Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often provide more flavor and moisture. Just be aware they may take an extra minute or two to cook through completely.

I don't have Italian seasoning. What can I use instead?

You can easily make your own by combining equal parts dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. If you're missing some of these herbs, simply use what you have – the dish will still be delicious.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh peas will work beautifully. They'll cook even faster than frozen, so add them slightly later in the cooking process – about 2-3 minutes before you plan to finish the dish.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This dish holds up well for a few days in the refrigerator and makes excellent lunches. Consider making a double batch and pairing with different sides throughout the week for variety.

15-Minute Italian Chicken and Peas Recipe

Name: 15-Minute Italian Chicken and Peas Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1½ tablespoons olive or avocado oil; 1½ pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon paprika; 1½ tablespoons butter or ghee (use vegan butter for dairy-free options); 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 12 ounces frozen English peas, shelled; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (reduce to 1/8 tsp if avoiding heat)

This ridiculously simple Italian 15-Minute Italian Chicken and Peas dish is going to become your new weeknight hero! Ready in just 15 minutes, it combines tender chicken pieces with sweet peas in a garlic-infused Italian seasoning blend that tastes like it took hours to develop. Whether you’re racing against the clock on busy evenings or simply craving something delicious without the fuss, this one-pan wonder delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Truly Quick: We’re talking 15 minutes from prep to plate – perfect for those nights when cooking feels impossible but takeout isn’t calling your name.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Protein-Packed: The chicken provides lean protein while the peas add fiber and additional protein, making this a satisfying complete meal.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a standalone dish or can be paired with various sides depending on how hungry you are.
Family-Friendly: The flavors appeal to both adults and kids, with adjustable spice levels to suit everyone’s preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breasts: The star protein that cooks quickly when cut into 1-inch pieces. Provides a neutral canvas for the seasonings to shine.
Olive or avocado oil: Used for sautéing the chicken. Choose good quality oil for better flavor.
Butter or ghee: Creates a rich base for the dish. If you’re dairy-free, vegan butter works perfectly as a substitute.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds incredible aroma and depth of flavor.
Frozen English peas: The convenience of frozen peas means you always have them ready to go, and they maintain their sweetness and texture.
Italian seasoning: This herb blend brings Mediterranean flavors without having to measure multiple herbs.
Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika): Creates layers of flavor in the chicken with minimal effort.
Crushed red pepper: Adds a gentle heat that complements the other flavors. Easily adjustable depending on your spice preference.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try using boneless chicken thighs for even more flavor, or swap in turkey cutlets, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version.

Veggie Additions

Add halved cherry tomatoes in the last minute of cooking for a burst of color and acidity. Sliced mushrooms or baby spinach also work beautifully in this dish.

Flavor Boosters

For extra richness, add 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or a splash of white wine when adding the peas. A squeeze of lemon juice and zest at the end brightens everything up.

Herb Variations

Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano scattered over the finished dish elevate the flavors dramatically.

How to Make Italian Chicken and Peas

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Sauté for 3-4 minutes uncovered, flipping occasionally until the chicken develops a nice golden-brown color. If browning is slow, increase your heat slightly.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned chicken. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic turns golden and becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Add Peas and Seasoning

Reduce heat to medium. Add frozen peas directly to the skillet (no need to thaw). Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together to combine well.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

Continue to sauté, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes until the peas are tender and heated through. The dish should be steamy and fragrant when done.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure proper browning, which equals more flavor.
Prep Before You Start: Having all ingredients measured and ready makes this already-quick recipe even faster.
Watch Your Heat: Medium-high is perfect for getting color on the chicken without drying it out, but adjust as needed for your stove.
Taste Before Serving: Quick dishes like this benefit from a final taste test to adjust seasonings if needed.
Let It Rest: Giving the dish a minute to rest after cooking allows flavors to meld and juices to redistribute in the chicken.

How to Serve

As a Complete Meal

This dish works beautifully on its own for a lighter dinner. Simply divide between plates and enjoy!

With Simple Sides

Pair with crusty bread, a side of pasta tossed with olive oil, or fluffy rice to absorb the flavorful sauce.

For a More Substantial Meal

Serve over polenta, mashed potatoes, or with a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

Garnish Options

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, some chopped fresh herbs, or a drizzle of good olive oil takes this dish to the next level.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve overnight!

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, the texture of the peas may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers for quick meals.

Reheating

Warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave at 70% power, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often provide more flavor and moisture. Just be aware they may take an extra minute or two to cook through completely.
I don’t have Italian seasoning. What can I use instead?

You can easily make your own by combining equal parts dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. If you’re missing some of these herbs, simply use what you have – the dish will still be delicious.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh peas will work beautifully. They’ll cook even faster than frozen, so add them slightly later in the cooking process – about 2-3 minutes before you plan to finish the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This dish holds up well for a few days in the refrigerator and makes excellent lunches. Consider making a double batch and pairing with different sides throughout the week for variety.

Final Thoughts

This 15-Minute Italian Chicken and Peas recipe proves that delicious, satisfying meals don’t require hours in the kitchen or complicated techniques. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but simply don’t have the time or energy for an elaborate meal. The combination of tender chicken, sweet peas, and aromatic Italian seasonings creates a dish that tastes like it took much longer to prepare. Give it a try tonight – I bet it will become a regular in your dinner rotation!