Savor the Flavor: Irresistible Chicken and Snow Peas Stir-Fry Recipe for a Quick and Healthy Meal!

Chicken and snow peas combine to deliver a deliciously crisp and savory stir-fry that’s both quick to prepare and nutritious. This vibrant dish is a staple in Chinese cooking and beloved for its tender chicken paired with crunchy, sweet snow peas. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or looking for a wholesome weeknight meal, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and health benefits.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Ingredients: Snow Peas and Chicken

Snow Peas vs. Snap Peas

Snow peas are edible-pod peas commonly used in Chinese cuisine, prized for their delicate, flat pods and tender texture. In contrast, snap peas have more rounded pods with larger peas inside, and a slightly sweeter flavor. Both are low-calorie, high in fiber, and rich in vitamin C, making either a great choice for stir-fry dishes. However, snow peas are typically preferred for their tender crunch and faster cooking time.

Chicken Choices: White Meat or Dark Meat?

Chicken breast is frequently used for its lean protein and mild taste, but chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and deeper flavor to the dish. Both cuts can be used interchangeably, though cooking times may vary slightly. Ensuring the chicken is sliced uniformly thin helps it cook quickly and stay tender during the stir-fry.

The Essential Steps for Perfect Chicken and Snow Peas Stir-Fry

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the marinade:
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oil (vegetable or peanut oil)
Main ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (about 12 oz), sliced into thin strips
- 1 pound snow peas, trimmed and washed
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine (or dry sherry/rice wine as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Fresh ground white pepper to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for stir-frying
- 1/3 cup chicken stock or hot water mixed with ½ tablespoon cornstarch (slurry)

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Marinate the Chicken: Combine cornstarch, light soy sauce, and oil in a bowl. Toss the sliced chicken in this mixture and let it sit while you prepare the other ingredients. This velveting technique helps keep the chicken moist and tender.
Prepare the Sauce Slurry: Mix chicken stock (or hot water) with cornstarch until smooth. This slurry will thicken the sauce later.
Heat the Wok: Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat until smoking hot. Add a tablespoon of cooking oil and swirl to coat.
Sear the Chicken: Spread the marinated chicken evenly in the wok. Without stirring, let it sear for about 60 seconds until lightly browned. Then quickly stir to cook the other side briefly.
Add Garlic and Snow Peas: Toss in the minced garlic and snow peas. Stir constantly to ensure even cooking. After a few seconds, pour in the shaoxing wine around the rim of the wok to deglaze and uplift flavors.
Introduce Flavorings: Add light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, white pepper, and sugar. Stir rapidly for about 15 seconds to coat the ingredients with sauce.
Thicken the Sauce: Stir the slurry again and pour it into the wok. Continue stir-frying for 30 seconds until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and peas nicely.
Finish and Serve: The snow peas should be bright green and crisp-tender. Avoid overcooking as the peas will lose their vibrant color and texture. Serve immediately over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Tips for Mastering Your Stir-Fry

High heat and fast cooking are key to preserving the fresh flavor and crunch of the snow peas.
Use a bottom-to-top folding motion when stirring to prevent bruising the pea pods.
Don’t overcrowd the wok — cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the ingredients.
Opt for fresh garlic and quality oyster sauce to enhance authenticity.
For an extra depth of flavor, you can substitute or add a splash of rice wine vinegar or honey to balance the savory sauce, inspired by other variations of this dish.

Nutritional Highlights

Chicken and snow peas stir-fry is a balanced dish with lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables. A typical serving contains approximately:

Calories: 250-280 kcal
Protein: 28-39 grams
Carbohydrates: 10-13 grams
Fat: 8-9 grams (mostly healthy fats from sesame and cooking oils)
Vitamins: High Vitamin C content (from snow peas)
Fiber: Around 2-3 grams per serving

It’s low in saturated fat and packed with nutrients that support a healthy lifestyle.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months; however, snow peas may lose some crispness.
Reheating: Stir-frying on the stovetop with a splash of oil preserves texture better than microwaving, but the microwave works well for quick reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

With its combination of juicy chicken and crisp, sweet snow peas tossed in a flavor-packed, savory sauce, this dish is a testament to simple, satisfying home cooking. It comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing nutrition or flavor. Plus, the minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible for cooks of all levels.

Ready to Impress Your Taste Buds?

Try this classic chicken and snow peas stir-fry recipe today and enjoy an authentic taste of Chinese-inspired cooking that’s both nourishing and delicious. Paired with fragrant steamed rice, it’s a meal that satisfies both the soul and the appetite — quick, healthy, and irresistibly tasty.

Bon appétit!