Welcome to a delightful twist on two beloved classics combined into one unforgettable dish: the Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe. This vibrant fusion brings together the bright, zesty flavors of traditional Pad Thai with the fun, handheld convenience of tacos. Each bite bursts with a perfect balance of savory ground chicken seasoned with Thai spices, crunchy vegetables, and a luscious sauce that ties it all together. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just craving something new and exciting for weeknight dinner. Get ready to dive into a colorful, tasty adventure that’s easier to make than you might expect!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with the right ingredients, and for this Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe, simplicity meets vibrancy. Each component plays a crucial role—from the tender ground chicken delivering hearty protein, to the crisp veggies providing texture and color, and the sauce that carries all the bold flavors perfectly.
- Bean sprouts: Adds refreshing crunch and a light, nutty flavor that brightens the taco filling.
- Green onions (diced): Infuses a mild oniony bite that complements the chicken while adding freshness.
- Shredded red cabbage: Brings eye-catching purple color and a satisfying crispness.
- Shredded carrots: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant orange hue.
- Red bell peppers (julienned): Provide juicy sweetness and stunning color contrast.
- Ground chicken: The hearty protein base, perfectly seasoned for authentic flavor.
- Thai seasoning: Packs the dish with traditional spices, making it unmistakably Thai in taste.
- Small tortillas: The soft, warm vehicle that holds all the delicious fillings, perfect for street taco size (about 4.5 inches).
- Fresh cilantro: Brings a burst of herbal freshness as a finishing touch.
- Chopped peanuts: Adds delightful crunch and a touch of earthiness.
- Soy sauce: Deepens the savory profile and umami depth of the sauce.
- Sesame oil: Introduces a toasty fragrance that elevates every bite.
- Peanut butter: Creates a creamy, nutty base for the luscious Pad Thai sauce.
- Brown sugar: Balances the savory and spicy with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Lime juice: Injects fresh acidity to brighten the complex flavors.
- Sriracha: Adds a kick of heat for those who love a little spice.
- Thai red curry paste: Brings rich, aromatic layers to the sauce, making it authentically bold.
How to Make Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Veggie Mix
Start by tossing together the bean sprouts, diced green onions, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, and julienned red bell peppers in a mixing bowl. This vibrant medley is not just colorful but packs a seriously satisfying crunch and freshness that will brighten every bite of your Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe.
Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor-Packed Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter, brown sugar, lime juice, Sriracha, and Thai red curry paste. Stir vigorously until the peanut butter melts and everything is smooth and glossy. This sauce is the heart and soul of the dish, blending sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy notes that bring all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 3: Season and Shape the Chicken
Mix the ground chicken with the Thai seasoning thoroughly, ensuring every bit is infused with those aromatic spices. Divide this mixture into 12 small balls, then use a fork or your fingers to gently press each ball flat onto a tortilla, shaping a thin, even layer that will cook through quickly and evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Tacos
Heat a non-stick or griddle pan over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully place each tortilla with the chicken side down and press gently with a spatula. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is nicely browned and nearly cooked through. Flip each taco and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to finish cooking the chicken and warm the tortilla perfectly.
Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos
Remove the tacos from the heat and immediately top each one with a generous spoonful of the fresh veggie mix. Drizzle the luscious Pad Thai sauce over the top, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro leaves and chopped peanuts for an extra layer of flavor and satisfying crunch. Serve immediately while warm and juicy!
How to Serve Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts are absolute musts for garnishing your Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe. They not only add a burst of aroma and crunch but also a refreshing herbal brightness and nutty contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, a wedge of lime on the side will invite your guests to add a zing that really wakes up the flavor.
Side Dishes
These tacos are wonderfully filling on their own, but pairing them with a simple cucumber salad or steamed jasmine rice can turn your meal into an impressive feast. A light miso soup or even some crispy spring rolls make fantastic sides to keep that Thai vibe rolling through your menu.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, consider serving the Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe in a platter style with all ingredients laid out and let everyone build their own tacos. You can also swap the tortillas for crispy mini lettuce cups to serve it low-carb and add an extra crunch dimension. Wrapping them up in parchment paper is a charming way to serve them street-food style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep the cooked chicken and tortilla shells separate from the fresh veggie mix and sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the crispness of the veggies and prevents the tortillas from getting soggy.
Freezing
While the assembled tacos don’t freeze well because of the fresh vegetables and sauces, the seasoned cooked ground chicken can be frozen separately. Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge and reheat gently before assembling fresh tacos.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly heated. Warm the tortillas briefly in a dry pan or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel. Assemble fresh with the raw veggies and sauce to keep the vibrant texture and flavor that make this Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use shredded chicken instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded cooked chicken works well if you want a different texture, but be sure to toss it with the Thai seasoning and briefly sauté to infuse flavor before assembling your tacos.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe has a moderate heat level thanks to the Sriracha and Thai red curry paste. You can easily adjust the spice by using less Sriracha or omitting it altogether if you prefer a milder taste.
What can I substitute for peanut butter if I have an allergy?
You can swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free alternative. These will give a slightly different flavor but still provide that creamy, rich texture to the sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Replace ground chicken with firm tofu or tempeh crumbles and make sure to use a soy sauce that is vegan. The sauce can be prepared similarly, and the fresh veggies make it deliciously satisfying.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the chicken?
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth over low heat, covering it to keep moisture in. Avoid microwaving directly without moisture as that can dry the chicken out quickly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe that makes every meal feel like a celebration. It’s fun, colorful, packed with bold flavors, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just seeking a fresh dinner idea, these tacos will quickly become a favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this joyful dish!
Print
Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai Fusion
Description
Delicious and easy Chicken Pad Thai Tacos combine the vibrant flavors of traditional Pad Thai with the convenience of tacos. Ground chicken seasoned with Thai spices is cooked directly on small tortillas, then topped with a crunchy mix of fresh veggies, flavorful Pad Thai sauce, cilantro, and chopped peanuts for the perfect fusion meal.
Ingredients
Vegetable Mix
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup green onions, diced
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red bell peppers, julienned
Protein
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon Thai seasoning (see notes for recipe or use pre-made)
Tortillas & Garnish
- 12 small tortillas (recommended street taco size, 4.5 inches wide)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
Pad Thai Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (approximately 1 small lime)
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Combine the bean sprouts, diced green onions, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, and julienned red bell peppers in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Make the Pad Thai Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter, brown sugar, lime juice, Sriracha, and Thai red curry paste. Stir well until smooth and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In another bowl, combine the ground chicken with the Thai seasoning until evenly mixed. Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and roll each into a small ball.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place each ground chicken ball on a small tortilla. Use a fork to press and flatten the chicken ball evenly across the surface of the tortilla.
- 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 the tacos and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the tortilla slightly crisp.
- Assemble and Garnish: Remove the cooked tacos from the pan. Top each with the prepared vegetable mix, drizzle with the Pad Thai sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For the Thai seasoning used in the chicken, you can make a simple blend of garlic powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Small street taco tortillas are ideal for this recipe for perfect handheld size.
- If peanut butter is a concern due to allergies, you can substitute with sunflower seed butter.
- Sriracha can be adjusted based on your heat preference or omitted for milder flavor.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
