If you’re looking for an easy, quick, and nutritious meal, look no further than Air Fryer Chicken and Veggies! This dish is the perfect combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a blend of seasonings that will make your taste buds dance. The best part? It’s cooked in the air fryer, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a family, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and absolutely delicious.
Cooking with an air fryer has become one of the most popular methods because of its ability to cook food with little to no oil while still achieving that crispy, golden texture. It’s perfect for busy days when you want to make something tasty but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The combination of chicken breast (or tenderloin) and fresh veggies like broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions creates a balanced meal filled with protein, fiber, and vitamins. Plus, the Cajun and Italian seasonings add an irresistible punch of flavor that will make you crave this dish over and over again!
Ingredients:
- Chicken Breast (or Tenderloin): Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. You can also use chicken tenderloin if you prefer, which is slightly more tender and cooks faster. The chicken is the heart of this dish, providing the bulk of the protein that will fuel your day.
- Broccoli Florets: Broccoli is a superfood packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, making it a fantastic addition to any meal. The crispness of the broccoli complements the tender chicken and other vegetables perfectly.
- Zucchini: Zucchini adds a mild flavor and a soft, tender texture when cooked. It’s low in calories but high in water content, making it a great vegetable for hydration and a nice balance to the dish. Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that holds up beautifully in the air fryer, becoming lightly crispy on the edges while staying soft inside.
- Bell Peppers (Baby Bells): These colorful mini bell peppers not only bring a pop of color to your dish but also a sweet, crisp flavor. Bell peppers are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, and their mild sweetness pairs well with the savory chicken and other veggies. You can use any color of bell pepper, but baby bells tend to have a sweeter taste and are just the right size for a meal like this.
- Onion: Onions are a great way to add depth and sweetness to any dish. As they cook, they caramelize and become soft, making them a perfect complement to the other vegetables. Their natural sugars are enhanced when air-fried, giving the dish a richer flavor profile.
- Minced Garlic: Garlic is a must for adding that savory, aromatic punch. Its natural oils are activated when cooked, infusing the chicken and veggies with a deep, flavorful taste. Minced garlic can also add a little bit of heat and spice to the dish, depending on how much you use.
- Cajun Seasoning: Cajun seasoning adds a bit of heat and smokiness to the dish. The blend of spices in Cajun seasoning, including paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, infuses the chicken and vegetables with a bold, spicy flavor. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a different spice mix.
- Italian Seasoning: This herb blend typically includes oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. Italian seasoning brings an herbaceous, savory note to the dish, balancing the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning. The combination of these two seasoning blends will make the chicken and veggies taste wonderfully fragrant and complex.
- Salt & Pepper: Basic but essential, salt and pepper enhance the natural flavors of all the ingredients. Salt brings out the savory notes, while pepper adds a bit of sharpness. Be sure to season to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to coat the chicken and veggies, helping them cook evenly in the air fryer and creating that delicious, slightly crispy texture. It also adds a subtle richness to the dish. Using olive oil instead of traditional frying oil keeps this dish lighter and healthier, without compromising on flavor.
Instructions:
1️⃣ Chop the Chicken and Veggies: Start by cutting the chicken breast (or tenderloin) into bite-sized pieces. You want them to cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer. Then, chop the vegetables – broccoli florets, zucchini, mini bell peppers, and onion – into similar-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Minced garlic is added last for an extra burst of flavor.
2️⃣ Coat with Olive Oil & Seasonings: Place the chopped chicken and veggies in a large salad or mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over everything, ensuring that all the pieces are lightly coated. Then, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together so that the seasonings are evenly distributed. The olive oil will help the seasonings stick to the ingredients, giving you that perfect flavor in every bite.
3️⃣ Air Fry at 400°F: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C). Once it’s hot, place the chicken and vegetable mixture in the air fryer basket. Be sure to arrange the pieces in a single layer for even cooking. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through to ensure that everything cooks evenly. The chicken should be cooked through and the veggies should be tender with a slightly crispy texture on the edges.
4️⃣ Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken and veggies are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. You can garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve the dish as a standalone meal or with a side of rice, quinoa, or a salad. Enjoy this easy, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins!
This Air Fryer Chicken and Veggies recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. With minimal prep and cook time, it’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or meal prep. You can mix and match different veggies depending on what you have on hand, and even try different seasonings to suit your taste. The air fryer makes it all so easy and convenient, creating a flavorful and crispy dish without needing much oil. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
Would you add any extra veggies or spices to this recipe to make it even more flavorful? 🌿🍗