Spaghetti Squash Chicken Pad Thai Delight
Are you ready to take your spaghetti squash game to the next level? This Spaghetti Squash Chicken Pad Thai Delight is a refreshingly indulgent, yet healthy twist on the classic Pad Thai that you won't soon forget! Made with perfectly roasted spaghetti squash strands, savory ground chicken, crisp veggies, and a deliciously balanced sauce, this dish brings all the flavors of your favorite Thai dish without the guilt. It's perfect for anyone looking to mix things up in the kitchen or for those on a low-carb or gluten-free diet. With each bite, you'll enjoy the great fusion of textures and flavors that make this dish utterly satisfying. Trust me; this quick-to-make recipe will become a household favorite in no time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti squash
1
lean ground chicken
1 lb
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
dried basil
1 teaspoon
onion
1 small (chopped)
bean sprouts
1 cup (optional)
red bell pepper
1 (chopped, optional)
chopped peanuts
1 tablespoon (garnish, optional)
reduced sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons
chicken broth
1/4 cup
light brown sugar
1 tablespoon
peanut butter
1 tablespoon
rice vinegar
1 tablespoon
hot sauce
1 teaspoon (2 tsp if you like it spicier)
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon
minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon
fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon (about half a lime)
corn starch
2 teaspoons (mixed with 1 tbsp water)
Instructions
1
Start by prepping the spaghetti squash: use a knife to poke several holes along where you plan to slice the squash in half. Microwave the whole squash for about 6 minutes to soften it slightly.
2
Once slightly cooled, carefully cut off the stem end and slice the squash in half along the dotted line you created. Remove the seeds with a spoon.
3
Place the spaghetti squash halves face down in a glass dish with 4 tablespoons of water. Microwave for another 10 minutes until the flesh is tender.
4
While the squash is cooking, prepare the sauce: in a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, light brown sugar, peanut butter, rice vinegar, hot sauce, ground ginger, minced garlic, and fresh lime juice. Mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and whisk it into the sauce until well combined.
5
Next, chop the onion and red bell pepper (if using) and set them aside. Heat a wok or large fry pan over medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Add the ground chicken, along with dried basil, pepper, and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns.
6
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pan, stirring occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
7
Remove the spaghetti squash strands from the squash skin using a fork, and transfer the strands to the wok with the cooked chicken mixture. Stir in the bean sprouts (if using) and pour the sauce over the top. Toss everything together until well combined.
8
If desired, garnish your plate with chopped peanuts for an extra crunch before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spaghetti Squash Chicken Pad Thai Delight?
It is a healthy, low-carb, and gluten-free twist on the classic Thai dish that replaces traditional noodles with roasted spaghetti squash strands.
How do I soften the spaghetti squash before cutting?
Poke several holes along the slicing line with a knife and microwave the whole squash for approximately 6 minutes.
How do I cook the spaghetti squash halves?
Place the halves face down in a glass dish with 4 tablespoons of water and microwave for 10 minutes until the flesh is tender.
What are the main ingredients in the Pad Thai sauce?
The sauce consists of soy sauce, chicken broth, light brown sugar, peanut butter, rice vinegar, hot sauce, ground ginger, minced garlic, and fresh lime juice.
How do I use cornstarch in this recipe?
Mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then whisk it into the sauce to help it thicken.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground chicken.
Which vegetables are included in the dish?
The dish includes chopped onion, and optionally, red bell pepper and bean sprouts.
What seasonings are added to the chicken while browning?
Season the ground chicken with dried basil, salt, and pepper.
How do I extract the 'noodles' from the squash?
Use a fork to scrape the flesh from the squash skin, which will naturally separate into strands.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a great option for those on a gluten-free or low-carb diet.
What is the recommended garnish for this Pad Thai?
Garnish the plate with chopped peanuts for an extra crunch.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can increase the hot sauce to 2 teaspoons if you prefer a spicier flavor profile.
What cooking equipment is needed for the chicken?
You can use either a wok or a large fry pan over medium heat.
How much ginger and garlic is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.
How much lime juice is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice, which is roughly half a lime.
Is red bell pepper mandatory for this recipe?
No, the red bell pepper is listed as an optional ingredient.
Are bean sprouts required?
No, bean sprouts are an optional addition to provide extra texture.
How long should I brown the chicken?
Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
What type of soy sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests using reduced sodium soy sauce.
Can I use peanut butter in the sauce?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter is used to give the sauce its classic nutty Pad Thai flavor.
What kind of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar.
Is the spaghetti squash roasted in the oven?
In this specific quick-prep version, the squash is cooked in the microwave to save time.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 19 ingredients listed in total, including optional items and garnishes.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a family-friendly and easy-to-make dinner.
What texture should the squash have?
The squash should be tender enough to be easily pulled into strands with a fork.
When do I add the sauce to the dish?
Pour the sauce over the combined chicken and squash strands in the wok or pan at the end of the cooking process.
Can I use dried basil?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy comfort food alternative.
How much chicken broth is used?
The sauce requires 1/4 cup of chicken broth.
What is the first step in prepping the squash?
The first step is poking holes in the squash and microwaving it whole for 6 minutes to soften it.