Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli Recipe Easy Quick

Crispy chicken that snaps when you bite into it, tender broccoli with just a little charthis is weeknight dinner done right. Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli comes together in less than 20 minutes, and it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good about feeding your family something balanced and delicious.

I started testing air fryer chicken back in 2019 when I was figuring out how to keep dinner light without losing flavor. The first batch came out so golden and juicy that my neighbor asked for the recipe through the fence. After years of tweaking the seasoning and timing, I’ve learned that a quick toss in a little oil and a hot basket is all you needno breading, no fuss, just real food that actually tastes like something.

Joe Rooney

Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli Recipe Easy Quick

Enjoy a quick and healthy dinner with this Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli recipe. Tender chicken pieces combined with fresh broccoli are perfectly seasoned and air-fried to a crispy finish, making a delicious and nutritious meal in just 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey

Method

 

1. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up for 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, toss together the chicken bites and broccoli florets.
3. In a separate small bowl, blend olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Drizzle the seasoning mix over the chicken and broccoli and toss everything to coat evenly.
5. Stir in the soy sauce, lemon juice, and honey until all pieces are well covered.
6. Place the prepared chicken and broccoli evenly in the air fryer basket without crowding; cook in batches if necessary.
7. Cook in the air fryer for 12 to 15 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through for even cooking.
8. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
9. Once done, remove from the air fryer and serve hot as a main course or appetizer.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a juicier bite. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. Serve alongside rice or quinoa to complete your meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra flavor and presentation. Make sure to cut chicken and broccoli into similar sizes for even cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dinner delivers everything you need on a busy Tuesday night: protein, veggies, and flavor that doesn’t taste like it came from a diet plan. The chicken bites come out juicy with a golden edge, and the broccoli gets just tender enough without turning mushy. Everything cooks in one basket, which means less cleanup and more time sitting down with your family.

• Quick and beginner-friendly: From fridge to table in 30 minutes, with steps that make sense even if you’ve never used an air fryer before.
• Balanced and satisfying: Real food that gives you energy without feeling heavyperfect for those nights when you want something nourishing but crave a little crispy goodness too.
• One-basket wonder: No juggling pans or timing two separate dishes. The chicken and broccoli cook together beautifully.

What You’ll Need

The ingredient list reads like your regular grocery runnothing fancy or hard to find. You’ll use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces, plus broccoli florets that crisp up just right in the hot air. The seasoning mix is simple: olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. A quick drizzle of soy sauce, lemon juice, and honey adds that sweet-savory balance that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Pro Tip: Cut your chicken and broccoli into uniform pieces so everything finishes at the same time. I learned this the hard way after serving a few batches with some bites overcooked and others still pale.

How It All Comes Together

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F for about 5 minutesthis step really does make a difference in getting that golden finish. While it heats, toss your chicken pieces and broccoli florets in a large bowl. Whisk together the olive oil and all your dry seasonings in a small bowl, then pour it over the chicken and broccoli, tossing until everything looks evenly coated. Add the soy sauce, lemon juice, and honey, and give it one more good toss.

Arrange everything in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t crowd itif you need to work in batches, it’s worth it. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so everything cooks evenly. The chicken should hit 165°F internally, and the broccoli will be tender-crisp with a few charred edges.

Note: If your air fryer runs hot, start checking at the 10-minute mark. Every model has its quirks, and mine tends to cook a little faster than my sister’s.

Quick Timing Guide

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve this straight from the basket while it’s still hot and crispy. It’s wonderful over a bowl of rice or quinoa if you want to stretch it into a heartier meal, or just eat it as-is with a squeeze of extra lemon. I like to sprinkle sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top for a little color and crunch.

Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to bring back that crispy texturemicrowaving will make them soft, which isn’t quite the same.

Tweaks and Troubleshooting

If your chicken bites are coming out dry, try switching to chicken thighsthey have a little more fat and stay juicier even if you accidentally overcook them by a minute or two. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. The smoked paprika gives a nice warmth, but cayenne kicks it up if that’s your thing.

Sometimes broccoli can cook faster than the chicken, especially if your florets are on the smaller side. If that happens, pull the broccoli out at the 10-minute mark and let the chicken finish on its own. It’s a simple fix that keeps everything just right.

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FAQs ( Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli )

You’ll love how this Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli turns outgolden edges on the chicken, tender broccoli with a little char, all done in about 30 minutes. It’s the kind of dinner that feels good going into the bowl and even better when everyone asks for seconds. The chicken stays juicy, the broccoli gets just enough bite, and the whole thing comes together without any fuss or extra pans to scrub later.

If you want a little more kick, toss in some red pepper flakes with the seasoning. Swap the chicken breasts for thighs if you want extra richness, or drizzle a bit of sesame oil over the top right before serving for a deeper flavor. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer at 350°F for about five minutes, so you can pack them for lunch and still get that crispy texture back.

I’d love to hear how this one turns out in your kitchentag me with a photo or let me know if you added your own twist. Did you grow up with simple weeknight dinners like this, where everything just worked without a lot of fuss? Save this recipe for a night when you need something nourishing and easy, or share it with a friend who’s always asking what to make on busy Tuesdays. Here’s to meals that feel like home.