Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Introduction
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful, cheesy filling wrapped in tender chicken. This recipe combines creamy and fresh ingredients for a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (5 to 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach
- 3 tablespoons finely diced red bell pepper (or tomato)
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix the cream cheese, feta cheese, minced garlic, chopped spinach, red bell pepper, and dried oregano in a bowl until well combined.
- Step 2: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and carefully butterfly it about three-quarters of the way through, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through.
- Step 3: Divide the filling evenly inside each chicken breast pocket and secure with a toothpick to keep the filling inside while cooking.
- Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
- Step 5: Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 6: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
- Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different green vegetable twist.
- Use a toothpick to secure the chicken well, preventing the filling from leaking during cooking.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Storage
Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in a microwave until warmed through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. Just keep them covered and cook soon after for the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have feta cheese?
You can substitute feta with goat cheese or shredded mozzarella for a different but equally tasty filling.
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Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, feta, spinach, garlic, and red bell pepper. Easy to prepare and cooked perfectly in an air fryer, this dish offers a flavorful, juicy meal with a crispy outside and melty, savory filling inside, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (5 to 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Stuffing
- 3 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach
- 3 tablespoons finely diced red bell pepper (or tomato)
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh spinach, diced red bell pepper, and dried oregano. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Butterfly the chicken breasts: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and carefully slice them ¾ of the way through horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff the chicken: Divide the prepared filling evenly among the chicken breasts, stuffing it into the pockets. Secure each stuffed chicken breast with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and allow it to preheat fully for even cooking.
- Season the chicken: Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then season evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor and ensure a crispy exterior.
- Cook the chicken in the air fryer: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer. Cooking times may vary depending on air fryer model and breast size.
Notes
- Make sure not to cut through the chicken entirely when butterflying to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Use an instant-read thermometer for accurate doneness and to avoid overcooking.
- If red bell pepper is unavailable, diced tomato can be substituted for freshness and color.
- Remove toothpicks carefully before serving.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute for moist results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer stuffed chicken, stuffed chicken breasts, healthy chicken recipe, spinach feta chicken, quick air fryer meals
