Full disclosure: I crowd sourced the idea for this recipe.
When I was running the 21-Day Confident Cook Challenge I got my students to vote for the combo of sauce and flavour bomb to serve with this simple chicken and broccoli oven meal. And the winner was this addictive combo of soy & sesame.
My other damaging admission is I made a mistake when filming the video – normally I love this served with grated fresh ginger or Japanese pickled ginger. But in the heat of the moment I forgot all about my love affair with ginger and reached for the sesame seeds.
The sesame version is good. Don’t get me wrong.
BUT the ginger really takes it into the truly ‘addictive’ realm.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken thigh or breast fillets
- 250 g / 9 oz frozen broccoli
- 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- pickled ginger OR grated fresh ginger OR sesame seeds
Instructions
for AIR FRYER
- Line 1/2 your air fryer basket with baking paper so the broccoli won't fall through the holes. Cover with frozen broccoli in a single layer. Place chicken on the wire next to the broccoli making sure the chicken is spread out in a single layer.
- Set the air fryer to 200C (400F). Cook for 10 minutes.
- When the timer goes, check the chicken. - it may need a few minutes longer depending on how thick the fillets were.
for OVEN
- Turn your oven to 250C (480F). Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper.
- Place chicken on the tray. Place the frozen broccoli next to the chicken.
- Pop tray in the oven and set your timer for 12 minutes. Put your feet up.
- When the timer goes, check the chicken. - it may need a few minutes longer depending on your oven.
To serve (both methods)
- When the chicken is cooked and the broccoli is hot. Place in a bowl. Drizzle over the soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Sprinkle over roast sesame seeds or grate over ginger (if using).
Variations & Substitutions
vegetarian – diced firm tofu or drained canned chickpeas crisped in the air fryer / oven would be awesome here! They won’t take as long to cook and will need a splash or spray of oil. If using tofu be prepared to add some extra soy sauce.
different protein – ground (minced) chicken or beef, salmon or white fish fillets, sausages, meatballs, eggs (will only need 5 minutes to cook in individual ramekins or tea cups (grease first!).
different sauce – oyster sauce is a good alternative, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, sweet chilli sauce, roasted sesame sauce. Or take the flavours in a different direction with hummus or pesto.
different vegetables – frozen spinach, frozen peas, frozen corn, frozen baby green beans, frozen kale, frozen cauliflower ‘rice’, frozen broccoli are all great! Feel free to use fresh veg as well if you don’t mind chopping.
more substantial (carb lovers) – serve with steamed rice, cooked noodles, pita or wraps or roast sweet potato.
more substantial (low carb) – good with a hunk of avocado. And some roast almonds, cashews or macadamias.
flavour bombs – fresh herb like coriander (cilantro), mint or basil. Freshly ground black pepper, chilli flakes, roast nuts, roast seeds, shredded seaweed snacks or nori sheets.
Waste Avoidance Strategy
chicken thigh or breast fillets – freeze them.
frozen broccoli – will keep in the freezer for months
soy sauce / sesame oil / pickled ginger – keep in the pantry.
Problem Solving Guide
bland – more soy and sesame! Or add in a flavour bomb.
too dry – overcooked chicken. Next time get it out earlier. For now a little extra sesame oil will help. And next time use chicken thigh fillets because they’re less likely to dry out.
no oven OR air fryer – pan fry the chicken until cooked through and then cook the frozen broccoli in the same pan.
taking too long – different ovens / air fryers vary in heating speed. And once you open the door to check it takes time to come back to temperature. So be patient!
Prep Ahead
You can but I’m not a big fan of the flavour of reheated chicken. Just cook as per the recipe but get the chicken out of the air fryer / oven before it’s fully cooked. Keep the cream separately. Either keep at room temperature if it’s only a few hours before serving or refrigerate if longer. Then to serve pop back in the air fryer (or 3-4 minutes) or a super hot oven (250C / 480F) for 5-10 minutes until everything is hot.
