Air Fryer Chicken Broccoli: Quick, Healthy & Delicious Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Broccoli: Craving a healthy and delicious meal that’s ready in under 20 minutes? Look no further! Forget greasy takeout and complicated recipes. This incredibly easy air fryer recipe delivers perfectly cooked chicken and tender-crisp broccoli, all with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s so good, even the kids will ask for seconds!

While the exact origins of combining chicken and broccoli are somewhat modern, the pairing speaks to a universal desire for balanced and nutritious meals. Broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable packed with vitamins and antioxidants, has been enjoyed for centuries, with its cultivation dating back to the Roman Empire. Chicken, a staple protein source worldwide, complements the broccoli beautifully, creating a satisfying and wholesome dish.

What makes this air fryer chicken broccoli so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures: the slightly crispy chicken, the tender broccoli florets, and the savory seasoning that ties it all together. Plus, the air fryer cooks everything evenly and quickly, making it an ideal weeknight meal solution. People love this dish because it’s healthy, convenient, and incredibly flavorful. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a satisfying and delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to add this to your regular rotation!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• For the Broccoli:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Optional Garnishes:
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Lemon wedges

Preparing the Chicken

Okay, let’s get started with the chicken! This is where we’ll infuse it with all those delicious flavors that will make this dish irresistible. Don’t worry, it’s super easy!

1. Cube the Chicken: First, take your chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer. I find this size perfect for grabbing with a fork and enjoying with the broccoli.
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. This marinade is the key to a flavorful chicken!
3. Coat the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything together really well, making sure each piece of chicken is nicely coated. You want every single cube to be swimming in that deliciousness!
4. Marinate (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. You can even marinate it for a few hours, or overnight! The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it if you can spare the time.

Preparing the Broccoli

Now, let’s move on to the broccoli. We want it to be tender-crisp and perfectly seasoned. This part is even easier than the chicken!

1. Cut the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli head thoroughly. Then, cut it into florets. Make sure the florets are roughly the same size so they cook evenly in the air fryer. I usually aim for about 1-inch florets.
2. Season the Broccoli: In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the broccoli is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. You can use your hands to toss it, or a large spoon.
3. Add Parmesan (Optional): If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the broccoli florets and toss again to combine. The Parmesan adds a nice cheesy flavor and helps the broccoli get a little crispy in the air fryer.

Air Frying the Chicken and Broccoli

Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for! Let’s get this chicken and broccoli into the air fryer and cook it to perfection. This is where the magic happens!

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken and broccoli cook evenly and get nice and crispy. Most air fryers have a preheat function, but if yours doesn’t, just run it at 400°F for a few minutes before adding the food.
2. Arrange the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Air Fry the Chicken: Air fry the chicken for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for accuracy.
4. Remove the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer basket and set it aside.
5. Arrange the Broccoli: Place the seasoned broccoli florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Again, avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
6. Air Fry the Broccoli: Air fry the broccoli for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and slightly browned. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the florets and your air fryer.
7. Combine and Serve: Once the broccoli is cooked, add the cooked chicken back to the air fryer basket with the broccoli. Toss everything together to combine.
8. Final Air Fry (Optional): If you want the chicken and broccoli to be extra crispy, air fry for another 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
9. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the air fryer chicken and broccoli to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and lemon wedges (if desired). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd: This is the golden rule of air frying! Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, leading to unevenly cooked food. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Shake the Basket: Shaking the air fryer basket halfway through cooking ensures that the food cooks evenly on all sides.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the chicken and broccoli. Keep a close eye on the food and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of the chicken and broccoli. Try adding a pinch of chili powder, cumin, or Italian seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the air fryer chicken and broccoli as a main course with a side of rice or quinoa.
• Add it to a salad for a healthy and flavorful lunch.
• Use it as a filling for tacos or wraps.
• Serve it as an appetizer with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Air Fryer Chicken Broccoli – a symphony of crispy chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and a flavor explosion that’s ready in minutes. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meal. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution, a fantastic lunch option, or even a great way to meal prep for the week ahead.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the combination of convenience and deliciousness. The air fryer cooks the chicken to juicy perfection while simultaneously roasting the broccoli to a delightful tenderness, all without the need for excessive oil. This means you get all the flavor and texture you crave, without the guilt. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor profile to your liking. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat, while a dash of smoked paprika brings a smoky depth. You could even try adding a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking for a bright, zesty finish.

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

* Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve your Air Fryer Chicken Broccoli over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete and balanced meal. The grains will soak up all the delicious sauce and juices.
* In a Wrap or Pita: Stuff the chicken and broccoli into a warm wrap or pita bread for a quick and easy lunch on the go. Add a dollop of hummus or tzatziki sauce for extra flavor.
* As a Salad Topping: Top a bed of mixed greens with the Air Fryer Chicken Broccoli for a healthy and satisfying salad. Add some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a complete meal.
* With Pasta: Toss the chicken and broccoli with your favorite pasta for a simple and flavorful pasta dish. A light cream sauce or pesto would be delicious additions.
* Spice it up!: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
* Cheese, please!: Sprinkle some shredded parmesan cheese over the chicken and broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy and flavorful twist.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! The possibilities are endless.

I’m confident that once you try this Air Fryer Chicken Broccoli recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and incredibly delicious – what more could you ask for?

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Please, leave a comment below and let me know how your Air Fryer Chicken Broccoli turned out. Share your variations, your serving suggestions, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I’m always eager to learn from your experiences and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Happy cooking!