Easy Chicken "Pad Thai"
Okay, confession: this isn't really Pad Thai. It definitely plays with some of those traditional flavors, but this is really the "I only have these things in the fridge and pantry" Pad Thai. And, since we're all in the middle of a pandemic (can you please just wear a mask? PLEASE?!), this is something you should be able to throw together with whatever you have. Regardless what that might be, this makes for a quick and delicious weekday meal!
So, this is what I had in my fridge and pantry: rice noodles, chicken, broccolini, Thai peppers, garlic, peanuts, soy sauce, limes, honey and rice vinegar. Yes, definitely missing a few major ingredients, BUT, we have enough to make this work.
Don't have chicken? Now worries! Pork, beef, seafood or more veggies are great subs! Don't have broccolini? No sweat! Any veggies will do! Don't have Thai peppers? Not a problem! Any kind of pepper should work! Make this with what would have!
Enjoy!
Easy Chicken "Pad Thai"
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 3-4
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 of a 14oz Box of Rice Noodles
1lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
1lb broccolini, washed + stalks and florets divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flake
Oil (olive or coconut)
2/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 Tbsp honey
2 tsp rice vinegar
1 lime, juiced
1-2 Thai peppers, diced and seeds removed
1/8 cup peanuts, smashed
INSTRUCTIONS:
Remove rice noodles from packaging, place in a bowl, cover with water and let soak for 30 minutes.
Combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar and lime juice in a bowl. Whisk until well combined. Set aside.
Heat a pan over medium heat and add the oil. When the oil shimmers, add the garlic. Saute until fragrant and slightly golden. Don't burn the garlic!
Add the chicken and red pepper flake. Saute until chicken is cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the broccolini stalks and saute for 2 minutes.
Add the broccolini florets and saute for 2 minutes.
Drain the noodles and add to the pan. Stir to combine and to separate any noodles that are sticking together.
Add the sauce to the pan. Stir to ensure everything is coated evenly. Saute for about 3 minutes.
Remove from heat. Top with peanuts and chopped Thai Chili.