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:
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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.
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Even cooking: The circulating air ensures everything cooks evenly, so you don’t need to worry about flipping or stirring the ingredients too often.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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Garlic powder: This adds a lovely garlicky flavor that complements the chicken and broccoli.
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Olive oil: Used to coat the chicken, ensuring it cooks evenly and stays moist.
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Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the flavor in the chicken.
For the Broccoli:
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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.
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Olive oil: To coat the broccoli and help it crisp up in the air fryer.
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Garlic powder and onion powder: For an extra savory kick that pairs perfectly with the garlic chicken.
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Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the broccoli.
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:
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Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and freshness to the dish.
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Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on the broccoli before serving adds richness and a savory finish.
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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:
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Prepare the Chicken
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Cut your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
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Toss the chicken in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is well coated in the seasoning mix.
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Prepare the Broccoli
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Wash the broccoli and cut it into florets.
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Toss the broccoli in olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the broccoli is evenly coated with the seasoning.
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Preheat the Air Fryer
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Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. This ensures that the chicken and broccoli cook quickly and evenly.
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Cook the Chicken and Broccoli
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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.
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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.
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Check for Doneness
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Ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. The broccoli should be tender with crispy edges.
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Serve and Enjoy
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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.
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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Chicken and Broccoli
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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.
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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.
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Adjust seasonings: Feel free to add more garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.
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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:
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Add More Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the air fryer for an extra nutritional boost.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Extra Chili Garlic Sauce: If you love extra heat and flavor, drizzle more chili garlic sauce over the top after serving.
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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
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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.
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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.
Healthy Air Fryer Garlic Chicken And Broccoli
Equipment
- Air fryer (basket or dual-basket)
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small whisk or brush
- Airtight containers (for storage)
Ingredients
- For The Broccoli:
- 12 oz broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or preferred cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- For The Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon chili oil
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Optional Add-Ons:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare The Broccoli:
- Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Season The Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with chili oil, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix until well coated.
- Air Fry The Broccoli:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned broccoli in the basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 5–6 minutes, shaking halfway through. Remove and set aside.
- Air Fry The Chicken:
- Add chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7–8 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.
- Add The Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix chili garlic sauce and honey. Brush or toss the mixture over cooked chicken.
- Return to the air fryer for 2 more minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Serve And Enjoy:
- Toss chicken and broccoli together in a bowl.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, lemon juice, or Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot with rice, cauliflower rice, or a side salad.
Notes
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 225 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
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
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Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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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
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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.
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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.
Conclusion: Healthy Air Fryer Garlic Chicken And Broccoli
Healthy Air Fryer Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is proof that wholesome meals don’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients, minimal oil, and less than 25 minutes, you can create a flavorful dish that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside. The air fryer makes it easy to enjoy a balanced meal packed with protein and veggies — ideal for busy weeknights or healthy meal prep.
This recipe is versatile, family-friendly, and customizable to your taste. Whether you like it garlicky, spicy, or topped with a squeeze of lemon, it always turns out delicious. Pair it with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete, satisfying dinner that’s both nourishing and crave-worthy.
Next time you’re short on time but want something hearty and healthy, grab your air fryer and make this easy garlic chicken and broccoli — it’s a quick win for both flavor and nutrition!
