Healthy Air Fryer Garlic Chicken And Broccoli for Busy Weeknights

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner, Healthy Air Fryer Garlic Chicken And Broccoli is an excellent choice. This simple recipe combines tender chicken with crispy, flavorful broccoli, all made in the air fryer. The addition of garlic adds a savory punch to the dish, while the air fryer ensures everything cooks quickly and evenly, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a great way to pack in protein and veggies, with minimal cleanup!

Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, or just looking for a tasty and nutritious dinner, this air fryer garlic chicken and broccoli recipe is for you. In just 20 minutes, you can have a flavorful, healthy meal on the table with minimal effort. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and how you can make it your own.

Why Use the Healthy Air Fryer Garlic Chicken And Broccoli ?

The air fryer is a fantastic kitchen tool that cooks food quickly and with less oil. By circulating hot air around the food, the air fryer mimics the effects of frying, giving your chicken a crispy exterior and a tender interior while cooking the broccoli to a perfect char. Here’s why the air fryer is the ideal appliance for this dish:

Crispy texture with less oil: The air fryer cooks the chicken and broccoli to perfection, offering that crispy crunch without the need for deep frying.
Even cooking: The circulating air ensures everything cooks evenly, so you don’t need to worry about flipping or stirring the ingredients too often.
Quick cooking time: This recipe takes just 20 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy nights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Minimal cleanup: Since the air fryer basket can be easily cleaned, this recipe is as low-maintenance as it is flavorful.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Chicken And Broccoli

To make this easy and flavorful meal, you’ll need just a few key ingredients that bring all the flavor:

For the Chicken:

Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Chicken breasts are lean and perfect for this dish, but chicken thighs add a richer flavor and remain juicy in the air fryer.
Garlic powder: This adds a lovely garlicky flavor that complements the chicken and broccoli.
Olive oil: Used to coat the chicken, ensuring it cooks evenly and stays moist.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the flavor in the chicken.

For the Broccoli:

Fresh broccoli florets: Choose fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor. You can also substitute with cauliflower or brussels sprouts for a different twist.
Olive oil: To coat the broccoli and help it crisp up in the air fryer.
Garlic powder and onion powder: For an extra savory kick that pairs perfectly with the garlic chicken.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the broccoli.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and freshness to the dish.
Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on the broccoli before serving adds richness and a savory finish.
Red pepper flakes: For a little heat, red pepper flakes can be sprinkled on the chicken or broccoli.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Chicken and Broccoli

Making air fryer garlic chicken & broccoli is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and nutritious meal in under 30 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken
- Cut your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Toss the chicken in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is well coated in the seasoning mix.
Prepare the Broccoli
- Wash the broccoli and cut it into florets.
- Toss the broccoli in olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the broccoli is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. This ensures that the chicken and broccoli cook quickly and evenly.
Cook the Chicken and Broccoli
- For a dual-basket air fryer: Place the chicken and broccoli in separate baskets or racks, ensuring they are in a single layer for the best results. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Shake the baskets or flip the chicken halfway through cooking.
- For a single-basket air fryer: Start by air frying the broccoli at 400°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes. Then, remove the broccoli and air fry the chicken at the same temperature for 10-12 minutes. After cooking, you can toss the broccoli back into the basket with the chicken to reheat for 1-2 minutes if needed.
Check for Doneness
- Ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. The broccoli should be tender with crispy edges.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the chicken and broccoli with a drizzle of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Pair with a side of rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Chicken and Broccoli

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: For the best results, make sure the chicken and broccoli are spread in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so it’s better to cook in batches if necessary.
Marinate the chicken: For added flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic, olive oil, and your favorite seasonings for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with more depth of flavor.
Adjust seasonings: Feel free to add more garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.
Use frozen broccoli: If fresh broccoli isn’t available, frozen broccoli can also be used. Just make sure to thaw it before cooking and adjust the cooking time slightly.

Variations

While the classic air fryer garlic chicken & broccoli recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to tweak the ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences:

Add More Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the air fryer for an extra nutritional boost.
Switch Up the Sauce: If you prefer a tangy sauce, try using teriyaki sauce or even a homemade lemon-garlic sauce. Alternatively, for a spicier dish, you can use sriracha or gochujang sauce.
Make It Keto: To make this dish even more keto-friendly, skip the honey and use a sugar-free alternative like stevia or erythritol

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Chicken and Broccoli

Serving this air fryer garlic chicken and broccoli is all about enhancing its flavors and creating a balanced, delicious meal. Here are some ideas for serving and pairing:

1. Rice or Cauliflower Rice

Rice: Serve your garlic chicken & broccoli over steamed white or brown rice for a hearty and filling meal. Rice absorbs the delicious glaze, making every bite flavorful.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a great substitute. It’s light, fluffy, and still provides a great base for the chicken and broccoli.
Mixed Rice: Combine white rice with cauliflower rice for a perfect balance of flavor and texture, with fewer carbs than regular rice.

2. Side Salad

If you want a fresh, crunchy side, a simple green salad with lettuce, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the chicken and broccoli. This adds freshness and extra nutrients to your meal.

3. Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes are a great complement to this dish, adding heartiness and flavor. You can air fry them alongside the chicken or broccoli, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and olive oil.

4. Garnishes

Toasted Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds not only add a nice crunch but also bring a mild, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chicken and broccoli.
Extra Chili Garlic Sauce: If you love extra heat and flavor, drizzle more chili garlic sauce over the top after serving.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley can be added as a garnish for an extra layer of freshness and color.

5. Serve It As a Meal Prep

This dish makes an excellent meal prep option. It stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Pack it in airtight containers, and it’s ready to go for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
To reheat, simply pop it back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes to bring back the crispiness of the chicken and broccoli.

Meal Prep & Leftover Tips

One of the best things about air fryer garlic chicken & broccoli is that it makes fantastic leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat your meal:

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: You can also freeze the chicken and broccoli for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

Reheating

In the Air Fryer: To reheat your leftovers and maintain the crispy texture, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
In the Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the leftovers for about 1-2 minutes. However, keep in mind that the microwave won’t give you the same crispy texture as the air fryer.

Recipe Card: Air Fryer Garlic Chicken and Broccoli

Ingredients:

For the Broccoli:

12 oz Broccoli florets
1 tablespoon Olive oil (or any oil of choice)
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon Black pepper
1 teaspoon Garlic powder

For the Chicken:

1 pound Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon Chili oil
2 teaspoons Ground ginger
2 tablespoons Chili garlic sauce
1 tablespoon Honey

Instructions:

Prepare the Broccoli: Toss the broccoli florets in olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with chili oil, ground ginger, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
Air Fry the Broccoli: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned broccoli into the air fryer basket and cook for 5-6 minutes, until crispy and tender. Set aside.
Air Fry the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Glaze the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the chili garlic sauce and honey. Brush the sauce mixture over the chicken pieces and air fry for another 2 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to caramelize the glaze.
Serve: Toss the chicken and broccoli together in a serving dish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired, and serve with rice or cauliflower rice.

Notes:

Cooking Time: Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the chicken pieces. Always check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Substitutions: You can swap chicken breasts for thighs, or use different vegetables such as cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 225
Total Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 29g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g