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

  1. Step 1: Mix the cream cheese, feta cheese, minced garlic, chopped spinach, red bell pepper, and dried oregano in a bowl until well combined.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Divide the filling evenly inside each chicken breast pocket and secure with a toothpick to keep the filling inside while cooking.
  4. Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
  5. Step 5: Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  6. 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.

Print
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Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe


  • Author: Thomas
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and allow it to preheat fully for even cooking.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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