| |

High Protein Chicken Pad Thai (Easy 20 Minutes)

This site contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Read my Full Affiliate Disclosure  

I love Pad Thai, if you’ve been looking for a high protein chicken Pad Thai that actually tastes like takeout but fits your goals, this one is it.

It’s savory, slightly sweet, a little tangy, and honestly so satisfying.

The best part? It comes together in just 20 minutes and packs over 50 grams of protein in one serving.

Nutrition ( Per serving )

  • Calories: 649
  • Protein: 52g
  • Carbs: 57g
  • Fat: 24g

Ingredients you’ll need

  • 135g chicken breast
  • 150g soaked Pad Thai noodles
  • 2 chives, chopped
  • ½ cup bean sprouts
  • 1 shallot, sliced
  • ½ tsp chili flakes
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tbsp tamarind paste
  • 1 inch cube smoked tofu
  • ½ tbsp palm sugar (or coconut sugar or brown sugar)
  • 1 tsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp ground peanuts
  • 1 tbsp avocado or vegetable oil
  • 2–3 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • ¼ tsp baking soda

How to make high protein chicken Pad Thai

Start by slicing your chicken breast into thin strips. Toss it with soy sauce and baking soda, then let it sit while you prep everything else. This little step keeps the chicken super tender.

Next, mix your sauce. Combine tamarind paste, palm sugar, and fish sauce. Stir until the sugar dissolves. This is where that classic Pad Thai flavor comes from.

Heat oil in a wok or pan over medium heat. Add the smoked tofu and cook until golden. Toss in the sliced shallots and cook until soft and fragrant.

Now add your marinated chicken. Cook until it’s almost done, then push everything to one side of the pan. Crack in the egg and scramble it until soft.

Mix everything together, then add your soaked noodles and sauce. Turn the heat up and stir well. Let the noodles caramelize slightly for that authentic taste. Add a splash of water if things get too hot or sticky.

Finish with bean sprouts, chives, peanuts, and chili flakes. Give it one last toss and you’re ready to serve.

Time-saving and how to serve it

This recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, especially if your noodles are already soaked.

It’s perfect for weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours cooking.

Serve it hot with a squeeze of fresh lime on top. You can add extra peanuts for crunch or more chili flakes if you like heat.

It’s also great with a side of fresh cucumber or a light salad to balance everything out.

Reasons you’ll fall in love with this dish

  • Packed with over 50g of protein per serving
  • Ready in just 20 minutes
  • Tastes like your favorite takeout
  • Simple, everyday ingredients
  • Great for solo meals or scaling up
  • Satisfying and keeps you full for hours

Tips, swaps, and fun variations

If you’re short on time, you can boil the noodles instead of soaking them. Just be careful not to overcook them.

No smoked tofu? You can skip it or replace it with extra chicken for even more protein.

Want to switch things up? Try shrimp instead of chicken, or make it vegetarian by using tofu only and swapping fish sauce for soy sauce.

If you like it saucier, add a little more water or double the sauce ingredients.

Storing leftovers and meal prep tips

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To reheat, add a splash of water and warm it in a pan over medium heat. This helps bring the noodles back to life.

If you’re meal prepping, keep the toppings like peanuts and bean sprouts separate until serving for the best texture.

High Protein Chicken Pad Thai

This high protein chicken Pad Thai is a quick and flavorful 20-minute meal packed with over 50g of protein. It’s a healthier take on a takeout favorite, made with simple ingredients and bold, authentic flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 649
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 135 g chicken breast
  • 150 g Pad Thai noodles soaked
  • 2 chives chopped
  • ½ cup bean sprouts
  • 1 shallot sliced
  • ½ tsp chili flakes
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tbsp tamarind paste
  • 1 inch smoked tofu
  • ½ tbsp palm sugar
  • 1 tsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp ground peanuts
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 –3 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • ¼ tsp baking soda

Method
 

  1. Slice chicken into strips and mix with soy sauce and baking soda. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, mix tamarind paste, palm sugar, and fish sauce until combined.
  3. Heat oil in a pan and cook tofu until golden. Remove or set aside.
  4. Add shallots and cook until soft. Add chicken and cook until nearly done.
  5. Push everything aside, crack in the egg, and scramble.
  6. Mix together, then add noodles and sauce. Stir on high heat.
  7. Add water if needed and cook until noodles slightly caramelize.
  8. Toss in bean sprouts, chives, peanuts, and chili flakes. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Soaking noodles gives the best texture, but boiling works in a pinch
  • Do not skip tamarind paste. It’s key for authentic flavor
  • Avoid overcooking the noodles to prevent mushiness
  • Adjust spice level with chili flakes
 

Nutrition per ( serving )

Calories: 649
Protein: 52g
Carbs: 57g
Fat: 24g

Give it a try tonight

If you’ve been stuck in a boring meal routine, this high protein chicken Pad Thai is the perfect way to switch things up.

It’s quick, full of flavor, and actually makes hitting your protein goals feel exciting.

Yummy High Protein Recipes

Kayleigh
Latest posts by Kayleigh (see all)
Spread the love
    

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating