If you adore the bold and comforting flavors of Thai cuisine but also crave the casual fun of tacos, then this Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It brilliantly combines the vibrant, tangy, and slightly spicy notes of classic Pad Thai with the handheld, customizable joy of tacos. Each bite bursts with fresh veggies, savory ground chicken infused with Thai seasoning, and a luscious peanut-lime sauce that ties everything together. This dish is not only a feast for the tastebuds but also a colorful, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret behind the irresistible taste and texture of this recipe. Every element contributes its own unique punch—whether it’s the crunch of fresh veggies or the creamy, tangy sauce that brings everything together.
- 1 cup bean sprouts: Adds a fresh, crisp texture that brightens the filling.
- ½ cup green onions (diced): Offers a mild onion flavor and vibrant green color.
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage: Introduces crunch and a pop of purple for visual appeal.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds sweetness and a lovely orange hue.
- 1 cup red bell peppers (julienned): Brings a slight sweetness and striking red color.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The protein base, lending savory flavor and juiciness.
- 1 tablespoon Thai seasoning: Key for authentic aromatic spices—see notes below for a homemade blend.
- 12 small tortillas (4.5 inches): The perfect size street taco shells to hold all the goodness.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro: Adds herbaceous freshness and vibrant green pops.
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts: Brings crunch and a nutty richness on top.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Provides salty umami depth.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a toastiness that complements the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter: Creates a creamy, slightly sweet base for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances savory and spicy flavors with gentle sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 small lime): Gives zesty brightness and acidity.
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha: Adds a kick of heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste: Brings warm, complex spice notes that elevate the dish.
How to Make Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Veggie Medley
Start by combining the bean sprouts, diced green onions, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, and julienned red bell peppers in a bowl. This colorful mix not only adds crunch but also balances the warm, rich flavors of the chicken and sauce, making each taco refreshing and vibrant.
Step 2: Mix the Flavor-Packed Pad Thai Sauce
Next, in a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter, brown sugar, lime juice, Sriracha, and Thai red curry paste. Whisk everything together until smooth and set aside. This sauce is the heart and soul of the Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe—it brings creamy, tangy, and spicy layers that coat the veggies and chicken perfectly.
Step 3: Season and Shape the Chicken
Mix the ground chicken with the Thai seasoning to infuse every bite with aromatic spices. Then divide the mixture into 12 small balls, each one sized to fit neatly onto a tortilla. This approach ensures consistent cooking and makes assembling the tacos a breeze.
Step 4: Form Taco Bases
Use a fork to gently press each chicken ball onto a tortilla, flattening it so it sticks and spreads out on the tortilla like a taco shell. This technique cleverly combines the filling and base, eliminating the need for a separate taco shell and making each bite loaded with flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken-Topped Tortillas
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the tortillas meat-side down and press down gently with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Flip the tacos and cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm the tortilla and finish cooking the chicken. This method locks in juiciness and achieves a great texture.
Step 6: Assemble and Garnish
Remove the tacos from heat, then layer the fresh vegetable medley on top of each chicken-covered tortilla. Drizzle generously with the prepared Pad Thai sauce, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaf, and finish with chopped peanuts for crunch. This final touch creates a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that make the Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe so addictive.
How to Serve Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts are classic toppings that give a pop of color, freshness, and a delightful crunch. Feel free to add lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty splash before digging in. These garnishes elevate each bite and perfectly complement the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
Keep it light and fresh with a simple cucumber salad or a tangy Asian slaw. Alternatively, steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice can provide a neutral companion that balances the boldness of the tacos. These sides ensure your meal feels complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, serve the Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe on a large platter with all the toppings arranged in bowls for a build-your-own taco station. Or stack several tacos on a tiered stand for a vibrant and visually stunning spread that invites guests to dive in and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cooked chicken and vegetable mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce can be stored separately to prevent the tacos from becoming soggy. This way, you can easily reassemble and enjoy the flavors fresh the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, store the cooked chicken mixture by itself in a freezer-safe container. Avoid freezing the fresh veggies or tortillas, as they don’t hold up well. Frozen chicken mixture can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Assemble fresh tacos with crisp tortillas and fresh veggies to retain the authentic texture and taste. This method ensures the Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe stays delicious even as leftovers.
FAQs
Can I use something other than ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even finely chopped shrimp make excellent alternatives. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian twist—just be sure to press and marinate it well to absorb those wonderful Thai flavors.
Is it spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
The recipe has a moderate spice level thanks to Sriracha and red curry paste. If you prefer milder tacos, reduce or omit these ingredients. For more heat, feel free to add extra Sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the Pad Thai sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. This makes assembling your tacos quick and hassle-free when ready to serve.
What kind of tortillas work best?
Small corn or flour tortillas around 4.5 inches wide work perfectly as the taco base. Street taco-sized tortillas hold the fillings well without overwhelming the flavors.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
From start to finish, this Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe takes about 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic option for a speedy weeknight meal that feels special and full of flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s vibrant, full of texture, and bursting with flavor, you simply have to try this Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe. It brilliantly fuses two beloved cuisines into an effortless, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. I’m confident it will become a staple in your kitchen, inspiring fresh takes on fusion cooking for years to come.
Print
Chicken Pad Thai Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos (serves 12)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Thai-Mexican)
Description
These Chicken Pad Thai Tacos combine the vibrant flavors of traditional Pad Thai with the convenience of handheld tacos. Ground chicken seasoned with Thai spices is cooked directly on small tortillas, creating a crispy, flavorful base. Topped with a fresh, crunchy vegetable medley and a rich, tangy Pad Thai sauce, these tacos offer a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes in every bite. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that blends Asian and Mexican inspirations.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup green onions, diced
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red bell peppers, julienned
Meat:
- 1 pound ground chicken
Seasoning and Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon Thai seasoning (see notes below)
- 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
Other:
- 12 small tortillas (recommended: street taco size, about 4.5 inches wide)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Combine the bean sprouts, green onions, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, and julienned red bell peppers in a large mixing bowl. Set aside while you make the sauce and cook the chicken.
- Make the Pad Thai Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter, brown sugar, lime juice, Sriracha, and Thai red curry paste until smooth and well combined. Set the sauce aside.
- Season the Chicken: In another bowl, combine the ground chicken with the Thai seasoning powder until evenly mixed. Then, divide this mixture into 12 equal portions and roll each portion into a small ball.
- Form and Press Meat onto Tortillas: Using a fork, press each chicken ball evenly onto one tortilla to form a thin layer of meat covering the surface of the tortilla. This will serve as the taco shell and the meat filling.
- Cook the Chicken Tacos: Heat a non-stick or griddle pan over medium-high heat on the stove. Once hot, place each tortilla meat-side down on the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, pressing down gently with a spatula to help the meat adhere and cook evenly.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip each taco and cook the other side for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the tortilla is slightly crisp.
- Assemble the Tacos: Remove the cooked tacos from the pan. Top each with a generous spoonful of the mixed vegetable blend, drizzle with the prepared Pad Thai sauce, then garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts for added crunch and flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The Thai seasoning used for the chicken typically includes a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, white pepper, and paprika, which you can prepare at home or find pre-made.
- For a spicier kick, adjust the amount of Sriracha or add more Thai red curry paste to the sauce.
- Street taco size tortillas around 4.5 inches in diameter are ideal to hold the toppings and meat.
- Pressing the ground chicken onto the tortillas before cooking helps to create a crispy, meat-covered base and ensures quick cooking.
- This recipe can be customized with tofu or other proteins for vegetarian or vegan adaptations.
