Stir-Fried Chicken Breast with Snow Peas

When you need a quick, savory dinner with clean textures and minimal prep, a simple wok toss is hard to beat. Thin strips of chicken breast brown quickly in fragrant sesame oil before meeting snappy fresh snow peas and a savory combination of soy and oyster sauce. The entire process moves briskly from start to finish. Having your slicing and measuring done before heating the pan guarantees the snow peas stay vibrant and tender-crisp rather than turning limp.
Why this one works
- Thinly sliced chicken breast cooks rapidly and stays juicy when browned quickly over high heat.
- Fresh snow peas provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender meat.
- The combination of oyster sauce and soy sauce creates a balanced, savory glaze without needing extra thickeners.
- A quick 10-minute prep makes it manageable on busy evenings.
- Minimal ingredients keep the focus on clean, distinct flavors.

What you’ll need
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced Slice across the grain into uniform pieces so they cook evenly and brown without drying out.
- 2 cups (300g) fresh snow peas Trim the stem ends and pull away any tough stringy seams along the edges before cooking.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce Provides the foundational salty, umami depth for the quick pan glaze.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) oyster sauce Adds body, subtle sweetness, and a glossy finish that clings to the ingredients.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) sesame oil Acts as both the cooking fat and an aromatic base note throughout the stir-fry.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Mince finely so it releases its aroma quickly in the pan without burning.
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What to have nearby
- Wok or large heavy skillet
- Chef's knife and cutting board
- Wok spatula or wooden spoon
Step-by-step instructions
Stir-frying relies on high heat and continuous movement. Set all of your measured ingredients right next to the stovetop before you turn on the burner, as each stage finishes in just a few minutes.
- 1Step 1
Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 2Step 2
Add the chicken slices and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through.
- 3Step 3
Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4Step 4
Toss in the snow peas and stir-fry for 3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- 5Step 5
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- 6Step 6
Serve immediately while hot.
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A few things worth knowing
- Ensure the wok or skillet is properly heated before adding the chicken so it sears immediately rather than steaming.
- Stir the minced garlic for only about 30 seconds to release its aroma without letting it scorch in the hot oil.
- Keep the snow peas moving across the pan for the full 3 minutes so they heat through while retaining their crisp bite.
- Toss the sauces quickly at the very end to coat the ingredients evenly before pulling the pan off the heat.
Ways to make it your own
- Garnish with a light pinch of toasted sesame seeds just before serving for extra aroma.
- Finish with finely sliced scallions scattered over the top for a fresh, sharp contrast.
Serving suggestions
Serve immediately from the skillet alongside a bowl of steamed white or brown rice to catch the savory pan sauce. It also pairs well with simple cauliflower rice, warm soba noodles, or alongside light vegetable broths.
Storage & reheating
Transfer any leftover chicken and snow peas into a shallow airtight container and refrigerate promptly once cooled. Reheat gently in a warm skillet over medium heat just until heated through to help preserve the texture of the snow peas.
Nutrition notes
Nutrition is provided as a general estimate for the listed recipe. Brands, exact portions, and ingredient swaps can change the numbers.
Quick recipe answers
How thin should I slice the chicken breast?+
Aim for slices roughly 1/4-inch thick. Uniform, thin cuts cook through in just a few minutes and brown nicely against the hot surface of the pan.
Can I use frozen snow peas instead of fresh?+
Fresh snow peas are recommended because frozen pods release excess moisture during cooking, which softens their texture and prevents proper stir-frying.
Why do the sauces go in at the very end?+
Adding the soy sauce and oyster sauce in the final step allows them to glaze the hot meat and vegetables without burning on the bottom of the wok.
With tender chicken, vibrant greens, and a classic savory sauce, this quick stir-fry delivers a satisfying meal straight from the skillet to the table in minutes.

Stir-Fried Chicken Breast with Snow Peas
Tender sliced chicken breast stir-fried with crisp snow peas, minced garlic, savory soy sauce, and rich oyster sauce in aromatic sesame oil.

Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 cups (300g) fresh snow peas
- 2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15ml) oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp (15ml) sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken slices and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the snow peas and stir-fry for 3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Nutrition
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