tortillas (street taco size, approximately 4.5 inches wide)
Protein
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon Thai seasoning (see notes below)
Pad Thai Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 small lime)
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
Instructions
- Prepare the Veggies: In a large bowl, combine the bean sprouts, diced green onions, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, and julienned red bell peppers. Set aside for assembling the tacos later.
- Make the Pad Thai Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter, brown sugar, lime juice, Sriracha, and Thai red curry paste until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Mix the ground chicken thoroughly with the Thai seasoning. Divide this mixture into 12 equal-sized balls, preparing them to be shaped on the tortillas.
- Shape the Chicken on Tortillas: Take each ball of chicken mixture and use a fork to press and spread it evenly onto each tortilla, forming a thin layer of meat on one side.
- Cook the Tacos: Heat a non-stick or griddle pan over medium-high heat until hot. Place each tortilla meat-side down on the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip each taco over and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes on the tortilla side until the meat is cooked through and the tortilla is slightly toasted.
- Assemble and Serve: Remove the tacos from heat and immediately top the cooked meat side with the mixed vegetables. Drizzle generously with the prepared pad thai sauce, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts before serving.
Notes
- For the Thai seasoning, you can use a mix of ground coriander, cumin, garlic powder, white pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes to replicate the flavor profile.
- If you prefer, substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork.
- Street taco size tortillas (4.5 inches) are recommended for easy handling and authentic presentation.
- Adjust the Sriracha in the pad thai sauce according to your desired spice level.
