Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s delicious, nutritious, and lightning-fast to make, this Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli is your new best friend. In just about 20 minutes, you’ll have a sizzling, savory plate that’s crisped to perfection, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights. The chicken turns out juicy and flavorful, the broccoli gets those irresistible crispy edges, and everything gets infused with a savory, garlicky punch that will have you licking your plate clean.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Fast: Dinner on the table in under 30 minutes? Yes, please. Perfect for hectic evenings or last-minute meals.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich veggies, it’s a guilt-free dinner you’ll feel great about.
• Incredibly Flavorful: With simple seasonings and a quick toss in the air fryer, every bite is juicy, crispy, and bursting with flavor.
• Minimal Cleanup: Since everything cooks together in one basket, you’ll hardly have any dishes to wash afterward.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this dish so crave-worthy:

• Chicken breast or thighs: Lean, tender protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy in the air fryer.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh and slightly crunchy; they soak up all the seasonings and get those perfect charred tips.
• Olive oil: Helps achieve that beautiful crispy texture without deep frying.
• Soy sauce: Adds a deep, savory umami kick that soaks right into the chicken and broccoli.
• Garlic powder: An easy way to layer in rich, aromatic flavor without any chopping.
• Onion powder: Enhances the savory notes and balances the garlic beautifully.
• Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky flavor and gorgeous color to the finished dish.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for pulling all the flavors together.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat if you like a spicy kick.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here’s how you can shake things up:

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini for even more color and crunch.
• Swap the Sauce: Try teriyaki, sesame ginger, or a spicy sriracha drizzle for a fun twist.
• Different Protein: Sub in shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef strips if you want to change things up.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use a low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to keep things lighter.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and chop the broccoli into small florets. Try to keep everything around the same size for even cooking.

Step 2: Season Everything

In a large bowl, toss the chicken and broccoli with olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything gets evenly coated—this is where the flavor magic happens.

Step 3: Load Up the Air Fryer

Arrange the chicken and broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd it—if necessary, cook in batches to keep everything crispy.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Air fry at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The chicken should be cooked through and slightly golden, and the broccoli should be tender with crispy edges.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Sprinkle with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, and serve immediately while everything’s hot and crisp!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cut Even Pieces: Uniform sizes ensure the chicken and broccoli cook evenly and finish at the same time.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just a few minutes of preheating helps everything start cooking instantly, giving you a better sear.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Crowding traps steam and makes things soggy. Cook in batches if needed for the best crispy results.
• Use Fresh Broccoli: Frozen broccoli tends to release too much moisture, making it harder to get that signature crispy texture.

How to Serve

This Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving:

Over Rice

Spoon it over a bed of fluffy white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.

With Noodles

Toss it with cooked lo mein noodles or rice noodles and a splash more soy sauce for a quick homemade stir-fry.

In a Wrap

Stuff the chicken and broccoli into a warm tortilla with a little shredded cheese for an easy, hand-held dinner.

As-Is

Honestly, it’s so good straight from the air fryer that you might just want to eat it as-is with a fork!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken and broccoli in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze in single portions so you can thaw only what you need.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes to bring back that irresistible crispiness, or microwave in 30-second intervals if you’re in a rush.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
You can, but it’s not ideal. Frozen broccoli releases a lot of moisture, which can make the dish less crispy. If using frozen, try thawing it first and patting it very dry.

What if I don’t have soy sauce?
No worries! Coconut aminos or tamari are excellent substitutes. You can even use a little Worcestershire sauce mixed with a splash of water in a pinch.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should be golden on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Always use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure—it’s the easiest way to get it right.

Can I make this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Just skip the rice or noodles and serve the chicken and broccoli as-is, or pair it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious, this Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli is going to be a regular on your dinner table. It’s quick, healthy, packed with flavor, and couldn’t be simpler to make. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly it turns out perfectly every single time!

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