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)

Description

This quick and flavorful 15-minute Italian Chicken and Peas recipe is the perfect combination of juicy chicken cooked to perfection and tender peas infused with Italian herbs. Whether you’re in a rush for weeknight dinner or craving a healthy, protein-packed meal, this dish comes together quickly without compromising on taste.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

1 1/2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Peas

1 1/2 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
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (reduce to 1/8 tsp if avoiding heat)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken
Add 1½ tablespoons of oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Sauté, flipping occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is golden and lightly browned. If needed, increase the heat to medium-high for quicker browning.
Add Butter and Garlic
Once the chicken is browned, add the butter or ghee (dairy-free butter for vegan options) and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until the garlic becomes golden and fragrant.
Cook the Peas
Reduce the heat to medium and add the frozen peas to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and crushed red pepper. Stir everything together and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are cooked through and tender.

Notes

This dish can serve as a complete meal as is, yielding two to three large servings. However, if paired with a side, such as rice, pasta, or a salad, it can stretch to serve four people.
For a burst of freshness, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or some fresh herbs (parsley or basil) just before serving.
If using fresh peas instead of frozen, reduce the cooking time slightly to maintain their crisp-tender texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 260kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 75mg