Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli Recipe
This Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli recipe is a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal option perfect for busy weeknights. Tender marinated chicken bites paired with crisp-tender broccoli are cooked to perfection in an air fryer, delivering a delicious balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. Served alongside cooked rice and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish offers a satisfying and nutritious dinner in under 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
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
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 medium head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve
- Cooked rice
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine 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, and kosher salt and pepper to taste, stirring well until fully mixed.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces and transfer them to the marinade bowl. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 1 hour for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the Broccoli: While the chicken marinates, cut the broccoli into florets. Toss the florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with kosher salt and pepper for taste.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380ºF (193ºC) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through, until the chicken is no longer pink and nearly cooked through.
- Add the Broccoli: Shake the basket to redistribute the chicken, then add the prepared broccoli florets on top. Continue air frying for an additional 6-8 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the chicken and broccoli from the air fryer. Serve immediately over cooked rice, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can marinate the chicken longer in the fridge to intensify flavors; up to 1 hour is ideal.
- For added spice, consider sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes into the marinade.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe can be adapted to a conventional oven at 400ºF, roasting the chicken and broccoli on separate trays.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
