Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli is a quick and delicious family meal that brings juicy chicken bites and vibrant broccoli to your table in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish combines health with flavor. The air fryer makes cooking effortless while ensuring that your chicken is tender and the broccoli stays crisp. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this satisfying dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a wholesome meal on the table in half an hour.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and nutrients, this dish is a guilt-free option for any night.
• Flavorful Seasoning: Garlic powder and paprika add a delightful zing to the chicken bites, making every bite memorable.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this tasty combination of chicken and broccoli, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main dish or toss it into salads or wraps for additional meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli easy. Gather your kitchen essentials before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This appliance cooks food quickly while keeping it crispy without excess oil.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily mix your ingredients for even seasoning.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavor in every batch of chicken bites.

Ingredients

A quick and delicious family meal featuring juicy chicken bites and vibrant broccoli, all made easily in the air fryer.

For the Chicken Bites

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Broccoli

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl.
3. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

1. While you’re seasoning the chicken, wash and trim your broccoli florets.
2. You can season them lightly with salt and pepper if desired.

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Bites

1. Place the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
2. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.

Step 5: Add Broccoli to Air Fryer

1. After 10 minutes, add the prepared broccoli florets on top of the cooked chicken.
2. Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes until both are done.

Step 6: Serve

1. Carefully remove everything from the air fryer.
2. Serve hot as a wholesome meal that everyone will enjoy!

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli make for a delightful family meal that is both nutritious and easy to prepare. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Serve with Rice

• Pair these chicken bites with a side of fluffy white or brown rice for a filling meal. The rice absorbs flavors, making every bite delicious.

Add a Salad

• A fresh green salad complements the crispy chicken and broccoli perfectly. Consider using mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.

Wrap it Up

• Use a tortilla to create wraps filled with chicken bites and broccoli. Add some cheese and salsa for an extra kick!

Top with Sauce

• Drizzle your favorite sauce over the chicken bites. Barbecue or teriyaki sauce can enhance the dish’s flavor profile significantly.

Enjoy as Appetizers

• Serve smaller portions as appetizers at parties. They are bite-sized and perfect for dipping in sauces like ranch or honey mustard.

Create a Bowl

• Combine chicken bites, broccoli, and quinoa or couscous in a bowl. This makes for a hearty, customizable meal option.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

To achieve the best results with your Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli, follow these simple tips for optimal flavor and texture.

• Cut chicken evenly: Ensuring that all pieces are similar in size helps them cook uniformly.
• Preheat the air fryer: A hot air fryer ensures crispy chicken bites right from the start.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give enough space for air circulation; this keeps everything crisp.
• Use cooking spray: Lightly spray olive oil on the basket before adding ingredients for better browning.
• Season well: Generously season both chicken and broccoli for maximum flavor in every bite.
• Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

Pairing sides with Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli can enhance your meal’s overall taste and presentation. Here are some excellent side dish ideas.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting balance to crispy chicken.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory flavors of the main dish.
3. Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans add color and crunch while being quick to prepare.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies offers a nutritious alternative that’s also filling.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings freshness that pairs well with warm, crispy bites.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is always a crowd-pleaser during dinner time.
7. Pasta Salad: A refreshing pasta salad dressed lightly can serve as an excellent accompaniment that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.
8. Cucumber Tomato Salad: This cool salad adds crunch without overpowering the main flavors of your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Skipping the marination: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland bites. Spend a few minutes with olive oil and spices to enhance the flavors.
• Overcrowding the air fryer: Filling the basket too much can cause uneven cooking. Ensure there’s space for air circulation for perfectly cooked chicken and broccoli.
• Not preheating the air fryer: Skipping this step might result in longer cooking times. Preheat your air fryer for better texture and quicker results.
• Ignoring doneness checks: Under-cooking chicken is risky. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
• Neglecting seasoning on broccoli: Leaving out seasoning can make vegetables taste dull. Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper before cooking for extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring every minute until warm.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use frozen broccoli with Air Fryer Chicken Bites?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just adjust the cooking time slightly as frozen veggies may release more moisture.

How can I make Air Fryer Chicken Bites healthier?

To make these chicken bites healthier, you can use less oil or substitute with a cooking spray. You may also add more veggies!

What other seasonings work well with Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli?

Feel free to experiment! Seasonings like lemon pepper, Italian herbs, or even spicy chili powder can add variety to your dish.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more flavor and juiciness but may require slight adjustments in cooking time due to their fat content.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli is a delightful recipe that combines juicy chicken with vibrant vegetables. This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy families. Feel free to customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste preferences. Enjoy this versatile meal any night of the week!

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Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli is the perfect weeknight dinner that combines convenience with mouthwatering flavor. This dish features tender, juicy chicken bites seasoned with garlic and paprika, paired with vibrant broccoli florets that maintain their crispness in the air fryer. Not only is this meal quick to prepare—taking just 10 minutes of prep time and ready in about 30 minutes—but it’s also packed with protein and nutrients, making it a healthy choice for the whole family. Ideal for busy evenings or casual gatherings, enjoy these chicken bites as a main course or toss them in salads or wraps for versatile meal options throughout the week.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add chicken pieces and mix until evenly coated.
2. Wash and trim broccoli florets; season lightly if desired.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
4. Place seasoned chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5. After 10 minutes, add broccoli to the basket on top of the cooked chicken. Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes until both are cooked through.
6. Carefully remove from the air fryer and serve hot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 100mg