These stuffed chicken breast recipes are a fun and healthy alternative to fried chicken.
The outside stays crispy, and the creamy filling moistens the chicken breast while delivering amazing flavour.
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- How Long Do I Air Fry Stuffed Chicken Breast?
- What Temperature To Air Fry Stuffed Chicken Breast?
- How To Prepare Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast
- How Do I Cut A Pocket In A Chicken Breast?
- Preparing The Stuffing
- How To Air Fry Stuffed Chicken Breast
- 15 Chicken Stuffing Variations
- Tips For Perfect Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Storing Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Freezing Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Q & A
How Long Do I Air Fry Stuffed Chicken Breast?
20-25 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breast is all it takes for this tasty meal.
Remember, cooking times may vary slightly depending on factors like the size of your chicken breasts and the stuffing ingredients, as well as the make and model of your air fryer.
What Temperature To Air Fry Stuffed Chicken Breast?
Although all air fryers are different, I cooked this in my Ninja Dual at 190C/380F and it turned out beautifully. If unsure check your user manual.
Ingredients
Serves 2 (double the ingredients for 4 Servings)
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules or powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 200g washed spinach
- 55 g cream cheese
- Olive oil spray
- 28g mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
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How To Prepare Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast
Opt for chicken breasts that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
Start by making a pocket in the chicken.
How Do I Cut A Pocket In A Chicken Breast?
Cutting a pocket in a chicken breast might sound tricky, but by following these easy steps you won’t go wrong.
Firstly, lay out your chicken breasts, a cutting board and a sharp knife.
Place the chicken breast horizontally on the cutting board.
Gently and steadily move the knife horizontally through the chicken breast, creating a cavity or pocket.
Be careful not to cut through the opposite side. The aim is to create a space in the chicken breast to hold your stuffing.
Once you’ve made the horizontal cut, gently use your fingers to open up the pocket.
Preparing The Stuffing
Wash the spinach and saute in a pan until it has wilted down.
In a bowl add the spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Mix the garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt and pepper in a separate bowl and set aside.
Fill the pocket of the chicken breast with the spinach and cheese mixture.
Spray the chicken breast with olive oil and rub in the spice blend using your hands. The oil will help the spice to stick.
Next, secure the chicken breast with cocktail sticks or kitchen twine. This will prevent the chicken breast from opening up and the filling seeping out.
PRO TIP: Soak the toothpicks in cold water before using them to prevent them from burning in the air fryer.
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How To Air Fry Stuffed Chicken Breast
Preheat your air fryer to 190C/380F for 5 minutes.
Carefully place your stuffed chicken breast into the air fryer basket, leaving enough space around each piece for proper air circulation.
Air fry at 190C/380F for 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 74C/165F when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
Be careful not to touch the stuffing. Turn halfway through the cooking time.
Once cooked let the chicken rest for a few minutes and enjoy!
15 Chicken Stuffing Variations
Spinach and Feta
Sautéed spinach with crumbled feta cheese creates a creamy and tangy stuffing that goes beautifully with the mildness of chicken.
Mushroom Medley
A mixture of mushrooms, garlic, and herbs adds earthy richness to your chicken breast. Top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of yum.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil
Combine chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of garlic for a burst of Mediterranean flavour.
Brie and Apple
Thin slices of ripe apple and creamy brie cheese bring a sweet and savoury contrast.
Spicy Jalapeno and Cheddar
For those who love a bit of heat, mix diced jalapenos and cheddar cheese for stuffing with a spicy kick.
Cranberry and Pecan
Dried cranberries and chopped pecans provide a balance of sweetness and crunch.
Greek-Inspired
Kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, red onions, and crumbled feta cheese create a colourful and zesty stuffing.
Artichoke and Spinach
Artichoke hearts blended with spinach, garlic, and a touch of cream cheese offer a delicious and filling stuffing.
Ricotta and Roasted Red Pepper
Mix ricotta cheese with roasted red peppers and fresh herbs for a stuffing that’s creamy, colourful, and tasty.
Pesto and Mozzarella
A spoonful of pesto combined with melted mozzarella creates a burst of Italian-inspired taste.
Savoury Sausage
Cooked browned and crumbled sausage, combined with breadcrumbs and spices make a unique stuffing option.
Quinoa and Vegetable
Cooked quinoa with a variety of sautéed vegetables—like courgettes, bell peppers, and carrots—provides a healthy and nutritious stuffing.
Pear and Gorgonzola
Sliced ripe pears and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese create a sweet and tangy stuffing.
Curry and Coconut
A blend of curry spices, shredded coconut, and a touch of yoghurt offers an exotic stuffing choice.
Ham and Cheese
Sliced cheese and chopped ham make a tasty classic stuffing.
Tips For Perfect Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Take your time when cutting the pocket to ensure evenness and avoid cutting through the other side of the breast.
Be gentle when stuffing the pocket to avoid tearing the chicken.
Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the pocket securely closed, ensuring the stuffing remains intact during cooking.
If using raw vegetables, cook them briefly before adding to the stuffing to ensure they are fully cooked within the chicken’s cooking time.
Preheat the air fryer to 190C / 380F temperature for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74C/165F to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
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Storing Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Refrigeration: If you have leftover cooked stuffed chicken breasts, let them cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored, they can last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Separate Storage: If possible, store the stuffed chicken breasts separately from other ingredients, especially if they have a moist stuffing, to prevent sogginess.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your air fryer to around 180C / 360F, and cook the stuffed chicken breasts for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a microwave or oven until they reach an internal temperature of 74C/165F.
Freezing Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Cooling and Packaging: Allow the cooked stuffed chicken breasts to cool to room temperature. Wrap each chicken breast individually in cling film, followed by aluminium foil. This double-layer wrapping helps prevent freezer burn.
- Airtight Container: Alternatively, you can place the wrapped stuffed chicken breasts in a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Labelling: Label the packaging with the date of freezing to keep track of freshness.
- Freezing: Place the wrapped or packaged stuffed chicken breasts in the freezer. Ensure they’re placed in a way that they won’t get squished or damaged.
- Freezer Duration: Stuffed chicken breasts can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. While they might still be safe to eat beyond this period, the quality could deteriorate.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to eat your frozen stuffed chicken breasts, transfer them to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw slowly. I would not recommend cooking from frozen due to the stuffing.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can use the air fryer, oven, or microwave. If using the air fryer, preheat it to around 180C / 360F and cook the stuffed chicken breasts for 8-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are heated through.
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Q & A
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for stuffed chicken in the air fryer?
While it’s recommended to use thawed chicken breasts for more even cooking, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, ensure they are fully defrosted before stuffing and cooking.
How do I prevent the stuffing from oozing out during cooking?
To prevent stuffing from oozing out, don’t overstuff the chicken breasts. Secure them tightly with toothpicks or kitchen twine, and move them around carefully once placed in the air fryer.
Can I bread the stuffed chicken for a crispy coating?
You can coat the stuffed chicken breasts in breadcrumbs or a light flour mixture before air frying for added crispiness.
How do I know when the stuffed chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74C /165F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken without touching the stuffing.
Can I cook other ingredients alongside the stuffed chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook vegetables or other sides in the air fryer alongside the stuffed chicken. Just ensure that everything fits without overcrowding the basket, and adjust cooking times as needed.
How do I ensure a crispy skin on the stuffed chicken?
To achieve crispy skin, brush the chicken breasts with a thin layer of oil or cooking spray before air frying. Make sure not to use too much oil to avoid excessive smoking in the air fryer.
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Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast
Notes
Follow my technique for cutting a pocket in the chicken breast.
Change it up with my stuffing variations.
The nutritional value may not be correct.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules or powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 200g washed spinach
- 55 g cream cheese
- Olive oil spray
- 28g mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Start by making a pocket in the chicken.
- Wash the spinach and saute in a pan until it has wilted down.
- In a bowl add the spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Mix the garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt and pepper together in a separate bowl and set aside.
- Fill the pocket of the chicken breast with the spinach and cheese mixture.
- Spray the chicken breast with olive oil and rub in the spice blend using your hands. The oil will help the spice to stick.
- Next, secure the chicken breast with cocktail sticks or kitchen twine. This will prevent the chicken breast from opening up and the filling seeping out.
- Preheat your air fryer to 190C/380F for 5 minutes.
- Carefully place your stuffed chicken breast into the air fryer basket, leaving enough space around each piece for proper air circulation.
- Air fry at 190C/380F for 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 74C/165F when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast. Be careful not to touch the stuffing. Turn halfway through the cooking time.
- Once cooked let the chicken rest for a few minutes and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast
Serves: 2
|
Amount Per Serving: 1 chicken breast
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 315 per chicken breast | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 12.84g | 18.5% | |
| Saturated Fat 2.21g | 10% | |
| Trans Fat 0.01g | ||
| Cholesterol 145.39mg | 48.3% | |
| Sodium 610.37mg | 25.4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 3.35g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber 1.29g | 4% | |
| Sugars 0.5g | ||
| Protein 45.49g | ||
| Vitamin A 349.76mcg | Vitamin C 1.78mg | |
| Calcium 25.42mg | Iron 1.35mg | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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