Say hello to your new go-to weeknight dinner: Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli. This dish is everything you want after a long day—quick, flavorful, and nourishing. With perfectly seasoned chicken breast chunks, charred broccoli florets, and fluffy white rice, each bite delivers a delicious balance of savory, crispy, and tender. All made with minimal oil, thanks to the magic of the air fryer.
Whether you’re looking for a high-protein, low-fuss meal or a satisfying prep-ahead lunch, this recipe has you covered. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and made with pantry staples. Plus, it’s on the table in under 30 minutes, making it a star in any meal rotation.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice or brown rice (for serving)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, green onions, chili flakes
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breast dry with a paper towel, then dice it into evenly sized cubes. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate while you prep the broccoli—about 10 minutes is enough to soak up the flavor.
Step 2: Season the Broccoli
Place the broccoli florets in a separate bowl and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Toss well so each piece is coated evenly. This helps the broccoli crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Once ready, arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F/74°C).
Step 4: Add Broccoli to the Basket
Once the chicken is nearly done, push it to one side of the basket and add the seasoned broccoli. Continue air frying for 5–7 more minutes, tossing once, until the broccoli is tender with crispy, caramelized edges and the chicken is slightly charred.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Scoop warm rice into a bowl, top with the air-fried chicken and broccoli, and finish with optional sesame seeds or green onions. Drizzle extra soy sauce or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick if desired.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving, assuming 4 servings with ½ cup rice each)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 590mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast works great, but chicken thighs can also be used for juicier results.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry first to avoid excess moisture that can prevent crisping.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Can I meal prep this for the week?
Absolutely. It’s perfect for prepping ahead and holds up well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
What other vegetables can I use?
Cauliflower, bell peppers, or zucchini make great substitutes or additions to the broccoli.
Can I cook everything at once in the air fryer?
Yes, but space matters. If your air fryer is small, cook the chicken and broccoli separately for best crispiness.
How can I make it spicy?
Add chili flakes or a spoonful of sriracha to the marinade for heat.
Is oil necessary for air frying?
A little oil helps with flavor and crispiness, but you can reduce or omit it if you’re avoiding added fats.
Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minute
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
Description
Looking for an easy recipe that’s quick, healthy, and full of flavor? This Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli is the answer. Juicy chicken cubes and tender-crisp broccoli are air-fried to perfection with a simple soy-garlic marinade and served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, a healthy lunch option, or when you just need easy dinner ideas that hit the spot.
With minimal ingredients and a fast cook time, this dish makes weeknight cooking feel effortless. It’s one of those healthy snack or meal prep-friendly recipes that you’ll return to again and again. Packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavor, this air fryer favorite checks all the boxes for a nutritious, comforting, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
3 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooked white or brown rice (for serving)
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, green onions, chili flakes
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and cut into cubes. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, toss broccoli with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Place chicken in the basket in a single layer.
- Air fry chicken for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Push chicken to one side of basket. Add broccoli. Continue cooking 5–7 minutes, shaking once.
- Serve hot over rice. Top with sesame seeds, green onions, or chili flakes if desired.