Crispy Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli Recipe for Busy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hunger without sacrificing flavor.

This air fryer chicken and broccoli recipe delivers a mouthwatering meal in minutes.

Crispy chicken pieces blend perfectly with tender, roasted broccoli florets.

Packed with protein and nutrients, the dish comes together effortlessly in your trusty air fryer.

Seasoned with simple spices, the chicken turns golden and juicy while the broccoli develops a delightful char.

You’ll love how this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this easy, healthy dinner that everyone will devour.

Chicken and Broccoli in the Air Fryer

• Enjoy a speedy dinner solution that comes together in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need something nutritious and delicious.
• Packed with lean protein from chicken and nutrient-rich broccoli, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that supports your wellness goals without sacrificing flavor.
• Air fryer technology makes preparation incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal kitchen skills and reducing cleanup time with its simple one-basket cooking method.
• Adaptable recipe allows for personal touch by adjusting marinade ingredients or swapping vegetables, making it ideal for families with different taste preferences.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender protein that absorbs the marinade's flavors and becomes juicy when air fried.

• Broccoli, Green Onions: Broccoli provides a nutritious green element with a crisp texture, while green onions add a mild, fresh flavor to the dish.

• Soy Sauce, Garlic, Ginger, Honey, Sesame Oil, Salt, Black Pepper: This combination creates a savory and slightly sweet Asian-inspired marinade that enhances the chicken and vegetable flavors, adding depth and complexity to the dish.

Equipment to Make Chicken and Broccoli

• Air Fryer: Your main cooking gadget for crispy, healthy meals.
• Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for marinating chicken and vegetables separately.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise seasoning and marinade ingredients.
• Cutting Board: To prep chicken and chop vegetables safely.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing chicken and chopping onions and broccoli.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: To stir and flip ingredients during cooking.

Steps to a Crispy Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

Step 1: Whip Up Marinade Magic

Grab a mixing bowl and combine the marinade ingredients, creating a mouthwatering blend that will make your taste buds dance.

Whisk everything together until the flavors become best friends.

Step 2: Separate and Coat Ingredients

Divide your chicken into one bowl and your broccoli with onions into another.

Carefully pour the marinade over both, ensuring every piece gets a luxurious flavor bath.

Gently toss and coat each morsel until they’re completely dressed in deliciousness.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken

Fire up your air fryer to 380°F.

Arrange the chicken pieces in a single, uncrowded layer inside the basket.

Let them cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the heat to work its transformative magic.

Step 4: Welcome the Veggie Companions

Tenderly add the marinated broccoli and onions to join the chicken party.

Continue air frying for 8-11 minutes, giving everything a gentle stir midway through.

Watch for the chicken to reach perfect doneness – golden, juicy, and completely cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer your culinary creation to a serving plate.

The chicken should be perfectly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, while the broccoli and onions have caramelized edges that promise explosive flavor.

Chicken and Broccoli Tips for a Great Result

• Let chicken and broccoli sit in marinade for at least 30 minutes to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Arrange chicken and vegetables in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Toss broccoli and onions midway through cooking to avoid charring and ensure even roasting.
• Swap marinade ingredients for low-sodium, sugar-free alternatives to make this dish keto-compatible.

Chicken and Broccoli Mix-Ins and Variations

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace regular marinade with low-carb ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Use cauliflower instead of broccoli to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Asian Remix: Add sriracha, ginger, and red pepper flakes to the marinade for a fiery kick. Incorporate sesame oil for authentic Asian flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Marinate plant-based protein using same seasoning mixture and adjust cooking time to 6-8 minutes.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate oregano, lemon juice, and za'atar spice blend. Add bell peppers alongside broccoli for extra Mediterranean flair and colorful presentation.

Serving Chicken and Broccoli with Style

• Dinner Party Perfection: Serve this vibrant air fryer chicken and broccoli on a bed of fluffy white rice for a complete meal that looks restaurant-worthy.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion into meal prep containers with quinoa or brown rice for easy, healthy lunches throughout the week that stay crisp and delicious.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to add fresh flavor and professional-looking presentation to your dish.
• Protein Power Plate: Pair with a light side salad or roasted vegetables to create a balanced, nutritious meal that satisfies hunger and delivers amazing taste in every bite.

Keeping Chicken and Broccoli Tasty

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken and broccoli to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring complete sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat air fryer to 350F. Place leftovers in a single layer and warm for 3-4 minutes, checking internal temperature reaches 165F to ensure food safety.
• Place portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely first and pat dry before marinating to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.

• Is it necessary to marinate the ingredients?

Marinating helps tenderize the chicken and infuse more flavor into both chicken and broccoli, so it’s recommended for the best taste and texture.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest part, ensuring it’s safe to eat.

• Can I substitute the vegetables?

Absolutely! You can swap broccoli for cauliflower, green beans, or bell peppers while keeping similar cooking times and techniques.

Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delectable air fryer chicken and broccoli delivers a quick, healthy meal that combines tender protein with crisp vegetables. Savory seasonings and minimal prep make this dish perfect for busy weeknight dinners you can enjoy without extensive cooking skills.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast (boneless and skinless) or chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

Vegetables:

• 1/2 pound (227 grams) broccoli, cut into florets
• 1/2 medium onion, thickly sliced

Marinade and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh minced ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) low sodium soy sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rice vinegar (or distilled white vinegar for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Whisk together marinade ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
2. Separate chicken into one container and broccoli with onion into another. Evenly distribute marinade between both, ensuring thorough coating of each ingredient.
3. Set air fryer to 380°F and allow it to preheat for 2-3 minutes. Arrange chicken pieces in a single, uncrowded layer within the basket.
4. Cook chicken for 10 minutes, maintaining consistent temperature to achieve even browning and proper internal cooking.
5. Carefully introduce marinated broccoli and onions into the air fryer basket alongside the partially cooked chicken.
6. Continue air frying for an additional 8-11 minutes, gently stirring ingredients midway to promote uniform cooking and prevent sticking.
7. Verify chicken’s doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Remove from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking, preventing some parts from becoming dry or undercooked.
• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor and tenderness, allowing ingredients to penetrate deeply.
• Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer for guaranteed food safety and perfectly cooked protein.
• Avoid overcrowding air fryer basket to maintain crispy texture and allow proper hot air circulation around chicken and vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg