Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

Easy to make and can be ready in just about 30 minutes, Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. The small pieces of tender chicken are coated in a delicious, sweet, and savory sauce that will leave you wanting more. Pair it with rice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an amazing meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Convenient: This recipe takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and spices creates a uniquely delicious flavor profile.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber from broccoli, this dish is both nourishing and satisfying.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for lunch or dinner, you can easily adapt the recipe by adding other vegetables or spices based on your preference.
• Air Fryer Magic: Enjoy crispy textures without the excess oil using the air fryer for cooking.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the ingredients, let’s gather our essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This appliance allows for quick cooking while providing a crispy texture without needing much oil.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl makes it easy to combine all marinade ingredients thoroughly.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures that cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces is safe and efficient.
• Cutting board: Protects your countertops while offering a stable surface for chopping ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Broccoli

• 1 medium head of broccoli (cut into florets)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Marinade

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

To Serve

• Cooked rice
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. Combine all the marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl:
2. 2 tablespoons olive oil,
3. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar,
4. 1 tablespoon maple syrup,
5. 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning,
6. 1 teaspoon onion powder,
7. 1 teaspoon garlic powder,
8. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika,
9. Kosher salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces.
2. Add the chicken to the bowl with the marinade, stirring to coat each piece evenly.
3. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 1 hour in the fridge.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

1. While waiting for the chicken to marinate, cut the broccoli into florets.
2. Rub the florets with olive oil, along with Kosher salt and pepper.

Step 4: Preheat Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380ºF (193ºC).

Step 5: Cook Chicken Bites

1. Place marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
2. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes until no longer pink and almost cooked through.

Step 6: Add Broccoli

1. Shake the basket gently to stir.
2. Add broccoli florets on top of the chicken.
3. Continue to air fry for an additional 6-8 minutes until both chicken and broccoli are cooked through.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your delectable Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli over cooked rice, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your meal!

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli make for a delicious, healthy meal that can be served in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Over Rice

• Serve the chicken and broccoli over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. The rice will soak up the savory sauce, creating a satisfying meal.

With Quinoa

• For a nutritious twist, serve the chicken bites and broccoli with quinoa. This superfood adds a nutty flavor and extra protein.

In Wraps

• Use whole wheat or lettuce wraps to create tasty chicken wraps. Add additional veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for crunch.

As a Salad

• Toss the air-fried chicken bites with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a refreshing salad. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette for added flavor.

On Skewers

• Thread the cooked chicken and broccoli onto skewers for easy eating. These can be great for parties or barbecues.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

To achieve the best results with your Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli, consider these handy tips.

• Marinate longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for up to an hour enhances the flavor significantly.
• Cut evenly: Ensure all chicken pieces are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
• Preheat properly: Preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
• Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
• Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165ºF for safe consumption.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to tweak the seasonings according to your taste preferences for unique flavors every time.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

Pairing side dishes with your Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some wonderful options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the flavors beautifully.
2. Steamed Carrots – Lightly steamed carrots add color and nutrition, balancing the dish perfectly.
3. Couscous Salad – A light salad made with couscous, diced veggies, and lemon dressing provides freshness.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs nicely with savory chicken bites.
5. Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb alternative that absorbs flavors well while adding fiber to your plate.
6. Green Beans Almondine – Sautéed green beans topped with almonds offer a crunchy texture contrast.
7. Mediterranean Chickpeas – Seasoned chickpeas add protein, making it a filling side option.
8. Zucchini Noodles – Spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil makes for a light yet satisfying accompaniment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the marinade time: Not allowing enough time for the chicken to marinate can result in bland flavors. Aim for at least 15 minutes, or even up to an hour for maximum flavor.
• Overcrowding the air fryer: Placing too many chicken pieces or broccoli florets in the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure there’s enough space for air to circulate around all ingredients.
• Not preheating the air fryer: Failing to preheat the air fryer can affect cooking times and texture. Always preheat your air fryer according to the recipe instructions for best results.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning your chicken or broccoli can make the dish taste flat. Be generous with salt, pepper, and other seasonings as per your taste preference.
• Using non-appropriate cooking oil: Using oils with low smoke points may lead to burning. Opt for oils like olive oil that are suitable for high-temperature cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

• Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed.
• Stovetop: Sauté on medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli?

Cooking them in an air fryer allows you to achieve a crispy texture while using less oil compared to traditional frying methods.

Can I use other vegetables with Air Fryer Chicken Bites?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out broccoli for other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or green beans for variety.

How long do Air Fryer Chicken Bites take to cook?

Cook chicken bites at 380°F for approximately 10-12 minutes before adding broccoli, which takes an additional 6-8 minutes.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure that any sauces or marinades you use are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different vegetables or seasonings based on your preferences. Give it a try and enjoy a delightful dish that’s both healthy and satisfying!

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Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Enjoy flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli ready in just 30 minutes! Perfectly tender chicken bites coated in savory sauce await—try it today!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 medium head of broccoli
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)
• Cooked rice
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and add them to the marinade. Mix well and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
3. While marinating, prepare the broccoli by cutting it into florets and tossing with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
5. Place marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.
6. Add broccoli on top of the chicken and air fry for an additional 6-8 minutes until tender.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg