Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that the whole family will love, look no further than this Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli recipe. Packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a sweet yet savory honey garlic sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, using the air fryer means you get that delightful crispiness without the extra oil. Let’s dive into why this dish is sure to become a staple in your home.
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The chicken is marinated in a luscious mixture of honey, soy sauce, and garlic, which not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with a savory sweetness that’s hard to resist. The broccoli florets are cooked to perfection, providing a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a great choice for families who want to enjoy a wholesome meal without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Ingredient List
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets (about 6 ounces)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili crisp or 1 additional tablespoon olive oil, plus ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- Brown or white rice or cauliflower rice for serving
Essential Tools for Success
- Air Fryer: The star of the show, perfect for achieving crispy chicken without frying.
- Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken and mixing the sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For easily chopping the chicken and broccoli.
- Spatula or Tongs: For flipping and serving the chicken and broccoli.
Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli: A Simple Method
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine the low sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ground paprika, and ground ginger. Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined. This marinade is the key to adding depth and flavor to the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. For the best flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli
While the chicken is marinating, chop your broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly and can absorb the delicious flavors from the chicken.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for getting that desired crispiness on the chicken.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Once preheated, add the marinated chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or chili crisp for an extra kick. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Add the Broccoli
After 10 minutes, add the chopped broccoli to the basket with the chicken. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender yet crisp.
Step 7: Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken and broccoli from the air fryer. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve hot over brown or white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives
- Use cauliflower rice instead of brown or white rice for a low-carb option.
- Replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit for a keto-friendly version.
- Choose chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, richer flavor.
- Omit the rice entirely and serve with a side salad for a light meal.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
- Not preheating the air fryer: This can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket: This prevents proper air circulation, resulting in soggy chicken.
- Forgetting to shake the basket: Shaking helps ensure that all pieces cook evenly.
- Not letting the chicken marinate long enough: A quick marinade will not impart as much flavor as a longer one.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
You can easily prepare this dish ahead of time to save on cooking during busy weeknights. Here are some tips:
- Marinate the Chicken: Marinate the chicken pieces the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavors significantly.
- Chop the Broccoli: Pre-chop the broccoli florets and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Cook and Store: Make the entire dish and store it in meal prep containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the air fryer or microwave when ready to eat.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While fresh chicken is preferred for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s fully thawed and pat it dry before marinating.
What can I substitute for honey?
If you need a honey substitute, you can use maple syrup or agave syrup. For a low-carb option, consider a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots would also work well. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different vegetables may require slight adjustments.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check, or cut into a piece to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.
Next Steps
Now that you’re equipped with all the knowledge to whip up this delicious Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli, it’s time to head to your kitchen! Gather your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and enjoy a meal that’s not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor. This dish is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or impressing guests. Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you try. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the low sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ground paprika, and ground ginger. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 15 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours.
- Chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Add the marinated chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil or chili crisp. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Add the chopped broccoli to the basket with the chicken. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender yet crisp.
- Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice or cauliflower rice.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Pre-chop broccoli and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
