Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The chicken turns out juicy and tender, while the broccoli is crispy on the edges yet perfectly tender. With minimal prep and only a few ingredients, this dish is packed with protein and nutrients. Plus, the air fryer makes cooking effortless, with a fraction of the time compared to traditional roasting or grilling.

Ingredients

this Recipe

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

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
• Fresh lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
2. Prepare the broccoli: In a bowl, toss the broccoli florets with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can add a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor if desired.
3. Air fry the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown.
4. Air fry the broccoli: While the chicken is cooking, arrange the broccoli florets in the air fryer basket (either with the chicken if space allows, or after the chicken is done). Air fry the broccoli for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the broccoli is crispy and tender.
5. Serve: Once the chicken and broccoli are cooked, serve the chicken with the roasted broccoli and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added flavor.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 2 people.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add a sauce: Drizzle your favorite sauce over the chicken and broccoli, like a tangy BBQ sauce or a creamy tahini dressing.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots with the broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning for a bit of heat.
• Marinate the chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time will be longer. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer. Just increase the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness.

Can I cook other vegetables with the chicken?
Yes, you can cook other vegetables in the air fryer at the same time, but make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the veggies you use.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or omit it.

Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?
Yes, marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes will add extra flavor and make it even juicier.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli is a simple yet delicious meal that’s full of flavor, healthy, and easy to make. With minimal ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something quick, nutritious, and satisfying. The air fryer makes cooking both the chicken and the broccoli a breeze, giving you a perfect meal in no time!

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