Easy Skillet Black Eyed Peas

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Easy Skillet Black Eyed Peas

This easy skillet black eyed peas recipe is one of those simple, comforting dishes that comes together quickly but tastes like it cooked all day. Using frozen black eyed peas makes this recipe incredibly convenient, while cooking them in broth instead of water adds rich, savory flavor to every bite.

The addition of crispy bacon pieces and diced red and green peppers gives this dish texture, color, and just the right amount of smokiness. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, yet simple enough to serve as a classic side dish for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or New Year’s traditions.

Black eyed peas are a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether you grew up eating them at family dinners or enjoy them as a traditional New Year’s dish, they bring a sense of warmth and familiarity to the table.

This easy skillet version keeps things simple while delivering big, satisfying flavor.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how approachable it is. There’s no soaking, no long simmer time, and no complicated steps. Using frozen black eyed peas means you can pull together a comforting side dish any night of the week with ingredients you may already have on hand.

Cooking the peas in broth instead of water makes a noticeable difference. It adds richness and depth right from the start, allowing the peas to absorb flavor as they cook. When combined with smoky bacon, sautéed onions, and colorful red and green peppers, the result is a dish that feels hearty, homey, and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses frozen black eyed peas — no soaking or planning ahead
• Cooked in broth for extra flavor
• Made in one skillet
• Ready in about 20 minutes
• Loaded with bacon and tender peppers
• Comforting, affordable, and family-friendly

Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen black eyed peas
• 4–5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 tablespoon bacon grease (or butter)
• ½ small onion, diced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ to ¾ cup chicken broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Easy Skillet Black Eyed Peas

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
2. Add the diced onion, red pepper, and green pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Add the frozen black eyed peas directly to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and black pepper. Stir well, then cover the skillet.
6. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and heated through. Add more broth if needed to keep the mixture moist.
7. Stir in the cooked bacon pieces and cook uncovered for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Helpful Tips

• Broth adds depth, but you can use vegetable broth if preferred
• Don’t overcook — the peas should be tender, not mushy
• Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day

What to Serve with Black Eyed Peas

This dish pairs perfectly with:

• Cornbread or biscuits
• Smoked sausage or ham
• Fried chicken or pork chops
• Rice for a simple, comforting bowl

More Dinner Ideas

If you love simple, comforting recipes like this one, be sure to explore all of my Dinner Ideas for easy meals the whole family will enjoy.