Introduction
Bring the bold, tangy, and savory flavors of Thailand to your kitchen with this Crockpot Chicken Pad Thai. Tender chicken, chewy rice noodles, and a perfectly balanced peanut sauce come together effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s a fuss-free way to enjoy a takeout favorite perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup crushed peanuts, for topping
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
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Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
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Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, fish sauce (if using), and chicken broth. Pour over the chicken.
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Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred with two forks, and return it to the pot.
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Add the noodles & veggies: Add the rice noodles, sliced bell pepper, and shredded carrots. Stir to coat the noodles in the sauce. Cover and cook on low for an additional 20-30 minutes until the noodles are tender.
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Garnish & serve: Toss everything to combine, then sprinkle with green onions, cilantro, and crushed peanuts. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
Variation
- Protein Options: Not a fan of chicken? Swap it out for shrimp (add them in the last 30 minutes so they don’t overcook), tofu for a vegetarian twist, or even thinly sliced beef for a richer flavor. Adjust the cooking time based on your protein choice!
- Veggie Boost: Pad Thai is super flexible add broccoli florets, snap peas, or bean sprouts for extra crunch and nutrition. Toss them in during the last 30 minutes to keep them crisp.
- Noodle Alternatives: While rice noodles are classic, you can use zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb option or whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber. Just be mindful of their cooking times.
- Spice Level: Love heat? Add sriracha, chili paste, or red pepper flakes directly into the sauce. For a milder option, offer these on the side so everyone can control their own spice level.
Cooking Notes
- Noodle Timing: Rice noodles cook quickly they can go from perfectly tender to mushy fast. Start checking them after 20 minutes and stir occasionally to prevent clumping.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick once the noodles are added, stir in a splash of chicken broth or a bit more lime juice to loosen it. The noodles absorb liquid as they cook, so don’t hesitate to adjust.
- Chicken Texture: For extra-juicy chicken, shred it against the grain this helps lock in moisture. If you prefer chunkier bites, just chop the chicken into small pieces instead of shredding.
Serving Suggestions
- Toppings Bar: Create a DIY Pad Thai bar by offering toppings like crushed peanuts, cilantro, green onions, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and extra sriracha. This adds a fun, interactive element to mealtime!
- Side Dishes: Serve with a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds, or a side of steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt. These light, fresh sides complement the bold Pad Thai flavors.
- Refreshing Drinks: Pair with a Thai iced tea for a sweet, creamy contrast or a sparkling lime water with mint for something light and zesty.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop all your veggies, mince the garlic, and whisk the sauce ingredients together the night before. In the morning, simply toss everything into the crockpot and go!
- No Sticky Noodles: To avoid sticky clumps, give the rice noodles a quick rinse before adding them to the crockpot. This helps remove excess starch and keeps them from sticking together.
- Leftovers Reheat Hack: Store leftovers in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and stir frequently this keeps the noodles from drying out.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 890mg
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but make sure to add an extra 30-45 minutes to the cooking time. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
2. What if I don’t have fish sauce?
No fish sauce? No problem! You can swap it with soy sauce, tamari (for gluten-free), or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for that umami kick.
3. How do I stop the noodles from getting mushy?
The key is adding the noodles at the end about 20-30 minutes before serving. Stir them occasionally to prevent clumping, and check them often to avoid overcooking.
4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also toss in extra veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added texture.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Chicken Pad Thai is a game-changer for busy weeknights packed with bold Thai flavors, tender chicken, and perfectly chewy noodles, all with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite takeout dish at home, with the bonus of customizing every bite just the way you like it.
So grab your slow cooker, toss in those ingredients, and let the magic happen. Dinner just got a whole lot more exciting and a whole lot easier. 🍜✨
Print
Crockpot Chicken Pad Thai
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Bring the bold, tangy, and savory flavors of Thailand to your kitchen with this Crockpot Chicken Pad Thai. Tender chicken, chewy rice noodles, and a perfectly balanced peanut sauce come together effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s a fuss-free way to enjoy a takeout favorite—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup crushed peanuts, for topping
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
-
Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
-
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, fish sauce (if using), and chicken broth. Pour over the chicken.
-
Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
-
Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred with two forks, and return it to the pot.
-
Add the noodles & veggies: Add the rice noodles, sliced bell pepper, and shredded carrots. Stir to coat the noodles in the sauce. Cover and cook on low for an additional 20-30 minutes until the noodles are tender.
-
Garnish & serve: Toss everything to combine, then sprinkle with green onions, cilantro, and crushed peanuts. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- Noodle check: Depending on your crockpot, the noodles can cook quickly—check them after 20 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Sauce boost: If the noodles absorb too much sauce, stir in a splash of chicken broth or a bit more soy sauce to loosen things up.
- Spice it up: Add a drizzle of Sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like extra heat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Main Dish, Noodles
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: naan pizza, Mediterranean pizza, tzatziki chicken pizza, easy naan recipe, quick dinner idea, healthy pizza