Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli is a quick, nutritious, and flavor-packed dish that combines juicy, seasoned chicken with crispy-tender broccoli. It’s a one-basket meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or healthy meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes
• One of the easiest one-basket meals
• Healthy, high in protein, and low in carbs
• Customizable with your favorite spices or sauces
• Kid-friendly and great for weekly meal prep
• Perfect with rice, noodles, or on its own
• Minimal cleanup—everything cooks in one air fryer basket
• Works with both fresh and frozen broccoli
• Delicious with Asian, Mediterranean, or BBQ flavors
• A great way to add more veggies to your diet

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• Broccoli florets
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika (regular or smoked)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Optional marinade or flavor boosts:

• Soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Balsamic vinegar
• Honey or maple syrup
• Lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes or chili powder

Directions

1. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10–15 minutes if time allows.
2. In a separate bowl, toss broccoli florets with olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
4. Add chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
5. After 10–12 minutes, add the broccoli on top of the chicken and cook for an additional 6–8 minutes, shaking once, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and broccoli is tender-crisp.
6. Serve immediately, optionally with a drizzle of soy sauce, balsamic glaze, or over rice, quinoa, or noodles.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 3–4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 16–20 minutes
• Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Asian-style: Toss chicken in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil before cooking. Add sesame seeds after.
• BBQ twist: Use BBQ seasoning and toss with a little BBQ sauce before serving.
• Lemon-herb: Add lemon zest and Italian seasoning for a fresh Mediterranean vibe.
• Spicy kick: Add cayenne or chili flakes to the seasoning blend.
• Vegetable swaps: Substitute broccoli with cauliflower, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture.

FAQs

Can I cook the chicken and broccoli together in the air fryer?

Yes, but start with the chicken and add the broccoli halfway through so both cook evenly.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overcook it. Bite-size pieces only need about 10–12 minutes at 400°F. A light marinade also helps.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, just thaw and pat it dry before air frying for the best texture.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well.

What temperature should the chicken reach?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake everything in the oven at 425°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping once.

What sauces go well with this?

Teryaki, soy sauce, balsamic glaze, garlic butter, or even ranch all pair nicely.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, it holds up well in the fridge and reheats nicely in the air fryer.

Can I add rice or noodles?

Definitely—serve over steamed rice, brown rice, or noodles for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli is a healthy, easy-to-make, and flavorful dish that fits right into a busy schedule. With minimal prep and customizable seasonings, it’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a quick lunch. Give it a try and enjoy a balanced meal straight from your air fryer.

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