Air Fryer Chicken Broccoli

This hearty air fryer chicken and broccoli has become my weeknight dinner savior, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. The hot circulating air creates perfectly juicy chicken and broccoli with irresistibly crispy edges that my family fights over every time.

I started making this recipe after receiving an air fryer for Christmas and quickly realized it would become our family staple. My teenagers who once turned their noses up at broccoli now request this dish weekly, which feels like a parenting victory worth celebrating.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: cut into bite sized pieces – the thighs stay juicier but breasts work beautifully too
• Broccoli florets: look for tight green clusters with no yellowing for maximum flavor
• Olive oil: helps promote browning and prevents sticking
• Garlic powder: provides consistent flavor throughout every bite
• Onion powder: adds savory depth without actual onion pieces
• Smoked paprika: brings a subtle smoky note that elevates the entire dish
• Salt and pepper: the essential seasoning duo that enhances all other flavors
• Optional soy sauce or teriyaki sauce: adds umami richness and Asian inspired flavor
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds add nuttiness while green onions bring fresh zing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Combine chicken pieces with olive oil and all seasonings in a large bowl, tossing thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. If using soy or teriyaki sauce, add it now. Let the chicken absorb the flavors while you prepare the broccoli, about 5 minutes is sufficient but longer marination deepens flavor.

Prepare the Broccoli:

Toss broccoli florets with remaining olive oil and a light sprinkle of salt. The oil helps the edges crisp beautifully while the salt draws out moisture and enhances natural sweetness. Cut florets into similarly sized pieces for even cooking.

Preheat Air Fryer:

Set air fryer to 380°F and allow it to preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. This critical step ensures immediate searing when food is added, which helps lock in juices and promotes better browning.

Cook the Chicken:

Arrange seasoned chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding which would cause steaming instead of proper air circulation. Cook for 8 minutes, which develops a nice exterior while beginning to cook the interior.

Add Broccoli:

Open the basket and give the chicken a good shake or stir, then add broccoli around or on top of the chicken. This staggered cooking approach ensures both ingredients finish perfectly at the same time.

Finish Cooking:

Continue air frying both ingredients for 6 to 8 more minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and broccoli edges develop crispy, almost charred points. The broccoli stems should remain tender crisp while florets become intensely flavorful.

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The first time I served this dish, my husband couldn't believe it came from our kitchen and not from our favorite Chinese restaurant. The smoked paprika is truly the secret weapon here, adding complexity that makes people wonder what your special ingredient might be.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile dish works beautifully over steamed rice, which soaks up any juices from the chicken. For a lower carb option, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. You could also wrap everything in lettuce cups for a fun handheld meal that kids particularly enjoy assembling themselves.

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Customize Your Flavors

While the basic seasoning creates a universally pleasing flavor, you can easily take this dish in different directions. For Italian flair, swap the soy sauce for balsamic glaze and add Italian herbs. For Mexican inspiration, use taco seasoning instead of the listed spices and finish with a squeeze of lime. For Thai flavor, toss everything with a tablespoon of red curry paste before cooking.

Storage and Meal Prep

This recipe shines as a meal prep option. Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, a quick 2 minute session in the air fryer at 350°F works better than the microwave, restoring that wonderful crispy texture. For freezing, cool completely then freeze in portion sized containers for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and marinate them with olive oil and seasonings before air frying. Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature (165°F).

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, thaw and dry the broccoli well before tossing it with olive oil, then air fry for the best crispy texture.

→ What toppings work best with this dish?

Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or red pepper flakes for additional flavor and presentation.

→ Can I make it saucier?

Yes, toss the chicken and broccoli with extra teriyaki or sweet chili sauce before serving to enhance the flavor.

→ What can I serve this with?

Pair this dish with rice, noodles, or quinoa to create a complete, hearty meal.