Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

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This Chicken and Broccoli dish is flavorful, easy to fix and so satisfying.  Taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, it is perfect for any weeknight dinner!

We enjoy Chinese food, and this is a family favorite!  It is a healthy meal when made in the air fryer as it requires NO oil!

This dish can also be made ahead of time if you wish.  When you are expecting company, feel free to double the recipe to serve more individuals, but cook the meat in two batches for even cooking.

Why should I cook this in the Air Fryer?

Cooking in the air fryer means the chicken is tender and sweet and cooks perfectly and evenly all the way through.  The chicken and broccoli is full of flavor with a sauce made with garlic powder, Hoison sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and honey.

Complete the chicken and broccoli with a bowl of steaming hot rice (white or brown) or pasta.

Can I use another protein instead of chicken?

Yes! Instead of chicken breasts, you can use boneless chicken thighs, beef, or shrimp.

I want my Chicken and Broccoli to be spicy!

If you want your sauce to have a spicy kick to it, add red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce. You can also add this to just your plate if you have others in your family that would prefer no heat.

Do I have to use broccoli for this recipe?

While we prefer broccoli in this recipe, feel free to add any vegetables your family might enjoy – bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms or onions.

Tips to make your dinner a success!

Use parchment paper for easier cleanup. I love to use these for my Air Fryer! Quick and easy clean for those long days! They have multiple sizes and styles to fit whatever Air Fryer you might have!

The air fryer does not need to be preheated for this recipe.

The broccoli can be cooked with the chicken if you prefer, but do not overcook the broccoli.  Remove the veggies from the air fryer, add them to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and place in the microwave to keep them warm while the chicken finishes cooking.

I don’t have an Air Fryer. Can I make this on the stove?

Of course!  Here is a suggestion.

1.  Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat with 1 Tablespoon oil.

2.  Add the chicken and cook 1 minute undisturbed, then stir while frying for an additional 5 minutes.  The chicken should be a golden brown.

3.  Remove the chicken and place in a bowl.

4.  Saute the broccoli in the same skillet over medium-high heat in 1 Tablespoon oil, and stir for 3 minutes, then reduce heat.

5.  Add the sauce to the broccoli in the skillet, and simmer over medium-low heat for 3 minutes.

6.  Return the chicken to the pan and stir until heated through and chicken and broccoli are covered with the sauce.

This recipe moves fast, so make sure all ingredients are cut and prepped before starting, and that everything is close to the stove.

This recipe makes wonderful leftovers, or even meal prep!

Place leftover chicken and broccoli in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator up to 3 days. These are my favorite containers!

Reheat in the microwave for 1 minute, or in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 400 degrees.

Can the Broccoli and Chicken be frozen?

Yes!  Once the broccoli and chicken are cooled, place in an airtight container or in a freezer bag, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.  Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat in the microwave or in the air fryer. Make sure that you use freezer bags, and not mix up storage bags.

Ingredients:

Broccoli – fresh is best in this recipe, but you can use frozen if needed (thaw before cooking).

Chicken breast – approximately 1 pound. Like mentioned earlier, this recipe can be multiplied or cut in half. So use the recipe measurements appropriately. You can also use other types of chicken as you desire! You can use boneless chicken thighs, or any other meat, but prepare your chicken to be boneless. You can also substitute your chicken for other protein such as beef, or shrimp.

Salt/Pepper

Garlic powder – blends well with the other flavors. You can use minced garlic if that is what you have.

Cornstarch – use just enough to cover the chicken; too much can make a mess in the air fryer. The cornstarch is what gives the chicken the light crispy coating after being cooked.

Hoisin sauce – This thick sauce is very fragrant, and sweet! Has a similar taste to teriyaki sauce.

Minced ginger – hot, zesty and biting, yet sweet.

Apple cider vinegar

Soy sauce – You can use reduced sodium soy sauce if that’s what you have, or are watching your sodium intake.

Raw honey – we prefer raw honey as it contains antioxidants, and gives the chicken a deliciou sweetness! You can also sub granulated sugar if need be.

Sesame seeds for garnish

Cut the broccoli and chicken into small bite-size pieces. Keep separate.

Add the cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to a gallon-sized storage bag and shake to mix.

Gradually add the chicken to the bag of cornstarch in three groups, shaking after adding each group. Add breaded chicken to your sprayed air fryer basket and then spray with oil. Cook at 400° for 12-15 minutes until crispy and golden. While the chicken is cooking, add the broccoli to a microwave-safe bowl, add 1 tablespoon of water, cover, and microwave for 3 minutes until slightly tender and bright colored. Drain broccoli and set aside.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the hoisin, honey, ginger, vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir and bring to a boil. Let it boil for 1 minute and then remove the sauce from the heat. Set aside.

Once the chicken is cooked…

…add it to a mixing bowl with broccoli.

Pour the sauce and toss gently until chicken and broccoli are fully coated.

Serve with rice and garnish with sesame seeds.

My grocery list!

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Supplies I used for this recipe:

A great tip for using the Air Fryer is to use parchment paper for easier cleanup. I love to use these for my Air Fryer! Quick and easy clean for those long days. They have multiple sizes and styles to fit whatever Air Fryer you might have!

Place leftover chicken and broccoli in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator up to 3 days. These are my favorite containers!

As mentioned before, you do not need an Air Fryer for this recipe. However, if you are searching for a new air fryer, 

To cut up your chicken and broccoli, you will need a nice kitchen knife set! This is a great set if you are in the business of needing a new one!

To make your sauce on the stovetop, you’ll need a saucepan. Our husband and I are saucepan snobs and always switch them out every year. Here is the newest set we just bought, and love it!

Did you like this recipe?

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Click below for other delicious recipes from our kitchen!

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Air Fryer Al Pastor Pork Tacos – Al pastor tacos are absolutely mouth-watering, and will be a big hit at any family gathering – or any Taco Tuesday!

Buffalo Wild Wings Copycat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings – Buffalo Wild Wings Copycat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are a main course at dinner, a tasty snack on game day, or a party appetizer. 

Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

Briana Milner
We enjoy Chinese food, and this is a family favorite! It is a healthy meal when made in the air fryer as it requires NO oil! The chicken and broccoli dish is flavorful, easy to fix and so satisfying. Taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, it is perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 18 mins
Total Time 28 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Knife
  • Gallon sized storage bag
  • Cooking Spray
  • Saucepan medium
  • Microwave safe bowl
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large broccoli stalk
  • 3 chicken breast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 teaspoons minced ginger
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons raw honey
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cut the broccoli and chicken into small bite-size pieces. Keep separate.
  • Add the cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to a gallon-sized storage bag and shake to mix.
  • Gradually add the chicken to the bag of cornstarch in three groups, shaking after adding each group.
  • Add breaded chicken to your sprayed air fryer basket and then spray with oil.
  • Cook at 400° for 12-15 minutes until crispy and golden.
  • While the chicken is cooking, add the broccoli to a microwave-safe bowl, add 1 tablespoon of water, cover, and microwave for 3 minutes until slightly tender and bright colored. Drain broccoli and set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the hoisin, honey, ginger, vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir and bring to a boil. Let it boil for 1 minute and then remove the sauce from the heat. Set aside.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, add it to a mixing bowl with broccoli. Pour the sauce and toss gently until chicken and broccoli are fully coated.
  • Serve with rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
Keyword Air Fryer, Applesauce, Broccoli, Chicken, Chinese, Dinner, Main Course

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