Healthy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe: Easy & Nutritious Meal for Busy Cooks
# Creamy Chicken Pad Thai for Busy Nights If you’re looking for a wholesome yet flavorful dinner that’s quick to make and sure to please the whole family, this Healthy Chicken Pad Thai recipe is your new go-to. With sweet potato noodles replacing traditional rice noodles, it brings a nutritious twist without compromising on taste. Plus, the vibrant veggies and rich, tangy sauce made with coconut aminos, almond butter, and tamarind paste create a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and light. Whether you’re a busy parent, a young professional, or simply craving an easy dinner, this recipe fits perfectly into your weeknights. I remember the first time I tried to make Pad Thai at home; I rushed the sauce and ended up with a bland dish. Now, taking the time to whisk all the ingredients together properly has made all the difference. What’s your biggest challenge when trying new recipes?
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 large eggs, whisked
- 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breast
- 1 cup sliced onion (110 grams)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 small-medium sweet potatoes, spiralized (24 ounces)
- 2 cups julienned red bell pepper (220 grams)
- 3 heaping cups sliced mushrooms (210 grams)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 packed cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For serving: bean sprouts, chopped cilantro, crushed almonds or peanuts, chopped green onion, lime juice
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos
- 3 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 538 kcal
- Fat: 18.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Sodium: 1146 mg
Instructions
- Spiralize the sweet potatoes using the smallest setting on your spiralizer and set aside the noodles.
- Prepare the pad thai sauce by whisking together coconut aminos, almond butter, rice vinegar, fish sauce, lime juice, tamarind paste, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Adjust flavors to your liking and set aside.
- In a large sauté pan or wok, heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the whisked eggs and stir continuously until soft scrambled but not fully cooked, about 1-2 minutes. Remove eggs from the pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Season the thinly sliced chicken breast with salt and pepper, then sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken but keep any pan juices.
- Sauté sliced onions in the same pan for 2-3 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add the sweet potato noodles and julienned red bell peppers to the pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
- Return the cooked chicken, scrambled eggs, and any accumulated juices to the pan. Pour in the prepared pad thai sauce and stir well to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Turn off the heat and stir in chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately, garnished with bean sprouts, crushed peanuts or almonds, extra cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice to taste.
- Enjoy your wholesome, flavorful healthy chicken pad thai!
Tips and Variations
This chicken pad thai recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious version of the classic Thai favorite. Using sweet potato noodles adds fiber and vitamins compared to traditional rice noodles, while the almond butter-based pad thai sauce keeps it rich without relying on sugar-laden sauces. For an authentic chicken pad thai flavor, ensure you use tamarind paste and fish sauce as key ingredients in your sauce. Want an easy chicken pad thai recipe? Simply prepare all ingredients ahead and cook swiftly in one pan. Curious about chicken pad thai calories? This version is balanced, offering about 538 calories per serving with a great mix of protein and fiber. If you’re looking for chicken pad thai nutrition facts, this dish is high in protein and fiber, supporting a healthy diet. Variations include swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian option. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. Wondering about chicken pad thai near me? This recipe brings the taste right to your kitchen. As you experiment, ask yourself: how do you adapt recipes to fit your family’s tastes or dietary needs? Cooking with love always enhances the best chicken pad thai recipe experience.
FAQ
What is chicken pad thai?
Chicken Pad Thai is a popular Thai stir-fried noodle dish with chicken, traditionally made with rice noodles, tamarind sauce, eggs, and peanuts.
How many calories are in chicken pad thai?
A typical serving of chicken pad thai has about 538 calories, depending on the recipe and portion size.
How do you make chicken pad thai?
You make chicken pad thai by stir-frying chicken, sweet potato noodles, vegetables, and eggs, and combining with a pad thai sauce made from tamarind paste, fish sauce, almond butter, and coconut aminos.
Is chicken pad thai healthy?
Yes, this healthy chicken pad thai recipe uses nutrient-dense ingredients making it a balanced meal suitable for weight loss and healthy eating.
What ethnicity is chicken pad thai?
Chicken Pad Thai originates from Thailand and is a staple in Thai cuisine, known for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
Why is Pad Thai so healthy?
Pad Thai is healthy because it combines protein, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates, especially when made with nutrient-rich noodles like sweet potato noodles.
What is the secret ingredient in Pad Thai?
The secret ingredient in Pad Thai is tamarind paste, which gives the sauce its distinctive tangy flavor.
Is Pad Thai ok for weight loss?
Pad Thai can be okay for weight loss when made with wholesome ingredients like in this healthy recipe, controlling portions and avoiding excess sugar or oil.
What vegetables are good in chicken pad thai?
Common vegetables in chicken pad thai include bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and green onions.
Is pad thai junk food?
Pad Thai isn’t inherently junk food; its healthiness depends on ingredients and preparation methods. This recipe uses fresh, whole foods making it a healthy choice.
Reflection Questions
- What is one cooking habit you could improve to make your meals healthier?
- How do you feel about swapping traditional ingredients for healthier alternatives?
- What new techniques did you learn from making this chicken pad thai recipe?
Conclusion
This Healthy Chicken Pad Thai recipe brings together nutritious ingredients, vibrant flavors, and quick preparation, perfect for anyone seeking a wholesome alternative to takeout. By choosing sweet potato noodles and a carefully crafted sauce, you enjoy fewer calories and more fiber without sacrificing taste. Ready to try this recipe? Share your experience on social media and subscribe for more healthy recipes and tips from our expert home cook. Remember: 1) Ingredients Selection → 2) Preparation → 3) Cooking → 4) Tasting & Adjusting → 5) Enjoying & Sharing.
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