This easy air fryer chicken and broccoli recipe is a quick and healthy meal option that combines tender chicken with crisp broccoli. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers flavor and nutrition in under 30 minutes.
Using an air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process but also helps achieve a deliciously crispy texture without excess oil. This dish is versatile and can be served over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Preparation of Chicken and Broccoli
Start by preparing the chicken. Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes for easy eating.
Next, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Allow it to soak up the flavors for at least 10 minutes. This step is key to achieving a savory taste that complements the dish.
Cooking with the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This preheating step is essential for achieving that crispy texture without excess oil.
Once preheated, place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. This method ensures the chicken turns golden-brown and remains juicy.
Adding Broccoli for a Nutrient Boost
After the chicken has cooked for 10 minutes, it’s time to add the broccoli florets. Toss them into the air fryer basket along with the chicken.
Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. This allows the broccoli to become tender-crisp while absorbing some of the flavors from the chicken. The vibrant green color of the broccoli adds a fresh touch to the dish.
Garnishing for Presentation
Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken and broccoli from the air fryer. Transfer them to a white plate for a clean presentation.
To elevate the dish, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. A light drizzle of soy sauce over the top not only enhances flavor but also adds a beautiful sheen to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer chicken and broccoli can be served on its own or over a bed of rice or quinoa for a more filling meal. The combination of protein from the chicken and fiber from the broccoli makes it a balanced option.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrition. Enjoy it fresh for the best taste and texture.
Nutritional Benefits
This meal serves four and is approximately 280 calories per serving, making it a healthy choice for lunch or dinner. With 30 grams of protein and only 10 grams of fat, it supports a balanced diet.
The inclusion of broccoli adds vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health. This dish is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals without sacrificing flavor.
Quick Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli
This recipe features bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in a savory sauce, paired with fresh broccoli florets. The air fryer cooks everything evenly, resulting in juicy chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli. The total time for this dish is approximately 25 minutes, serving 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Add Broccoli: After 10 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the basket with the chicken. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot over rice or quinoa.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 280kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g