This Air Fryer Spring Herb Chicken Bites with Fresh Broccoli recipe offers a delightful and incredibly convenient way to get a wholesome meal on the table in a flash.
These chicken fritters, made from tender skinless chicken breast, are seasoned with vibrant spring herbs and cooked to crispy perfection right alongside fresh broccoli florets in your air fryer. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, satisfying lunch. Each serving provides about 32 grams of protein.
You’ll love how easily this recipe comes together, delivering a delicious and healthy meal with minimal fuss and cleanup. It’s a fantastic option for families, singles, or anyone looking to incorporate more lean protein and vegetables into their diet without spending hours in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Air Fryer Spring Herb Chicken Bites with Fresh Broccoli
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Air Fryer Spring Herb Chicken Bites with Fresh Broccoli recipe offers a delightful and incredibly convenient way to get a wholesome meal on the table in a flash. These chicken fritters, made from tender skinless chicken breast, are seasoned with vibrant spring herbs and cooked to crispy perfection right alongside fresh broccoli florets in your air fryer. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, satisfying lunch. Each serving provides about 32 grams of protein.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes a crispier exterior. Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
2. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, crushed dried rosemary, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly until all the chicken pieces are well coated with the seasoning mixture.
3. Prepare the Broccoli: Wash the fresh broccoli florets and pat them dry. In a separate bowl, toss the broccoli florets with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to the broccoli if desired, but the chicken seasoning will also flavor the overall dish.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 375 F (190 C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow air to circulate properly, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy. Add the broccoli florets alongside the chicken, also in a single layer if possible.
6. Air Fry to Perfection: Air fry the chicken and broccoli for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time (around the 8-minute mark). This ensures both the chicken and broccoli cook evenly and become golden brown. The chicken should be cooked through with an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C), and the broccoli should be tender-crisp.
7. Check for Doneness: Before serving, ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The broccoli should be tender but still have a slight bite.
8. Serve Immediately: Transfer the cooked chicken bites and broccoli to a serving platter and enjoy them hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Protein: 32
Keywords: chicken, broccoli, air fryer, healthy, quick, easy, dinner, lunch, herbs, weeknight
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This recipe is a true game-changer for anyone seeking a fast, healthy, and flavorful meal solution. What makes it so appealing is its sheer simplicity and the incredible efficiency of the air fryer. You get perfectly cooked, juicy chicken bites and tender-crisp broccoli all in one appliance, which means less time hovering over the stove and more time enjoying your evening. It’s ideal for busy parents, college students, or anyone who wants a home-cooked meal without the usual hassle. Serve it as a complete meal for dinner, a high-protein lunch, or even as a flavorful appetizer with a dipping sauce. The fresh spring herbs bring a bright, invigorating taste that makes it feel special, even though it’s incredibly easy to prepare.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for these Air Fryer Spring Herb Chicken Bites is straightforward, focusing on fresh, wholesome components. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store, and many items are likely already in your pantry. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the chicken and herbs to shine through.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound fresh broccoli florets
For simple substitutions, you can easily adapt the herbs to your preference; dried Italian seasoning blend works well if you don’t have individual spring herbs on hand. Feel free to use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a slightly richer flavor, though the cooking time might need a slight adjustment. If fresh broccoli isn’t available, frozen broccoli florets can be used, but they might release more water and require a slightly longer cooking time or a separate air fryer batch to ensure crispiness. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the seasoning mix.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
One of the best features of this recipe is how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for those nights when time is of the essence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
This efficient timeline ensures you can have a hot, homemade meal on the table in under 30 minutes, from start to finish. The hands-on time is minimal, allowing you to multitask or simply relax while the air fryer does its magic.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Making these Air Fryer Spring Herb Chicken Bites with Fresh Broccoli is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked, flavorful meal every time.
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes a crispier exterior. Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
- Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, crushed dried rosemary, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly until all the chicken pieces are well coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash the fresh broccoli florets and pat them dry. In a separate bowl, toss the broccoli florets with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to the broccoli if desired, but the chicken seasoning will also flavor the overall dish.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow air to circulate properly, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy. Add the broccoli florets alongside the chicken, also in a single layer if possible.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Air fry the chicken and broccoli for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time (around the 8-minute mark). This ensures both the chicken and broccoli cook evenly and become golden brown. The chicken should be cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the broccoli should be tender-crisp.
- Check for Doneness: Before serving, ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The broccoli should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the cooked chicken bites and broccoli to a serving platter and enjoy them hot.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This recipe is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you might consider serving the chicken bites with a side of honey mustard or ranch dressing for dipping. The mild herb flavor is generally well-received by children, and the bite-sized pieces are easy for little hands to manage.
To change up the flavor profile, you could swap the spring herbs for a different seasoning blend. A smoky paprika and cumin blend would give it a Tex-Mex flair, while a lemon-pepper seasoning would add a bright, zesty kick. You can also add other quick-cooking vegetables to the air fryer alongside the chicken, such as sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes, for an even more varied meal. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
For a heartier meal, serve the chicken and broccoli over a bed of quinoa, brown rice, or even a light pasta. It also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and tang. If you’re hosting a casual gathering, these chicken bites make excellent appetizers; simply arrange them on a platter with toothpicks and a selection of dipping sauces.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Being aware of these can help you achieve perfect results every time with your Air Fryer Spring Herb Chicken Bites.
- Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket: This is perhaps the most common mistake. When the basket is too full, air cannot circulate properly, leading to steamed rather than crispy chicken and broccoli. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure everything cooks evenly and gets that desirable golden-brown crisp.
- Not Patting Chicken Dry: Moisture on the chicken can prevent it from browning and getting crispy. Always pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.
- Unevenly Sized Chicken Pieces: If your chicken pieces are different sizes, some will be overcooked and dry while others are still undercooked. Aim for uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Forgetting to Shake the Basket: Shaking the air fryer basket halfway through cooking is crucial for even browning and cooking, especially when cooking multiple items like chicken and broccoli together.
- Overcooking the Broccoli: While the chicken needs to reach a specific internal temperature, broccoli can quickly go from tender-crisp to mushy. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of cooking. If you prefer your broccoli very crisp, you can add it to the air fryer a few minutes after the chicken has started cooking.
- Under-Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the herbs and spices! The described quantities provide a balanced flavor. If you prefer a bolder taste, you can slightly increase the amounts of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
These Air Fryer Spring Herb Chicken Bites with Fresh Broccoli are best enjoyed fresh, right out of the air fryer, when the chicken is juiciest and the broccoli is perfectly tender-crisp. However, if you have leftovers or want to do some meal prep, proper storage and reheating can help maintain quality.
To store leftovers, allow the chicken and broccoli to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
For reheating, the air fryer is your best friend for maintaining texture. Preheat your air fryer to 3
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
