This tasty Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli dish is quick to make and packed with flavor! The chicken is juicy while the broccoli gets a nice crunch. Perfect for a healthy meal!
I love how easy it is – just toss everything in the air fryer and let it do its magic! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens without any fuss. 🥦🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. You can also use thighs for a juicier option or swap with tofu for a vegetarian spin. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are my go-to for their crispness. If you’re out of broccoli, green beans or bell peppers work well too. Frozen broccoli can also be used, but just make sure to thaw it first.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and aids cooking. If you prefer, canola oil or avocado oil are good alternatives with a higher smoke point.
Soy Sauce: This brings umami to the dish. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. You could also use coconut aminos for a milder flavor.
Honey or Maple Syrup: I usually opt for honey because it adds a lovely balance. Maple syrup is a sweet alternative, and for a vegan option, you could try agave syrup.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These provide a nice depth of flavor. Fresh garlic and onion can be used in place but might need adjusting in quantity according to taste.
How Do I Get the Chicken and Broccoli Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Using an air fryer can give your chicken and broccoli a nice crispy texture, but a couple of tips can really enhance that result.
- Make sure the chicken pieces are of uniform size. This helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; this allows hot air to move freely for even crisping.
- Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or toss the chicken and broccoli to ensure they get browned on all sides.
Remember, if you want an extra crispy result, you can spray a little cooking oil on them before cooking. Enjoy the crunch!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-30 minutes for marinating the chicken, plus 20 minutes for cooking. In total, you can make this tasty dish in about 40-50 minutes. The marinating time helps to enhance the flavor of the chicken, so don’t skip it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk or a fork to combine everything well. This will be the yummy marinade that makes your chicken and broccoli flavorful.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are all well-coated. It’s best to let them marinate for at least 15-30 minutes—this allows the flavors to soak in. If you’re in a hurry, you can go straight to cooking, but marinating really boosts the taste!
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is important for getting that perfectly crispy texture on your food.
4. Prepare the Broccoli:
While the air fryer is heating up, toss the broccoli florets in the same marinade bowl. Make sure they get a light coating of the marinade as well. This will add a nice flavor to the broccoli.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Place the marinated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them for about 10 minutes. This is when they’ll start to get golden and delicious!
6. Add the Broccoli:
After 10 minutes, it’s time to add the broccoli! Toss the broccoli florets in with the chicken in the air fryer basket. This way, both the chicken and broccoli will cook together nicely.
7. Continue Cooking:
Cook everything for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the broccoli is tender and slightly crispy. You can check around the 8-minute mark to see how everything is doing.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Once done, carefully remove the dish from the air fryer and transfer everything to a serving dish. If you like, sprinkle some chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a beautiful finish.
9. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve this dish hot either as a main course or over cooked rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before marinating! Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or use the quick method of placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 1-2 hours. Once thawed, pat it dry for better marinade absorption.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute, coconut aminos or tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) work well. For a low-sodium option, you can also use low-sodium soy sauce. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences, as these substitutes can vary in saltiness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove. If the chicken seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist during reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just ensure that they are cut into bite-sized pieces similar to the broccoli so they cook evenly. Add them to the air fryer at the same time as the broccoli for best results!
