Crunchy, juicy bites of chicken paired with vibrant, green broccoli florets come together in this easy Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli recipe. You’ll love how each bite bursts with sweet and savory notes from a simple honey-soy marinade, enhanced by garlic and onion powders and a touch of smoky paprika. The broccoli adds a tender-crisp contrast, creating a perfect harmony of textures. This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week ahead. Plus, at just around 350 calories per serving, it checks all the boxes for a healthy, balanced lunch or dinner.
This beginner-friendly recipe is designed for the air fryer novice and pros alike. In just 30 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a satisfying plate of protein and veggies that feels anything but basic. No complicated techniques—just simple steps like whisking up a flavorful marinade, tossing everything together, and letting the air fryer work its crisping magic at 380°F (193°C). It’s ideal for those hectic weeknights when you want something wholesome, quick, and utterly delicious. So preheat that air fryer, grab a mixing bowl, and let’s dive into a meal that’s as straightforward as it is scrumptious!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN AIR FRYER CHICKEN BITES AND BROCCOLI
Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the superstar ingredients that make these chicken bites and broccoli so irresistible. Each element brings its own unique flavor or texture to the table, ensuring every forkful is packed with taste and nutrition.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
A lean source of protein that takes on the marinade beautifully, resulting in tender, juicy bites once air-fried to golden perfection.
- Broccoli florets
Bright green, nutrient-rich veggies that crisp up slightly while retaining a delightful crunch and vibrant color.
- Olive oil
Adds healthy fats to the marinade, helping ingredients adhere and promoting even browning in the air fryer.
- Soy sauce
Delivers savory umami and a gentle saltiness that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Honey
Balances the saltiness with a natural sweetness, aiding in caramelization for that glossy, mouthwatering finish.
- Garlic powder
Infuses subtle pungency and warmth without the risk of burning like fresh garlic can sometimes do in high-heat cooking.
- Onion powder
Provides a mild, savory depth that complements the garlic and enhances the overall complexity of the marinade.
- Paprika
Brings a smoky, gently spicy note plus a rich red hue that makes the chicken bites visually appealing.
- Salt
Essential for seasoning, it amplifies and marries all the individual flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper
Offers a touch of heat and aromatic spice that rounds out the seasoning.
- Cooking spray
Prevents sticking in the air fryer basket, ensuring every piece comes out crisp and intact.
HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER CHICKEN BITES AND BROCCOLI
Let’s talk through how simple it is to transform these pantry and fridge staples into a flavorful, well-rounded meal. From marinating to air frying, each step is streamlined for maximum taste with minimal fuss.
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture becomes a smooth, cohesive marinade that will cling to every piece of chicken.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and gently toss them in the marinade until each cube is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld deeply into the meat.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. A properly preheated air fryer jump-starts the crisping process and prevents the food from clinging to the basket.
4. While the air fryer is warming up, toss the broccoli florets in a light coat of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This ensures the broccoli roasts evenly and gains a slight char.
5. Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray to create a non-stick surface that promotes even browning and easy cleanup.
6. Arrange the marinated chicken bites and seasoned broccoli florets in a single layer inside the basket. Make sure there’s enough space between pieces—overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than crisping.
7. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, pausing halfway through cooking to shake the basket. This simple action encourages uniform browning on all sides of the chicken and broccoli.
8. Check the chicken for doneness by verifying that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is safe, juicy, and perfectly cooked.
9. Once everything is crisped and cooked through, remove the chicken bites and broccoli from the air fryer and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR AIR FRYER CHICKEN BITES AND BROCCOLI
When it’s time to plate up, you’ll want to showcase those golden chicken bites and green florets to their fullest. Here are four fun, tasty ways to serve them:
- Over Steamed Rice or Quinoa
Spoon the chicken and broccoli on a bed of fluffy white rice or protein-packed quinoa. The grains absorb any leftover juices, making every mouthful extra savory.
- With a Zesty Dipping Sauce
Whip up a quick garlic-yogurt dip or mix sriracha with a dollop of mayo for a creamy, spicy kick. The contrast in textures amps up the enjoyment.
- Garnished with Fresh Herbs and Lemon
Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the top and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The bright herbaceous and citrus notes elevate the entire dish.
- In a Colorful Bowl
Build a balanced bowl with sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach alongside your chicken and broccoli. Drizzle with a light tahini or balsamic glaze for an Instagram-worthy meal.
HOW TO STORE AIR FRYER CHICKEN BITES AND BROCCOLI
Whether you’re meal-prepping or saving leftovers, proper storage ensures your chicken bites and broccoli stay fresh and flavorful for days.
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container
Allow the chicken and broccoli to cool to room temperature, then transfer them into a sealed container. Stored this way, they stay delicious for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze in Portion-Sized Bags
If you want to meal-prep for the month, divide the cooled components into freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn, and label with the date. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
- Separate Components if Possible
If you plan on reheating just the chicken or the broccoli, store them in separate containers. This prevents the broccoli from becoming too soft and helps both reheat evenly.
- Reheat with Care
For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. This revives the crispiness without turning the broccoli to mush, unlike the microwave.
CONCLUSION
Thanks for joining me on this delicious journey through our Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli recipe. We covered everything from the vibrant mix of ingredients—lean chicken, crisp broccoli, and a sweet-umami marinade—to the simple nine-step cooking process that turns everyday pantry staples into a nourishing, flavor-packed meal. Whether you’re new to air frying or looking for a speedy dinner option, this beginner-friendly recipe fits the bill with just 30 minutes of hands-on prep and 10 minutes in the air fryer. Don’t forget, it’s perfect for both lunch and dinner, and at around 350 calories per serving, you can enjoy every bite without the guilt. Feel free to print this article and save it for later use so you have it at the ready when busy weeknights roll around. You can also find a helpful FAQ section below if you have any questions or want more tips.
I hope you’ve found this guide both engaging and informative. If you try out the recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out—any tweaks you made or favorite serving ideas you discovered. Have questions about ingredients, cooking times, or storage tips? Drop a comment, share your feedback, or let me know if you need help troubleshooting your air fryer adventures. Your thoughts and experiences not only help me improve but also inspire others in our home-cooking community. Happy cooking, and may your chicken bites always stay crispy!
Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli
Description
This recipe delivers perfectly cooked chicken bites coated in a savory marinade, paired with tender broccoli, all made quick and easy in the air fryer. A delicious, wholesome dinner option!
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well combined to create the marinade.
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Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing them until they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
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Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
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While the air fryer is preheating, toss the broccoli florets in a light coat of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Arrange the marinated chicken bites and broccoli florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
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Air fry the chicken and broccoli for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
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Check the chicken for doneness by ensuring it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Once done, remove the chicken bites and broccoli from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Note
- For a spicier kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Feel free to swap broccoli with your favorite vegetable, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to add variety.
- If using frozen broccoli, adjust cooking time by an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
- For added flavor, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
