15-Minute Italian Chicken and Peas

This simple dish of beautifully seasoned chicken and peas is the weeknight meal solution you’re looking for when you’re short on time. I’ll show you how to transform easy ingredients into something tasty and healthy!

Update: This recipe was originally published in 2020 and has been republished with all new photos and recipe instructions.

I just love this quick meal. It looks like there’s not much to it but looks are deceiving. This has so much flavor even with minimal ingredients.

Peas don’t get enough credit. It’s a basic ingredient that is often overlooked. I feel like a lot of us grew up with bad experiences with this particular legume. I certainly wasn’t a fan of peas as a child. They were overcooked, mushy, and bland. Boy, when peas aren’t cooked correctly they are no good, friend. So let’s not do that.

When peas are cooked properly and seasoned well they are such a perfect addition to any meal. The best part? Peas can cook in five minutes or less! Talk about fast, right?

For this one pot meal we’re combining these fast cooking, totally delicious peas with chunks of tender chicken and plenty of spices and herbs. Add this to your dinner rotation or throw it together when you want a delicious lunch fast. Serve as is or ladle over rice for a healthy dish that feels like comfort food.

Ingredients for 15-Minute Italian Chicken and Peas

• Olive or avocado oil: Extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil helps us sauté the chicken and achieve the color we want. You can also use any high quality neutral oil.
• Chicken breasts: I use boneless chicken breasts in this recipe. You can use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. We’re slicing the chicken into 1-inch pieces so they’ll cook quickly.
• Frozen english peas or sweet peas: I like to use frozen peas because they’re easy to keep on hand so I can always throw together this meal. You can use fresh green peas if you like. They’ll just require a bit more cooking time.
• Butter or ghee: A little butter or ghee adds a richness. You can use salted or unsalted butter. Vegan butter or oil also works if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Minced garlic: Minced garlic is delightful and pungent. You can mince your own fresh garlic or use a jarred variety.
• Seasonings: This is a simple skillet meal with a lot of flavor. We’re using plenty of seasonings to accomplish that. You’ll need garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

How to Make 15-Minute Italian Chicken and Peas

Let’s get into how we throw together this simple dish.

Cutting your chicken into chunks before sautéing in a little olive oil on medium-high heat will get them browned quickly. Since this meal is all about speed (and flavor of course) that’s an important step. Stir in those seasonings. Now just give that chicken a few minutes.

When your chicken is browned, sauté the garlic in butter. Reduce to medium heat and toss in the frozen peas. Stir to scrape up any brown bits of chicken or garlic from the bottom of the pan. Season. Cook for another few minutes.

That’s it! We’re done! That’s why this is the recipe you need at the end of a busy day. I swear I put more effort into writing this recipe description than you’ll actually spend making this meal.

Can You Use Fresh Peas Instead of Frozen?

Fresh and frozen peas are usually interchangeable in recipes. They cook in just about the same amount of time (fresh peas will take a bit longer) so I wouldn’t hesitate to swap one for the other if that’s what you have on hand.

How to Store Leftovers

Want to enjoy skillet chicken and peas the next day or later in the week? This delicious recipe makes great leftovers and it’s perfect for meal prep! Leftover chicken and peas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheat in the microwave or in a large skillet on the stovetop on low to medium-low heat until warmed through.

How to Serve This

This recipe can be enjoyed as a complete meal as is. When you do this you’ll get two to three large servings.

If you add a side you can easily get four servings. I enjoy serving this dish with white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. Potatoes can also bulk up this entree. Easy Seasoned Roasted Potatoes, Easy Diced Air Fryer Potatoes, or Skillet Breakfast Potatoes are a delicious addition to your meal.

Thinking of a green side? I recommend my Spicy Roasted Broccoli, Easy Roasted Broccoli, Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts, Garlic Green Beans, Simple Sautéed Cabbage, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or Roasted Green Beans with Almonds.

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