Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty dinner that the whole family will enjoy, look no further! Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli is one of those recipes that brings a smile to my face every time I make it. The combination of tender chicken pieces marinated in a delightful sauce paired with vibrant green broccoli is not only delicious but also healthy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes this dish extra special is how versatile it can be. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family gathering or just trying to whip up something fast after a long day, these chicken bites are bound to be a hit at your table. Plus, they’re kid-friendly—a win-win in my book!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Flavorful and Fun: The sweet and savory marinade makes every bite burst with flavor.
• Family-Friendly: With bite-sized pieces, kids will love eating their veggies alongside the chicken.
• Healthy Option: Using an air fryer means less oil and fewer calories without sacrificing taste.
• Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli.

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

For the Broccoli

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors or ingredients that suit your taste.

• Swap the protein: Try using boneless skinless turkey breast or even diced tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Mix up the veggies: Instead of broccoli, use bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added color and crunch.
• Add some spice: If you love heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes in the marinade for a kick.
• Serve differently: Enjoy over rice, quinoa, or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fun meal variation.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This step creates a flavorful marinade that will infuse the chicken with delicious sweetness and depth. Allowing it to sit helps all those amazing flavors meld together.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to your marinade and toss everything together until well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes—this is crucial! The longer you let it sit, the more flavor your chicken will absorb.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

While your chicken marinates, cut your broccoli into florets. Toss them in a bit of olive oil along with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances their natural flavor while helping them cook perfectly in the air fryer.

Step 4: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380ºF (193ºC). Preheating ensures that both your chicken and broccoli cook evenly and develop that lovely crispiness we all adore!

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until fully cooked through. This method keeps the chicken juicy while achieving that delightful golden-brown exterior.

Step 6: Add Broccoli to Air Fryer

After cooking the chicken, add the seasoned broccoli to the basket and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes. This step allows both ingredients to finish cooking together so that you can serve them hot from the air fryer!

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dish! Serve it over rice or quinoa if you’re feeling hungry or just dig right in—either way it’s sure to please everyone at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

Cooking can be a fun adventure, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli to an entirely new level!

• Marinate Longer for Flavor: If you can, let the chicken marinate for up to an hour. This extra time allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the chicken, resulting in a tastier dish.

• Uniform Size Matters: Make sure your chicken pieces are cut into uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking and helps avoid any undercooked or overcooked bites.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: When placing chicken and broccoli in the air fryer, keep them in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than frying, which means less crispy goodness.

• Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to swap out broccoli for other colorful vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. This not only adds variety but also increases the nutritional value of your meal.

• Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC). This guarantees that it’s safely cooked while remaining juicy and tender.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

Presenting your Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli beautifully can make mealtime feel special! Here are some delightful serving suggestions to impress your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top right before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances flavors and adds a zesty kick.

Side Dishes

• Fluffy Quinoa: Quinoa is a nutritious grain that pairs perfectly with this dish. Its nutty flavor complements the savory chicken bites beautifully.

• Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: For a low-carb option, whip up some garlic mashed cauliflower. It’s creamy, flavorful, and makes for a delightful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.

• Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans add a lovely crunch and vibrant color to your plate, enhancing both texture and visual appeal.

• Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil is refreshing and adds brightness to your meal.

With these tips and serving ideas, your Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli will not only be delicious but also beautifully presented. Enjoy making mealtime memorable!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, healthy meals throughout the week. Making it ahead of time not only saves you effort on busy days but also enhances the flavors as they meld together.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken and broccoli to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool fully before freezing.
• Place chicken and broccoli in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350ºF (175ºC) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli.

Can I use frozen chicken for Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli?

It’s best to use fresh chicken for this recipe. If using frozen chicken, ensure it’s thawed completely before marinating for optimal flavor and texture.

How long does it take to cook Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli?

This dish takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, including marinating time. The actual cooking time is about 18-20 minutes in the air fryer.

What other vegetables can I use instead of broccoli?

Feel free to swap out broccoli with other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the vegetables you choose.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli recipe! It’s not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor that your family will love. This dish brings a touch of joy to any dinner table while keeping things simple. Happy cooking, and may your meals be filled with laughter and great memories!