Start by soaking the rice noodles in warm water. Allow them to sit for about 20-30 minutes until they are pliable but not fully cooked. Drain and set them aside. This will ensure that they remain chewy and absorb the sauce perfectly.
In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, tamarind paste, and chili flakes. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This sauce will be the heartbeat of your pad thai.
Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast, cooking until golden brown. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once done, push the chicken to one side of the skillet.
In the same skillet, add the diced tofu. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy. Using a spatula, mix it with the chicken, allowing the flavors to meld.
Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet. Allow them to sit for a moment, then scramble them with the chicken and tofu. Cook for another minute until the eggs are fully set.
Throw in the garlic, green onions, carrots, and mung bean sprouts. Stir everything together, letting the veggies soften slightly while keeping their crunch. This should take about 2 minutes.
Add the soaked rice noodles to your skillet. Drizzle with the prepared sauce. Toss gently to combine, ensuring that every noodle is coated perfectly with that luscious sauce.
Finally, toss in the chopped peanuts and cilantro. These will add a lovely crunch and freshness to your dish. Give it one last gentle stir, and your Chicken Pad Thai is ready to serve.