Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating a truly delightful and incredibly easy meal: Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a culinary masterpiece, featuring a luscious, cheesy broccoli filling that’s both comforting and nutritious. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together quickly, delivering a golden, crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior in just about 30 minutes from start to finish. If you’re searching for a healthy, protein-packed dinner that even the most discerning palate will adore, look no further. Our broccoli stuffed chicken recipe is designed to be family-friendly, packed with vibrant flavors, and remarkably simple to prepare in your air fryer.
The magic of the air fryer truly shines with this stuffed chicken breast. It circulates hot air around the chicken, ensuring an even cook and a wonderfully crisp coating without the need for excessive oil. This method locks in moisture, resulting in chicken that’s succulent and flavorful in every bite. Beyond its speed and convenience, this recipe is a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, especially for those who might typically shy away from greens. The creamy, savory filling perfectly complements the lean chicken, making it an instant favorite. Plus, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can confidently prepare a wholesome and delicious meal that feels gourmet without the effort.
If you’re a fan of broccoli and chicken combinations, you might also enjoy exploring other delightful recipes like Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese, or Sundried Tomato Chicken and Broccoli. These dishes showcase the versatility of these classic ingredients, much like our innovative air fryer creation.
Why This Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast Will Become Your New Favorite
- Unbeatable Flavor & Texture: Experience the best of both worlds with chicken that’s beautifully golden and slightly crisp on the outside, yet incredibly moist and tender on the inside. The rich, cheesy broccoli filling bursts with savory goodness, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes in every bite. It’s a gourmet experience made simple.
- Family-Friendly & Picky-Eater Approved: Say goodbye to mealtime battles! The creamy, cheesy filling expertly conceals the broccoli, making this a stealthy way to get more vegetables into your family’s diet. Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds, proving that healthy eating can also be incredibly delicious and satisfying.
- Effortless Preparation & Quick Cooking: Forget long hours in the kitchen. This recipe requires minimal prep work and cooks in a remarkable 20-22 minutes in the air fryer, making it an ideal solution for even your busiest weeknights. From start to table in just about 30 minutes, it’s convenience redefined.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Streamline your week by preparing these stuffed chicken breasts in advance. You can stuff the chicken the day before and simply pop them into the air fryer when dinner time rolls around. This flexibility makes healthy eating achievable and stress-free, allowing you to enjoy nutritious meals even when time is tight.
- Nutritious & Wholesome: Loaded with lean protein from the chicken and packed with the goodness of broccoli, this meal is a fantastic addition to a healthy lifestyle. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates and rich in essential vitamins and minerals, providing a balanced and satisfying option for dinner that supports your wellness goals.
Essential Ingredients for Your Stuffed Chicken Breast
For the Perfectly Seasoned Chicken
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for four boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size. This ensures even cooking and makes the stuffing process much easier. Look for breasts that are plump enough to comfortably cut a pocket into without tearing through.
- Olive Oil: A tablespoon of your favorite light, neutral-flavored olive oil is perfect for brushing the chicken. This not only helps the seasonings adhere but also contributes to that beautiful golden-brown, crispy exterior when air-fried.
- Custom Seasoning Blend: A dynamic combination of ½ teaspoon each of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper, plus ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. This blend infuses the chicken with a savory, smoky depth and a subtle kick. Feel free to adjust the cayenne to your heat preference or swap in your favorite all-purpose poultry seasoning.
For the Creamy & Cheesy Broccoli Filling
- Broccoli Florets: One cup of finely chopped broccoli florets forms the hearty core of our filling. Fresh broccoli is ideal for its texture and vibrant color, but if using frozen, ensure it’s thawed and thoroughly drained to prevent a watery filling. Small pieces are key for even distribution and easier stuffing.
- Cream Cheese: Two ounces of cream cheese, softened to room temperature, is essential for a smooth and creamy filling. Full-fat cream cheese offers the richest flavor, but low-fat versions can be substituted if desired. Bringing it to room temperature is crucial for easy mixing and a lump-free consistency.
- Mayonnaise: Two tablespoons of mayonnaise add an extra layer of creaminess and helps bind the filling ingredients together. Use your preferred brand for the best results.
- Salt and Pepper: A quarter teaspoon each of salt and ground black pepper to season the filling, enhancing all the other flavors. Adjust to your taste.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Four to eight slices of mozzarella cheese, or about half a cup of shredded mozzarella. Mozzarella is chosen for its excellent melting properties, creating a gooey, irresistible center. You can also experiment with other good melting cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a Monterey Jack blend.
- Chopped Parsley: A fresh garnish of chopped parsley at the end adds a touch of color and a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens the entire dish.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast
Creating this impressive dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these clear steps to achieve perfect results every time:
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). This ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately upon entering the basket, promoting even cooking and that desirable crispy exterior.
- Prepare the Chicken Pockets: Carefully take each boneless, skinless chicken breast. Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise cut into the thickest side of the chicken breast, creating a deep pocket. Be mindful not to cut all the way through to the other side, as this pocket will hold our delicious filling. Aim for a generous opening that can be easily stuffed.
- Prepare the Irresistible Broccoli Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and form a creamy, cohesive mixture. Ensure there are no large lumps of cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- Stuff and Season the Chicken: Carefully spoon about 2 tablespoons of the prepared broccoli and cheese filling into the pocket of each chicken breast. Gently press the filling into place. Next, lay a slice or two of mozzarella cheese over the filling inside each pocket. To prevent the filling from escaping during cooking, use one or two toothpicks to seal the opening of the chicken breast. Once stuffed, lightly rub the exterior of each chicken breast with olive oil, then generously sprinkle with the seasoning blend (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper).
- Air Fry to Perfection: Place the prepared chicken breasts in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation. Cook for 20-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The outside should be beautifully golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer. Be sure to remove all toothpicks before serving! Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately alongside your favorite vegetables or a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast
Achieving air fryer perfection is all about the details. Here are some pro tips to ensure your stuffed chicken breast turns out flawlessly every time:
- Choose Uniform Chicken Breasts: For consistent cooking, select chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness. This ensures they all finish cooking around the same time, preventing some from being overcooked or undercooked.
- Size Matters for Stuffing: Opt for larger chicken breasts. Smaller breasts can be challenging to cut a decent pocket into without tearing, leading to filling leakage. Larger pieces offer more room for a generous stuffing.
- Seasoning Customization: While our blend is fantastic, feel free to substitute the dry seasonings with your favorite herbs, spices, or pre-made blends. Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, or a ranch seasoning mix would also work wonderfully.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Always bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing the filling. This makes it incredibly easy to combine with other ingredients, ensuring a smooth, lump-free, and creamy consistency for your stuffing.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are generally preferred for their crisp texture and vibrant flavor. However, frozen broccoli can be used as a convenient alternative.
- Prepping Frozen Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, it’s crucial to thaw it completely and then thoroughly drain any excess moisture. Broccoli contains a lot of water, and failing to drain it will result in a soggy filling that could cause the chicken to burst during cooking.
- Chop Broccoli Finely: Chop the broccoli florets into very small pieces. This ensures they cook thoroughly within the chicken and integrate smoothly into the creamy filling, making it more appealing, especially to picky eaters.
- Pre-soften Broccoli (Optional): If you prefer your broccoli to be slightly softer or are concerned about it being too crunchy, you can steam the chopped florets in the microwave for a minute or two before mixing them into the filling.
- Spinach Swap: For a different flavor profile or if broccoli isn’t your preference, feel free to swap it out for well-drained, chopped fresh or frozen spinach.
- Careful Pocket Cutting: When creating the pocket in the chicken breast, use a sharp knife and only cut about two-thirds of the way through the chicken. You want a deep pocket, but leaving a hinge prevents the filling from spilling out.
- Avoid Overstuffing: While tempting, do not overstuff the chicken breasts. Too much filling can make it difficult to seal the chicken, leading to the filling leaking out during cooking. About 2-3 tablespoons per breast is usually sufficient.
- Oil for Crispiness: Brushing the chicken breasts with olive oil before seasoning is key. It helps the seasonings adhere and promotes a beautifully golden-brown and crispy skin when air-fried.
- Secure with Toothpicks: Always seal the opening of the stuffed chicken breasts with one or two toothpicks. This acts as a barrier, keeping the delicious filling securely inside while it cooks. Remember to remove them before serving!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Air fryers rely on circulating hot air. Overcrowding the basket will prevent proper air flow, resulting in unevenly cooked chicken and a lack of crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary, keeping cooked pieces warm in a low oven.
- Check for Doneness: Food safety is paramount. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. It should register a minimum of 165°F (74°C) to be considered safe for consumption.
- No Flipping Necessary: One of the beauties of air frying is that it often cooks evenly without the need for flipping, thanks to the powerful convection. For this recipe, flipping the chicken during cooking is not necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast
Lining your air fryer basket can be a good idea if you are concerned about the filling leaking out, which can happen if the chicken isn’t perfectly sealed or is slightly overstuffed. Aluminum foil or parchment paper made for air fryers (with holes for air circulation) can make cleanup easier. However, it’s not strictly necessary if you’ve done a good job of sealing the chicken and haven’t overfilled it, as the air fryer’s non-stick coating usually suffices.
To prepare your chicken breasts for stuffing, start by selecting pieces that are relatively uniform in size and thickness. If a breast is particularly thick on one end, you can gently pound it with a meat mallet to an even thickness, making it easier to cut. Place the chicken breast on a cutting board, hold it flat with one hand, and with a sharp knife, carefully make a deep horizontal slit into the side of the chicken, parallel to the cutting surface. Cut about two-thirds of the way through, creating a pocket or “butterfly” effect without completely separating the chicken. This creates a generous cavity for your filling.
Absolutely! This recipe is excellent for advanced meal prep, and the stuffed chicken breasts can be cooked directly from frozen. Place the frozen, stuffed chicken into a preheated air fryer at 380°F (195°C). You will need to increase the cooking time significantly, typically to about 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Always ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.
Leftover cooked stuffed chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you have a couple of options: for best results, place them back in a preheated air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for several minutes until thoroughly warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but the chicken won’t be as crispy.
Yes, both raw and cooked stuffed chicken breasts freeze well. To freeze raw stuffed chicken, wrap each individual piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. For cooked chicken, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container for freezing. Stuffed chicken can be frozen for up maximum of 3 months. When ready to cook or reheat, follow the instructions for cooking from frozen or thawing and then reheating.
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a wholesome meal, consider serving it with Parmesan Roasted Carrots, a vibrant green salad, or steamed asparagus. If you’re looking for something heartier, Keto Mac and Cheese or even crispy Air Fryer French Fries would be delicious complements. The rich flavor of the chicken and filling allows for both light and indulgent pairings.
Explore More Delicious Stuffed Chicken Recipes
If you love the concept of stuffed chicken, here are some other incredible variations to add to your culinary repertoire:
- Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
- Fajita Stuffed Chicken
- Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Pesto Stuffed Chicken
- Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken
We hope you truly enjoy creating and savoring this incredible Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, smart cooking techniques, and a little creativity can yield a dish that is both easy and exquisitely delicious. Give it a try, experience the flavors, and share the joy with your loved ones!
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Print Recipe
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast
Mariam Ezzeddine
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 whole skinless & boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Filling
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 ounce cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 4-8 slices mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Cut the chicken breast lengthwise to create a pocket, ensuring the chicken breast is not cut completely through.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients for the filling: broccoli florets, cream cheese, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff each chicken pocket with about 2 tablespoons of the prepared broccoli and cheese filling. Top the filling with a layer of mozzarella cheese and seal the chicken with a toothpick to secure.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the Air Fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and cook for 20-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once done, carefully remove the toothpicks, garnish the chicken with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Look for chicken breasts that are similar in size for even cooking.
- Select chicken breasts that are large enough to stuff; smaller breasts are harder to cut pockets into.
- Substitute the dry seasonings for your favorite herbs, spices, or blends if desired.
- Be sure to bring the cream cheese to room temperature for easier, smoother mixing of the filling.
- Fresh broccoli is preferred, but thoroughly thawed and drained frozen broccoli can be used.
- Chop the broccoli into tiny pieces to ensure even distribution and cooking within the filling.
- You can lightly steam the broccoli for a few minutes in the microwave if you prefer a softer texture.
- Swap the broccoli with well-drained spinach for a different flavor profile.
- When cutting a pocket into the chicken, only cut partially through to create a deep pocket without splitting the breast.
- Avoid overstuffing the chicken to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Brush the chicken with oil before seasoning to help spices adhere and promote crispiness.
- Seal the chicken with toothpicks before air frying to keep the filling secure.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation.
- Always remove the toothpicks before serving the chicken.
- Flipping the chicken during cooking is not necessary due to the air fryer’s convection cooking.
- Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer; chicken should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 4g
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Protein: 27g
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Fat: 9g
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Saturated Fat: 2g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
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Trans Fat: 0.02g
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Cholesterol: 76mg
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Sodium: 739mg
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Potassium: 553mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 1g
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Vitamin A: 372IU
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Vitamin C: 22mg
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Calcium: 76mg
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Iron: 1mg