If you’re looking to make a meal that’s both delicious and easy, then this Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken is the perfect recipe for you. The air fryer makes the cooking process quick while locking in all the flavors, resulting in a juicy, tender chicken breast filled with savory goodness. What’s not to love about a recipe that’s healthy, fast, and loaded with flavor?
Stuffed chicken breasts are an amazing way to enjoy a gourmet-style meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You can stuff them with a variety of ingredients, from spinach and cheese to sun-dried tomatoes and bacon, making this a highly customizable dish. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or a dinner party, this air fryer version will surely impress your guests and become a staple in your cooking rotation.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are the base of this recipe and provide a lean, protein-packed option. They need to be butterflied, creating a pocket to stuff with all the delicious fillings. Look for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease and convenience.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives the stuffing a creamy texture that binds everything together. It adds a subtle tanginess that complements the savory fillings like spinach or herbs. Using full-fat cream cheese will provide the best texture and flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a healthy boost of nutrients while offering a mild, slightly earthy flavor. Spinach complements the richness of the cream cheese perfectly and adds a burst of color to the dish. You can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is used for its melty, stretchy texture that brings the stuffing together. It’s mild and creamy, allowing the other flavors in the dish to shine through. You can use shredded mozzarella for an easy melt or fresh mozzarella for a richer taste.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder brings a savory, slightly sweet depth of flavor to the chicken. It adds a subtle, aromatic note to the stuffing, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. It’s perfect for seasoning without overpowering the other ingredients.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to brush the chicken breasts before cooking. It helps create a crispy, golden crust on the chicken when cooked in the air fryer. Plus, it adds a light, healthy fat to the dish.
Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, making it a fantastic choice to season the chicken. It’s aromatic and pairs perfectly with the savory stuffing ingredients, bringing a little Italian flair to your meal.
Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings are essential for enhancing the flavors of your ingredients. Salt helps bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and stuffing, while pepper adds a mild heat and balance to the dish.
Ingredients List
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by carefully butterflying the chicken breasts. To do this, make a horizontal cut through the thickest part of the chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a pocket to hold the stuffing. Once done, season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Make the Stuffing
In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, mozzarella cheese, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture has a creamy, cohesive texture. This will be the filling for your chicken breasts.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Carefully stuff each chicken breast with the cream cheese mixture. Use a spoon to scoop the stuffing into the pocket of the chicken, making sure it’s evenly distributed. If necessary, secure the opening with toothpicks to prevent the stuffing from spilling out during cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Brush the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the stuffed chicken with your favorite sides, and enjoy the crispy, golden exterior and the creamy, flavorful filling.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t overstuff the chicken: Make sure to stuff the chicken breasts generously, but don’t overfill them. Too much stuffing can cause the chicken to burst open while cooking.
- Use toothpicks: If your chicken breasts are large or the filling isn’t staying in, secure the pocket with toothpicks. Just remember to remove them before serving!
- Customize the filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings like sun-dried tomatoes, bacon, or mushrooms for a unique twist on this recipe.
- Check the internal temperature: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Rest the chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for a juicier, more flavorful dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw it and drain out any excess water before adding it to the cream cheese mixture.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the stuffed chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts a day before and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply air fry as directed.
What should I serve with Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For a more indulgent meal, you could also serve it with garlic bread or a creamy risotto.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is low-carb and keto-friendly, especially if you skip starchy sides like potatoes and pair it with leafy greens or cauliflower rice instead.