Stir-Fry Chicken With Pea Pods
A vibrant and healthy stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces, crisp pea pods, crunchy carrots, celery, and water chestnuts, all coated in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or satisfying lunch options, it offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 whole chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 egg white ⓘ
- 1.5 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. dry white wine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lite soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ginger ⓘ
- 4 scallions ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery ⓘ
- 8 oz. can water chestnuts, sliced
- 1 pkg. thawed pea pods ⓘ
Instructions
- Marinate the skinned, boned chicken breasts in egg white, 1 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch, and white wine for 20 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
- In the same wok, add minced garlic and ginger; stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced scallions, julienned carrot, chopped celery, and drained water chestnuts; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok and add chicken broth, soy sauce, sugar, and water chestnuts; stir well.
- Add thawed pea pods and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the pea pods are tender but still crisp.
- Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding a splash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the stir-fry. You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. If you don’t have pea pods, snap peas or green beans work well too. Make sure all ingredients are prepped before cooking, as stir-frying is a quick process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir-fry over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Chinese Egg-Drop Soup for a comforting dinner. For a fresh touch, garnish with sesame seeds or additional sliced scallions. This dish can be a great centerpiece for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain the crispness of the vegetables. You can also microwave it, but be cautious not to overcook the pea pods, as they can become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stir-Fry Chicken With Pea Pods contains roughly 761 calories, with 9g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1500mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stir-fry in advance?
While stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the chicken and vegetables in advance. Marinate the chicken and chop the veggies, storing them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply stir-fry them quickly for a fast meal.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding a tablespoon of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for a richer flavor. You can also incorporate some red bell pepper or broccoli for additional color and nutrition. Just remember to adjust cooking times to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this stir-fry is excellent for meal prep! Divide the cooked dish into single-serving containers with rice or noodles. It reheat well and makes for a convenient lunch or dinner option throughout the week. Just be sure to store the sauce separately if you prefer a fresher taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).