Chicken Pad See Ew Recipe

 

Make authentic Chicken Pad See Ew that’s savory, smoky, and packed with flavor at home with this easy Thai stir-fried noodle recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pad See Ew Recipe

• AUTHENTIC THAI FLAVORS: Enjoy the rich, smoky, and slightly sweet taste of traditional Pad See Ew, just like from a Thai street food stall!
• QUICK & EASY: Ready in under 30 minutes, this stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights!

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What is Chicken Pad See Ew and what chicken is best to use?

Pad See Ew (ผัดซีอิ๊ว) means in English “Stir-Fried with Soy Sauce” noodles, and is made with wide rice noodles, a savory soy-based sauce, Chinese broccoli, and a protein of choice.

This recipe uses chicken, and you can use chicken breasts or chicken thighs in Pad See Ew. We like to use chicken breast when we are trying to be extra healthy, but we love thighs too because they are so tender and flavorful!

It’s optional, but I like to marinate the chicken in a few tablespoons of oyster sauce for around 30 minutes to however long you have to help tenderize it.

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Sherri’s Story

A few weeks after I started living in Bangkok, I ordered Chicken Pad See Ew for the first time at a food stall in a cozy soi (alleyway). I loved the food vendor’s quaint wooden benches and how it was under a little building so there was some shade.

After the server brought me my Pad See Ew on a plastic blue plate, I stared at its simple beauty for a moment before digging in: the long, flat, wide, rice noodles that are nothing like spaghetti noodles I ate growing up, a crisp green Chinese broccoli, chicken and scrambled egg bits all mixed up in a dark sauce.

I smiled at how blessed I was to get to eat this masterpiece for only $1.00 and placed some on my spoon with my fork, and took a bite.

My tastebuds eagerly waited for the Thai spiciness to attack, but they were left wanting because the spiciness never showed up.

So I quickly added some chili flakes that are always on every Thai street food table, and a bit of sugar and fish sauce, mixed it up, took a bite, and tastebuds and I were happy and in Thai food bliss.

Not all Thai food is spicy! So if you can’t handle the heat, or just aren’t in the mood for spicy, Pad See Ew is a perfect, easy meal.

But if you want spicy like me, feel free to add your own Thai chili flakes or Thai Sriracha like Thai Hubby and I do!

Chicken Pad See Ew Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Thai dark soy sauce – Gives the noodles their signature deep color and caramelized flavor.
• 2 tbsp Thai mushroom soy sauce – You can also use Thai light soy sauce, but I prefer the Mushroom soy sauce since it has extra umami flavor!
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce – Provides a rich, umami-packed taste.
• 3 tsp sugar – Balances the savory elements.
• 4 servings of flat, wide rice noodles (dry or fresh) – Essential for that classic chewy texture.
• 2 cups or so Chinese broccoli (or substitute with broccoli florets or kale) – Adds crunch and slight bitterness to balance the sauce.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – Adds aromatic depth.
• 2 eggs – Creates richness and texture.
• 2 tbsp cooking oil – Any neutral oil works that can handle a high heat like coconut oil, avocado oil or peanut oil.
• 1 lb chicken breasts (around 2 breasts) or 1 lb chicken thighs – We love thighs, but we also love chicken breasts if we are trying to be more healthy, so use whatever you prefer.
• 1 tsp white pepper – Adds a subtle warmth.
• Thai Sriracha (optional)-In Thai Hubby’s hometown of Sukhothai, some like to add Thai Sriracha to their Pad See Ew as a topping, so we like to and you might too!
• Thai chili flakes (optional)-Pad See Ew isn’t traditionally spicy, but if you want it spicy, feel free to add some Thai chili flakes!

Additions & Substitutions

• Chicken Substitute: Try my Beef Pad See Ew Recipe, Pad See Ew Recipe Vegan with Tofu, or use pork, or mushrooms.
• Chinese Broccoli Substitute: Regular broccoli, kale, or bok choy.
• Thai Sweet Dark Soy Sauce Substitute: Mix equal parts regular soy sauce and molasses.
• Mushroom Soy Sauce Substitute: Thai light soy sauce or Kikoman soy sauce.
• Oyster Sauce Substitute: ½ tbsp hoisin sauce, ½ tbsp soy sauce mixed together.
• White Pepper Substitute: Black pepper.
• Gluten-Free Pad See Ew: Check out my Is Pad See Ew Gluten-Free? and Recipe post!

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How to Make Chicken Pad See Ew

Make the Chicken Pad See Ew sauce:

Mix 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of mushroom soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, and 3 tsp sugar in a small bowl or glass measuring cup. You might not use all of it, or you might need to make more depending on how many noodles you end up using.

Prep the Noodles:

If using dry rice noodles, soak the 4 servings for an hour in room-temperature water, or until you can wrap the noodle easily around your finger.

If using fresh noodles, microwave the 4 servings in the bag for a few minutes to loosen them. Gently separate the noodles..

Prepare the Chinese Broccoli:

Peel the stalk and slice into 2-inch pieces. Keep stalk pieces separate from the leaves.

Stir-Fry the Aromatics & Veggies: 

• Heat 2 tbsp of cooking oil in a wok over medium-high heat. 
• Add the 3 minced garlic cloves and stir-fry until it smells amazing. 
• Push the garlic aside, crack in the 2 eggs, and scramble until just set.

Cook the Chicken: 

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned. Set aside.

Add the Veggies:

• Toss in the Chinese broccoli stalks and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened and the chicken is fully cooked.
• Take out the Chinese broccoli stalks, and chicken, and put it on a plate or bowl while you stir-fry the noodles.

Stir-Fry the Noodles:

• Add a few more tablespoons of oil to the wok if needed, and put in the noodles and Pad See Ew sauce.
• Stir gently to coat the noodles without breaking them.Stir-fry until everything is evenly coated and caramelized.

Final Touch:

• Add back in the chicken, Chinese broccoli stalks, and add the Chinese broccoli leaves and stir-fry until just wilted.
• Don’t touch the noodles for about 30 seconds to let them get a smokiness to them.
• Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon or so of white pepper, mix it up, and turn off the heat.

Serve & Enjoy!

• Plate the noodles, sprinkle with chili flakes or Thai Sriracha sauce to taste if you want, and enjoy!

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Recipe Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Pad See Ew

• Use high heat and let it sit a bit at the end to get that signature smoky wok flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the wok—cook each part separately as shared in the recipe, and don’t make more than 2 servings at a time in the wok to reduce moisture, which helps the noodles not turn mushy.
• Thinly slice the chicken and marinate it so it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce. It’s optional, but I like to marinate the chicken in a few tablespoons of oyster sauce for around 30 minutes to however long you have to help tenderize it.

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Storage & Reheating

Fridge: According to the USDA, leftovers are still good after 3-4 days of being in the fridge, but Pad See Ew noodles are really best eaten day of since the noodles start to harden up as they sit in the fridge.

Freezer: I wouldn’t recommend freezing leftover Pad See Ew since the cooked noodles don’t do well in the cold for long periods of time, and it would be difficult to soften them up.

Reheat: Warm the noodles in the microwave or a hot skillet. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen them up.

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Your Chicken Pad See Ew Questions Answered

Where did Pad See Ew originate?

Pad See Ew has Chinese origins, brought to Thailand by Teochew immigrants from Southern China. Their stir-frying technique influenced many Thai noodle dishes and stir-fries. Similar to Cantonese Chow Fun, Pad See Ew’s name means “stir-fried with soy sauce.”

Can I make Pad See Ew spicy? 

Pad See Ew is not typically spicy, but you can add Thai chili flakes or drizzle on some Thai Sriracha like Thai Hubby and I like to to add some heat.

Is Chicken Pad See Ew healthy?

Yes, especially when made with less oil, lean chicken breast, and plenty of veggies! Pad See Ew has Chinese broccoli, which is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. It’s great for digestion, bone health, heart health, immunity, and weight management.

What is the difference between Pad See Ew and Pad Kee Mao?

Great question! Check out my Pad See Ew vs Pad Kee Mao post to learn what’s the difference and which one is best for you!

What is the difference between Pad See Ew and Pad Thai?

Another great question! Check out my Pad See Ew vs Pad Thai post to learn what’s the difference and which one is best for you!

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Love Thai Food? Get More Thai Recipes!

Want more Pad See Ew info and recipes? Here you go dear:

• Pad See Ew Recipe Vegan
• Is Pad See Ew Gluten-Free? What You Need to Know and Recipe
• Beef Pad See Ew Recipe
• Pad See Ew Spaghetti

Share Your Dish!

I’d love to see your Chicken Pad See Ew! Tag me on Instagram @thaifoodie so I can share your amazing creation!

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