Looking for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner? Look no further than this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also packs a nutritional punch. Simple to prepare and ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy families and meal preppers alike.
Ingredients
To whip up this delightful meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your air fryer chicken bites and broccoli:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for about 5 minutes.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces and broccoli florets.
Prepare the Seasoning: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Toss It All Together: Pour the seasoning mixture over the chicken and broccoli. Toss everything well to ensure it’s evenly coated.
Add Flavor: Next, add soy sauce, lemon juice, and honey. Mix again until all ingredients are nicely coated.
Arrange for Cooking: Lay the seasoned chicken bites and broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd; cooking in batches works best.
Air Fry: Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check that the chicken is cooked through; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Serve and Enjoy: Once done, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately. These chicken bites and broccoli can be a main dish or a delightful appetizer!
Pro Tips and Variations
- Marinate for More Flavor: For an extra flavor boost, marinate the chicken with the spices for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to your basket for a colorful mix.
- Spice Level: If you like heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your air fryer chicken bites and broccoli with:
- Rice or Quinoa: A simple side of white or brown rice, or quinoa, makes a great carbohydrate base.
- Salad: A fresh green salad can complement the protein and veggies.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or honey mustard, for added flavor.
Conclusion
This air fryer chicken bites and broccoli recipe is an excellent choice for busy weeknights. It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and versatile enough to suit different tastes. Making dinner doesn’t get much simpler than this, and the air fryer makes cleanup a breeze.
Whether as a main dish or a snack, these chicken bites will impress everyone at the dinner table. Take the plunge into healthier cooking today!
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and broccoli ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.
2. What can I substitute for broccoli?
You can use other vegetables like asparagus, cauliflower, or green beans if broccoli isn’t available.
3. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. Reheat in the air fryer for the best quality.
Enjoy your healthy and flavorful air fryer chicken bites and broccoli!
Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for about 5 minutes.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces and broccoli florets.
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss It All Together: Pour the seasoning mixture over the chicken and broccoli. Toss everything well to ensure it’s evenly coated.
- Add Flavor: Next, add soy sauce, lemon juice, and honey. Mix again until all ingredients are nicely coated.
- Arrange for Cooking: Lay the seasoned chicken bites and broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd; cooking in batches works best.
- Air Fry: Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check that the chicken is cooked through; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Once done, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.
