If you adore the vibrant flavors of Thailand but crave a fun twist on traditional dishes, this Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine the bright, tangy, and savory Pad Thai sauce pairing perfectly with tender ground chicken, all nestled inside a soft tortilla. The crunchy fresh veggies and chopped peanuts add texture and color that make every bite bursting with excitement. It’s like street food fusion heaven, combining the best of Asian and Mexican influences into one irresistible dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients together for the Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe is simple but essential, as each component plays a crucial role in creating its balanced flavor and enticing texture. From crisp veggies to the bold, fragrant Thai seasoning, each ingredient adds its own special flair.
- Bean sprouts: For that refreshing crunch and lightness every Pad Thai loves.
- Green onions (diced): Adding a subtle sharpness and fresh green color.
- Shredded red cabbage: Provides beautiful color contrast and a slightly peppery bite.
- Shredded carrots: Sweetness and vibrant orange hues brighten the taco.
- Red bell peppers (julienned): Juicy, sweet, and colorful for extra crunch.
- Ground chicken: The savory protein base seasoned for deep flavor.
- Thai seasoning: A fragrant mix that brings authentic Thai flavor punch.
- Small tortillas (street taco size): Perfect size for handheld bites packed with flavor.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds an herbaceous brightness to finish each taco.
- Chopped peanuts: A textural contrast and quintessential Pad Thai topping.
- Soy sauce: Provides salty umami that ties everything together.
- Sesame oil: Adds toasty richness that feels indulgent yet balanced.
- Peanut butter: Deepens the sauce with creamy, nutty complexity.
- Brown sugar: Brings a sweet counterbalance to savory and spicy notes.
- Lime juice: Injects tangy brightness that keeps the dish lively.
- Sriracha: Adds a bold, spicy kick to awaken the taste buds.
- Thai red curry paste: Boosts the sauce with fragrant warmth and depth.
How to Make Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Veggies
Start by combining the crisp bean sprouts, diced green onions, shredded red cabbage, carrots, and red bell peppers in a large bowl. This colorful veggie mix is what gives the tacos that fresh crunch and eye-catching vibrancy that will make every bite exciting.
Step 2: Make the Pad Thai Sauce
Next, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter, brown sugar, lime juice, Sriracha, and Thai red curry paste in a separate bowl. This sauce is the heart of the Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe, blending savory, sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors to perfection.
Step 3: Season and Shape the Chicken
Mix the ground chicken with the aromatic Thai seasoning until evenly combined. Then divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and roll each into a small ball, preparing them to be pressed and cooked on the tortillas.
Step 4: Form the Chicken on the Tortillas
Take a ball of the ground chicken mixture and use a fork or your fingers to firmly press it flat directly onto the center of a tortilla. This method lets the chicken cook evenly while crisping up slightly against the pan for a tasty texture.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken-Topped Tortillas
Heat a non-stick or griddle pan 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 good contact and even cooking. Then flip the taco and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Assemble Your Chicken Pad Thai Tacos
Remove the tacos from the pan and pile the colorful fresh veggie mix onto each one. Drizzle generously with the vibrant Pad Thai sauce, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts for that authentic finishing touch.
How to Serve Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe truly shines in the garnishes. Adding fresh cilantro leaves and chopped peanuts not only enhances flavor but adds texture and that quintessential kick of freshness and crunch. Don’t be shy with these toppings—they bring everything together beautifully.
Side Dishes
Keep the meal light and fresh with simple sides like cucumber salad or a zesty lime slaw. Steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice can round out the feast for an extra touch of authenticity and help balance the bold flavors of the tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive party platter, arrange the assembled Chicken Pad Thai Tacos garnished with extra lime wedges, cilantro sprigs, and a dish of pad Thai sauce for dipping on the side. You can also serve the chicken “meat patties” separately and let guests build their own tacos, making it interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken and veggie mixture can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tortillas and sauce separate to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the seasoned ground chicken balls before cooking by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before pressing onto tortillas and cooking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat the cooked chicken tacos in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side to keep the chicken juicy and the tortilla crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy tortillas. Add fresh veggies and sauce after reheating for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just switch regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, double-check that the tortillas you use are gluten-free corn tortillas, which are widely available.
Is ground chicken the only protein option?
Not at all. You can substitute ground turkey or even finely chopped shrimp if you prefer. Each option will give you a slightly different taste but equally delicious results.
How spicy is the Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe?
The dish carries a gentle heat from the Sriracha and Thai red curry paste, but if you love spice, feel free to add more. If you prefer mild, reduce or omit the Sriracha for a subtler flavor.
Can I prepare the components in advance?
Yes, prepping the veggie mix and the pad Thai sauce ahead of time makes assembly quick and easy, especially for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
What kind of tortillas work best for this recipe?
Street taco-size tortillas around 4.5 inches wide are ideal because they’re the perfect handheld size for these chicken patties and toppings without being too bulky.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals for something bright, flavorful, and fun. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, sparks smiles, and invites creativity in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients, play with the fresh flavors, and enjoy every delicious bite of this fusion masterpiece.
Print
Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai Fusion
Description
These Chicken Pad Thai Tacos combine the vibrant flavors of traditional pad thai with a fun taco twist, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Ground chicken is seasoned and cooked directly on tortillas, then topped with a crunchy vegetable mix and a tangy, creamy pad thai sauce for a fresh and satisfying bite.
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)
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon Thai seasoning (see notes for recipe)
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
Additional Toppings
- 12 small tortillas (recommended: street taco size, about 4.5 inches wide)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetable Mix: Combine the bean sprouts, diced green onions, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, and julienned red bell peppers in a large bowl and set aside.
- Make the Pad Thai Sauce: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter, brown sugar, lime juice, Sriracha, and Thai red curry paste. Set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Combine the ground chicken with the Thai seasoning until well incorporated. Divide the mixture evenly into 12 small meatballs.
- Form Chicken on Tortillas: Use a fork to press each chicken meatball flat onto one of the tortillas, ensuring the chicken covers the surface evenly.
- Cook the Tacos – First Side: Heat a non-stick or griddle pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the tortillas meat-side down onto the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Tacos – Second Side: Flip the tortillas and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side until the chicken is fully cooked and the tortilla is warmed through.
- Assemble the Tacos: Remove the tacos from the pan. Top each with the prepared vegetable mix, drizzle with the pad thai sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For Thai seasoning, a blend of garlic powder, ground ginger, coriander, cumin, and chili flakes works well if a specific recipe is unavailable.
- Use small street taco sized tortillas (about 4.5 inches) to ensure proper portioning and ease of eating.
- Adjust the Sriracha amount to control the spice level to your preference.
- Pressing the chicken onto the tortilla helps it cook through evenly and creates a crispy meat layer.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by choosing gluten-free soy sauce and tortillas.
