Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Introduction
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful, juicy meal. Filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special without much fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce/225g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1½ teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 ounces cream cheese (softened, 56g)
- ¾ cup fresh spinach (finely chopped, 24g)
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 2 tablespoons diced tomato
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (for filling)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (for filling)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, spinach, parmesan, diced tomato, minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Stir until well mixed to make the filling.
- Step 2: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and carefully cut a pocket into the thickest, longest side of each breast, making sure not to cut all the way through.
- Step 3: Stuff each chicken pocket with the prepared filling and secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling inside while cooking.
- Step 4: Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil, then evenly sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper over them.
- Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 6: Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket without them touching. Cook for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes after cooking, then carefully remove the toothpicks before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh spinach for a brighter flavor, or substitute with kale or Swiss chard for a different twist.
- Add some shredded mozzarella or feta cheese to the filling for extra creaminess.
- For a spicy kick, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes into the filling or seasoning.
- Make sure not to overfill the pockets to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the stuffed breasts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Storage
Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to retain their texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just cover tightly to prevent drying out.
What can I serve with Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
This dish pairs well with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
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Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This air fryer stuffed chicken breast recipe features juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, fresh spinach, parmesan, tomato, and garlic. Coated in a flavorful spice rub and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these stuffed breasts are an easy, healthy, and delicious meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 (8-ounce/225g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1½ teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Filling:
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (56g)
- ¾ cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (24g)
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons diced tomato
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, finely chopped spinach, grated parmesan, diced tomato, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Prepare the chicken breasts: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board, and using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket into the thickest, longest side of each breast without cutting all the way through.
- Stuff the chicken: Spoon the prepared filling evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Secure the opening with toothpicks to hold the filling inside during cooking.
- Season the chicken: Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil. Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, paprika, and ground black pepper evenly over the outside surface.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Cook the stuffed chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch each other to allow for even air circulation. Air fry for 15 to 17 minutes until the internal temperature in the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Remove the toothpicks carefully before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure to fully cook the chicken breasts until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach if desired; just be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture first.
- For added flavor, try seasoning the filling with a pinch of Italian herbs or red pepper flakes.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps keep it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer stuffed chicken breast, stuffed chicken breasts, air fryer chicken recipe, creamy stuffed chicken, healthy chicken recipe
