If you love the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine but are craving something handheld and fun, this Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe is your new best friend. It brilliantly combines the classic taste of Pad Thai with the casual, party-ready format of tacos, delivering an explosion of sweet, salty, spicy, and fresh notes in every bite. Whether for a weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering, these tacos bring color, texture, and a burst of authentic flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe lies in the simplicity and balance of ingredients, each chosen to bring a unique flavor, texture, or splash of color to the dish. From crunchy veggies to a flavorful blend of seasonings, you’ll find everything easy to source yet essential for creating that perfect harmony of tastes.
- Bean sprouts: Add a fresh, crisp crunch that’s classic in pad thai.
- Green onions (diced): Provide a mild onion flavor and vibrant green color.
- Shredded red cabbage: Offers crunch and a beautiful splash of purple.
- Shredded carrots: Sweetness and bright orange color make the tacos pop visually and taste-wise.
- Julienned red bell peppers: Brings sweetness and a juicy texture.
- Ground chicken: The hearty protein base that soaks up all those delicious seasonings.
- Thai seasoning: A blend that infuses the chicken with authentic flavor (see notes below for how to make your own).
- Small tortillas: Street taco size works best, holding the fillings perfectly.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a fragrant, citrusy note that lifts every bite.
- Chopped peanuts: Crunchy texture and nutty flavor, essential for true pad thai vibes.
- Soy sauce: Delivers salty umami that is the backbone of the sauce.
- Sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a subtle nutty aroma.
- Peanut butter: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Balances out the savory and spicy elements with gentle sweetness.
- Lime juice: Provides the essential tangy brightness.
- Sriracha: Brings a kick of spicy heat.
- Thai red curry paste: Packs a punch of fragrant, complex spice.
How to Make Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Veggie Mix
Start by combining the bean sprouts, diced green onions, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, and julienned red bell peppers in a large bowl. This colorful veggie medley adds crunch, freshness, and vibrant color that perfectly contrasts the warm, spicy chicken filling.
Step 2: Mix the Pad Thai Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter, brown sugar, lime juice, Sriracha, and Thai red curry paste. This sauce is the heart and soul of the dish—layered with sweet, tangy, spicy, and nutty flavors that make each taco irresistibly craveable.
Step 3: Season and Form the Chicken
Take your ground chicken and combine it thoroughly with the Thai seasoning. Then divide the mixture into 12 equal-sized balls. These will become your taco “meat” base, bursting with flavor from the seasoning blend.
Step 4: Assemble Chicken on Tortillas
Use a fork to press each chicken ball flat onto a small tortilla, shaping it like a mini patty. This technique not only makes cooking quicker but also ensures the chicken cooks evenly on the tortilla, marrying the flavors together from the get-go.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken Tacos
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat until hot. Place each tortilla “patty” meat-side down and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula to crisp it up. This step adds a delightful texture contrast—crispy edges with tender chicken inside.
Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking
Flip each taco and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes on the tortilla side just to warm it through and develop a little bit of char for extra flavor.
Step 7: Add Toppings and Serve
Remove the tacos from the pan and top generously with the fresh veggie mix. Drizzle the pad thai sauce over the veggies, then sprinkle with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro. Each bite delivers a wonderful mix of juicy, crunchy, spicy, sweet, and savory notes you’ll want to savor.
How to Serve Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts are a must for that authentic Pad Thai experience. They add burst of herbal freshness and crunch that elevates the tacos beyond ordinary. Feel free to add a lime wedge on the side for an extra zing of citrus.
Side Dishes
These tacos pair wonderfully with a light cucumber salad or simple jasmine rice to soak up any extra sauce. For a refreshing contrast, try a tangy Thai-style slaw or even grilled corn with chili lime butter. The options are endless and all delicious!
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the tacos on a colorful platter with bowls of extra pad thai sauce, chopped peanuts, lime wedges, and cilantro scattered around. This way, everyone can customize their perfect taco. Another fun idea is to serve them as mini sliders for an appetizer spread that’s truly unique.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce separately from the veggie mix and tortillas in airtight containers. This prevents sogginess and keeps everything fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken patties on the tortillas for up to 2 months. Wrap each taco individually in foil or plastic wrap before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat frozen tacos in a warm skillet over medium heat, pressing gently to restore crispiness, or in the oven wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. Add fresh veggies and sauce after reheating for the best taste and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! You can finely chop or mince chicken breast and season it the same way. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust the cooking time slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable-based Thai seasoning or sauces. The fresh veggies and sauce still shine beautifully.
How spicy is this recipe?
The Sriracha and Thai red curry paste add a moderate level of heat, but you can always adjust the amount to suit your spice preference. Adding more lime juice or brown sugar can help balance the heat as well.
What type of tortillas work best?
Small street taco-sized flour or corn tortillas about 4.5 inches wide are ideal. They are just the right size to hold the fillings without overwhelming your hands.
Can I prepare this recipe for a large crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales up easily, and the tacos make great finger food for parties. Just prepare the ingredients and cook in batches for a seamless serving experience.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try the Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe, it will become a fast favorite in your rotation. The playful fusion of Thai street flavors with the casual charm of tacos is amazing to share with friends and family. It’s simple to make, packed with vibrant ingredients, and bursting with flavor from the very first bite. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor something truly special!
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
Delight in a fusion twist with Chicken Pad Thai Tacos, combining the vibrant flavors of traditional Thai cuisine with the casual appeal of street tacos. Ground chicken seasoned with aromatic Thai spices is pressed onto warm tortillas and pan-cooked to perfection, then topped with a crunchy mix of fresh veggies and a luscious, tangy pad thai sauce. This recipe delivers a fun, flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup green onions, diced
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red bell peppers, julienned
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
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
Base
- 12 small tortillas (recommended: street taco size, 4.5 inches wide)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the bean sprouts, diced green onions, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, and julienned red bell peppers. Set aside to be used as a fresh crunchy topping for the tacos.
- Make the pad thai sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter, brown sugar, lime juice, Sriracha, and Thai red curry paste until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Season the chicken: In another bowl, mix the ground chicken with the Thai seasoning thoroughly. Once mixed, divide the chicken mixture evenly into 12 small balls, one for each taco.
- Assemble the meat on tortillas: Take each small ball of ground chicken and press it flat with a fork directly onto each small tortilla, shaping it to cover the tortilla surface.
- 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 while pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking and binding.
- Flip and finish cooking: Carefully flip each taco and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the tortilla is slightly crispy.
- Serve: Remove the tacos from the pan. Layer the prepared mixed vegetables on top of each cooked chicken tortilla, then drizzle generously with the pad thai sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts for extra flavor and crunch. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Thai seasoning: A typical Thai seasoning blend includes ground garlic, coriander, cumin, white pepper, and chili flakes. Adjust heat level according to preference.
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or tofu for variations.
- If desired, warm the tortillas before assembling for a softer base.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to control the spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari in place of soy sauce and ensure tortillas are gluten-free.
