Easy Chicken and Snow Pea Stir-Fry Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick, fresh, and packed with flavor, you have to try this Easy Chicken and Snow Pea Stir-Fry Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish comes together in just about 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll find that the crunchy snow peas pair beautifully with tender chicken in a light, savory sauce that hits all the right notes. Plus, this recipe is straightforward, forgiving, and totally adaptable—one of those keeper meals you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Chicken and Snow Pea Stir-Fry Recipe is that the ingredients are simple but come together for a dish bursting with flavor and great texture. Look for fresh snow peas that are bright green and snap easily—it makes all the difference!

• Chicken breasts: Sliced thinly for quick cooking and tender bites.
• Snow peas: Trimmed and fresh, these add that irresistible crunch.
• Cornstarch: Key for marinating the chicken and thickening the sauce.
• Light soy sauce: Provides savory depth without overpowering.
• Oyster sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and richness to the stir-fry.
• Shaoxing wine: A classic Chinese cooking wine that lifts flavors and adds complexity.
• Garlic: Freshly minced to give that aromatic punch every good stir-fry needs.
• Chicken stock or water: Used to create a silky sauce—stock amps up the flavor.
• Sesame oil: Just a touch adds a lovely nutty aroma and finish.
• Salt, white pepper, sugar: Simple seasonings to balance and round out the flavors.
• Cooking oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point for stir-frying, like peanut or vegetable.

Variations

I love jazzing this Easy Chicken and Snow Pea Stir-Fry Recipe up with different twists depending on what I have on hand or the season. It’s like a canvas—you can keep it classic or throw in extras to make it your own.

• Add Bell Peppers or Carrots: For extra color and crunch, I sometimes toss in thinly sliced red bell peppers or matchstick carrots during the stir-fry stage.
• Swap Chicken for Tofu: If you want a vegetarian version, firm tofu works beautifully when marinated with the same sauce.
• Make it Spicy: Adding a splash of chili garlic sauce or fresh sliced chilies gives it a nice kick that my family can’t get enough of.
• Use Brown Rice or Noodles: Switching up the base to brown rice or even lo mein noodles keeps things fresh.

How to Make Easy Chicken and Snow Pea Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing together cornstarch, light soy sauce, and a little oil to create your marinade. Toss your sliced chicken breasts in this mixture and set it aside. This step is key—it tenderizes the meat and ensures the chicken cooks up silky smooth with a lovely sheen. I usually let it rest while I prep other ingredients, but 10 minutes is plenty.

Step 2: Make the Slurry Sauce

In a small bowl, mix your chicken stock or hot water with cornstarch until fully combined. This slurry will thicken your sauce perfectly at the end without clumping. If you like more sauce with your stir-fry, feel free to increase the liquid and adjust seasonings. I discovered that keeping this slurry ready makes finishing the dish a breeze.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat your wok or large skillet over high heat until it’s smoking hot—this is what gives you that beautiful sear and prevents sticking. Add a tablespoon of oil and spread out the chicken in a single layer. Let it sit and sear for about 60 seconds without stirring. This step builds flavor and texture, so resist the urge to stir too soon!

Step 4: Add Garlic and Snow Peas

Once the chicken is nicely browned, give it a quick stir. Toss in your minced garlic and snow peas. Pour the Shaoxing wine around the edge of the wok to deglaze—this little trick loosens those flavorful bits stuck to the wok and adds great aroma. Stir gently with a folding motion to cook the peas evenly for about 30 seconds. You want the snow peas to just start turning bright green and stay crunchy.

Step 5: Season and Thicken

Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, white pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Stir everything together for about 15 seconds to combine the flavors. Then swirl your slurry mixture and pour it into the wok. Stir-fry everything for another 30 seconds until the sauce thickens enough to gently coat a spoon. This is where the magic happens—the flavors meld and the sauce clings to chicken and peas perfectly.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Don’t let the snow peas overcook or they’ll lose their crispness and turn yellow—serve right away with steamed rice or your favorite noodles. I’ve learned that timing is everything here. Enjoy this vibrant, flavorful meal fresh off the heat every time.

How to Serve Easy Chicken and Snow Pea Stir-Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch and a few sliced scallions for freshness and color. A drizzle of extra sesame oil right before serving amps up the aroma beautifully. If you like a bit of heat, adding thinly sliced fresh red chilies on top works like a charm.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry pairs effortlessly with steamed jasmine rice — the perfect way to soak up that delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works great, too. I’ve also served it alongside simple fried rice or even with stir-fried noodles when I want a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the stir-fry over a bed of mixed greens or served it family-style in a big vibrant platter garnished with fresh herbs. Making individual lettuce wraps with this chicken and peas inside adds a fun interactive element, perfect for a casual dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they keep well for up to 3 days. The chicken can sometimes firm up a bit, but a quick reheat with a splash of water helps refresh the sauce and keep things moist.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my favorite with this recipe because the snow peas can get a bit soft when thawed. But if you want to freeze it, do so without the peas and add fresh ones when reheating to retain that fresh crunch.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce. Stirring frequently helps keep the veggies crisp and the chicken tender without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken and Snow Pea Stir-Fry Recipe holds a special place at my table because it’s so simple yet so satisfying. I love how the flavors are fresh, light, and totally adaptable—whether I’m cooking for myself, the family, or guests. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll see why it’s become one of those dishes I turn to time and again. Give it a shot—you won’t be disappointed, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, too!

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