Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai

The moment the garlic butter hits the hot pan, it starts to sizzle, releasing a rich, aromatic fragrance that fills the kitchen and makes your mouth water. The combination of garlic and butter creates a creamy, savory base that perfectly complements the crispy, golden chicken. Tossing in the tender rice noodles and the crispy bits of chicken, each strand soaks up the sauce, turning every bite into a comforting, flavorful experience. The slight tang of lime and the crunch of peanuts add a refreshing contrast, giving your taste buds a little kick while balancing the richness of the dish. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that feels both indulgent and light, a perfect harmony of comfort food with just the right amount of zest. And the best part? It’s one of those dishes that gets even better the next day, with the flavors deepening as they meld together.

Key Ingredients in Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai

Every ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in building its rich, dynamic flavors. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai:

– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Tender and lean, the chicken provides a protein-packed base for the dish. When seared, it takes on a crispy, golden exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft noodles.

– Butter

The butter is the foundation of the savory, rich garlic sauce. It brings a creamy texture that coats the chicken and noodles, enhancing every bite.

– Garlic

Minced garlic brings an aromatic, savory punch that infuses the dish with depth and warmth. It’s the key flavor behind the garlic butter sauce.

– Rice noodles

These thin, chewy noodles are the backbone of Pad Thai. They soak up all the flavorful sauce, making every bite satisfying and comforting.

– Olive oil

Used to sauté the chicken, olive oil ensures a smooth cooking process, helping to achieve that crispy texture without burning the garlic.

– Eggs

Eggs add a bit of richness and texture to the dish, gently scrambling into the noodles, giving the dish a creamy, satisfying body.

– Fish sauce

This salty, umami-packed sauce is essential in authentic Pad Thai. It balances the sweetness from the sugar and adds a savory depth to the overall flavor profile.

– Brown sugar

The brown sugar introduces a subtle sweetness that contrasts the salty fish sauce and helps to mellow out the richness of the butter.

– Lime juice

A touch of lime juice adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness and providing a fresh, zesty flavor that enhances the other ingredients.

– Chopped peanuts

A crunchy, nutty garnish that adds texture and flavor contrast, peanuts are a signature addition to Pad Thai, bringing a bit of earthy crunch to each bite.

– Cilantro

Fresh cilantro provides a burst of herbal freshness, lightening up the dish and offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors.

– Green onions

Sliced green onions bring a mild onion flavor with a slight crunch. They add a touch of sharpness and freshness to balance out the richness.

– Soy sauce

This savory sauce adds a bit of saltiness and depth, complementing the fish sauce while deepening the overall flavor.

– Chili flakes (optional)

For those who like a bit of heat, chili flakes add a subtle spiciness that gives the dish a zesty kick without overwhelming the flavors.

– Sesame oil

A small amount of sesame oil infuses the dish with a nutty fragrance, contributing to the overall savory and aromatic profile.

– Lime zest

The lime zest enhances the dish with its fresh citrus fragrance, lifting the flavors and adding an extra layer of brightness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Let it melt completely, ensuring it starts to bubble slightly but doesn’t brown.

2. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips.

3. In the same skillet, add the olive oil over medium heat, swirling the pan to coat the bottom.

4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—this is the key to a flavorful base for the dish.

5. Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.

6. Push the garlic to the side of the skillet, creating an empty space. Crack the eggs into this space and scramble them with a spatula until fully cooked. Once scrambled, mix the eggs into the garlic.

7. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the garlic and scrambled eggs. Toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the garlic and eggs.

8. In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime zest until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

9. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss everything to combine well, ensuring the noodles are thoroughly coated in the sauce.

10. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and stir to incorporate it into the noodles and sauce.

11. If using, sprinkle chili flakes over the mixture and stir to combine, adding a little heat to the dish without overwhelming the flavors.

12. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions for a burst of color and crunch.

13. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the satisfying balance of savory, tangy, and crunchy flavors in every bite!

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai

– *Serve with a side of crispy spring rolls* – The crunch from crispy spring rolls is the perfect complement to the tender noodles and savory chicken. They’re filled with vegetables and a light dipping sauce, making for a delightful contrast in textures.

– *Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad* – A simple cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add a cool, crisp element to balance the richness of the dish. The lightness of the cucumber brings a burst of freshness that cuts through the creamy garlic butter sauce.

– *Top with extra lime wedges* – A few extra lime wedges on the side allow everyone to squeeze a little more zesty citrus on their portion. It adds a pop of brightness that can really elevate the flavors, especially for those who love a tangy kick!

How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them to keep all those delicious flavors intact:

– Refrigeration: To keep your Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb more of the sauce as they sit, but just toss them in a little extra butter or soy sauce when reheating to bring back that glorious richness.

– Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, freeze it! Portion the Pad Thai into individual servings and place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It can stay frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to bring the noodles back to life.

– Reheating: For the best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a touch of butter or oil and gently toss the noodles, ensuring they heat evenly without drying out. You can also microwave it, but keep it covered and stir halfway through to avoid overcooking.

This dish is still a winner the second (and third) time around, so don’t hesitate to enjoy it again!

Conclusion

There you have it—your perfect, homemade Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai! It’s a dish full of flavor, textures, and that irresistible balance of savory, tangy, and fresh elements that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. From the rich garlic butter sauce to the crunch of peanuts and the bright zest of lime, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this dish as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your thoughts with me if you give it a try—I’d love to hear about how it turned out! And if you have any questions, or need a little help with the recipe, feel free to reach out. Cooking is all about fun and experimentation, and I’m here to help make your kitchen adventures a breeze.

Happy cooking! 😊

Print Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins

Calories: 600

Description

Garlic Butter Chicken Pad Thai is a savory fusion of tender chicken, perfectly stir-fried noodles, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Topped with fresh cilantro, crunchy peanuts, and a squeeze of lime, it’s a mouthwatering combination of creamy, zesty, and umami flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 ounces rice noodles

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 eggs

• ¹⁄₄ cup fish sauce

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped peanuts

• ¹⁄₄ cup cilantro, chopped

• ¹⁄₂ cup green onions, sliced

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon lime zest

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
4. In the same skillet, add the olive oil over medium heat.
5. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
7. Push the garlic to the side of the skillet and crack the eggs into the empty space, scrambling them until fully cooked.
8. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the garlic and eggs.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime zest.
10. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss everything to combine well, ensuring the noodles are coated with the sauce.
11. Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and stir to incorporate.
12. If using, sprinkle chili flakes over the mixture and stir.
13. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and sliced green onions.
14. Serve immediately while hot.

Note

• For a richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic before cooking.
• Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the brown sugar to taste.
• For extra crunch, add extra chopped peanuts or toss in some crispy shallots as a garnish.
• If you prefer a spicier version, increase the chili flakes or add a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
• For a lighter version, substitute the butter with additional olive oil or use a non-stick spray for cooking the chicken.

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