Chicken and Chicharo Snow Peas Stir-Fry: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

This Chicken and Chicharo (Snow Peas) Stir-Fry is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It combines tender chicken pieces with crisp, sweet snow peas in a savory sauce, creating a balanced and flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. This recipe is adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs, allowing you to customize the sauce, add other vegetables, or substitute ingredients as needed. Let’s dive into the details and create this fantastic dish together!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with lean protein and plenty of vitamins and fiber from the snow peas, this dish is a healthy option.
* **Flavorful and Delicious:** The combination of savory chicken, sweet snow peas, and a flavorful sauce creates a satisfying and delicious meal.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding other vegetables, changing the sauce, or using different protein sources.
* **One-Pan Meal:** This dish is cooked in a single pan (or wok), making cleanup a breeze.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure you don’t miss anything.

* **Chicken Breast:** 1 pound, boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor.
* **Chicharo (Snow Peas):** 1 pound, trimmed. Look for bright green, firm snow peas without blemishes.
* **Garlic:** 3-4 cloves, minced. Garlic is essential for adding depth of flavor to the stir-fry.
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon, minced. Fresh ginger adds a warm and slightly spicy note to the dish.
* **Soy Sauce:** 3 tablespoons. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.
* **Oyster Sauce:** 2 tablespoons. Oyster sauce adds a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. If you’re vegetarian, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon. Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/4 cup. Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the sauce. You can use vegetable broth as a substitute.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 teaspoon. Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the stir-fry. Use it sparingly, as it can be quite potent.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Use a high-heat cooking oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
* **Green Onions:** 2-3, thinly sliced (for garnish). Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a touch of heat). Adjust the amount to your preference.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Wok or Large Skillet:** A wok is ideal for stir-frying due to its sloped sides, which allow for even cooking and easy tossing. However, a large skillet will also work.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping the chicken and vegetables.
* **Knife:** A sharp knife for preparing the ingredients.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For marinating the chicken and mixing the sauce.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Spatula or Wooden Spoon:** For stirring and tossing the ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Chicken and Chicharo Stir-Fry.

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
* Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
* Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Marinating the chicken helps tenderize it and allows it to absorb the flavors of the marinade.

**2. Prepare the Sauce:**

* In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, and sesame oil.
* Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and set aside. This sauce will provide the savory and flavorful base for the stir-fry.

**3. Cook the Chicken:**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
* Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it is cooked through and lightly browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
* Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside. Avoid overcrowding the wok, as this can lower the temperature and prevent the chicken from browning properly. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.

**4. Sauté the Aromatics:**

* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
* Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger, as this can make them bitter.

**5. Cook the Chicharo (Snow Peas):**

* Add the trimmed snow peas to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Overcooking the snow peas will make them mushy, so be sure to cook them quickly.

**6. Combine Everything:**

* Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the snow peas.
* Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and snow peas.
* Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and everything is well combined.

**7. Serve and Garnish:**

* Remove the Chicken and Chicharo Stir-Fry from the heat.
* Garnish with sliced green onions.
* Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

## Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to this stir-fry, such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, or onions. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Use Different Protein:** If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** To make this dish vegetarian, use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and substitute the oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or a mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce.
* **Adjust the Sauce:** You can adjust the sauce to your liking by adding more or less soy sauce, oyster sauce, or red pepper flakes. You can also add a touch of honey or sugar for a sweeter flavor.
* **Add Nuts:** For extra crunch and flavor, add some toasted peanuts or cashews to the stir-fry before serving.
* **Make it Spicy:** If you like spicy food, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the stir-fry.
* **Prep Ahead:** You can save time by prepping the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the chicken and vegetables and mix the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

## Serving Suggestions

This Chicken and Chicharo Stir-Fry is delicious served on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

* **Steamed Rice:** Serve the stir-fry over steamed rice for a classic and satisfying meal.
* **Noodles:** Serve the stir-fry with your favorite noodles, such as egg noodles, rice noodles, or udon noodles.
* **Quinoa:** For a healthier option, serve the stir-fry with quinoa.
* **Cauliflower Rice:** For a low-carb option, serve the stir-fry with cauliflower rice.
* **Spring Rolls:** Serve the stir-fry with spring rolls for a light and refreshing appetizer.
* **Soup:** Serve the stir-fry with a bowl of soup, such as miso soup or egg drop soup.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover Chicken and Chicharo Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the stir-fry in a wok or skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.
* **Freezing:** While stir-fries are generally best when eaten fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Allow the stir-fry to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Conclusion

This Chicken and Chicharo (Snow Peas) Stir-Fry is a versatile, delicious, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its quick preparation time and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying stir-fry! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and sauces to create your own unique version of this classic dish. Happy cooking!