Air fryers have truly revolutionized weeknight meals, offering a quick, healthy, and flavorful way to prepare dishes without the hassle. This easy chicken and broccoli recipe is the perfect example of how the air fryer can take a few simple ingredients and turn them into a delicious, crispy, and satisfying meal in no time! Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping for the week, this dish is sure to please.

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 large chicken breasts (cubed, either partially frozen or defrosted)
  • 2.5 large cloves of garlic (or to taste, minced)
  • Olive oil (just a small amount, enough to coat the chicken)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • ½ – 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • ½ – 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 bag of frozen broccoli
  • Rice or pasta (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Cut the chicken breasts into cubes. If you’re using partially frozen chicken, it will make cutting easier, and the air fryer will cook it perfectly.
  2. Season the Chicken:
    • In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken cubes in this spice mixture until fully coated. The olive oil helps the spices stick to the chicken.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
    • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C). This step ensures the chicken gets crispy on the outside and stays juicy on the inside.
  4. Cook the Chicken:
    • Place the seasoned chicken cubes in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes, or 12 minutes if your chicken is partially frozen. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
  5. Add the Broccoli:
    • After 7-8 minutes of cooking the chicken, add a bag of frozen broccoli to the air fryer basket, ensuring it’s coated with the same spices. Continue air frying for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, and the broccoli is tender and slightly crispy.
  6. Serve:
    • Once everything is cooked, serve the chicken and broccoli with your choice of rice or pasta for a filling, nutritious meal. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner!

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

  • Calories: 230 kcal
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
    • Fiber: 4 g
    • Sugar: 3 g
  • Fat: 10 g
    • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Potassium: 650 mg
  • Vitamin A: 15% DV
  • Vitamin C: 100% DV
  • Iron: 6% DV
  • Calcium: 6% DV

Notes:

  • You can adjust the amount of garlic, paprika, and onion powder to suit your taste.
  • For added flavor, try sprinkling some grated cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice on top of the chicken and broccoli after cooking.
  • This dish is great for meal prep as it holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat it in the air fryer for a quick meal later on.

This air fryer chicken and broccoli recipe is a game-changer. It’s fast, flavorful, and versatile, making it an ideal option for anyone looking to save time in the kitchen while enjoying a healthy, satisfying meal. Enjoy!