The tantalizing aroma of Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken wafts through my kitchen, pulling me in like a moth to a flame. Picture this: juicy chicken breasts bursting with cheesy goodness and vibrant green broccoli, all wrapped up in a crispy golden exterior. creamy potato casserole My taste buds can hardly contain their excitement!
This delightful dish isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it brings back memories of family dinners where everyone fought over the last piece, laughter echoing around the table. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy weeknight meal or impressing friends on game night, this recipe is sure to elevate any occasion. For more inspiration, check out this Green Bean Almondine recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken is super easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The combination of flavors and textures creates a mouthwatering experience
- It looks stunning on the plate, making it an impressive choice for gatherings
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to switch up ingredients based on your preferences!
Everyone at dinner raved about how delicious this dish turned out; even my picky eater cousin went back for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on your crowd size.
- Fresh Broccoli: Look for bright green florets; they add color and nutrition to your stuffed chicken.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Choose sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken. balsamic roasted asparagus.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth; I often sprinkle extra because who doesn’t love garlic?
- Paprika: A dash gives a lovely color and subtle smokiness—smoked paprika works wonders here!
- Olive Oil: Just a drizzle keeps things moist while helping that crispy texture form in the air fryer.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preparing the Chicken: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, use a sharp knife to carefully butterfly each chicken breast, creating pockets that will hold all that cheesy goodness.
Mixing the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine finely chopped broccoli with shredded cheddar cheese and garlic powder. Stir until evenly mixed; the colors should pop against each other like fireworks!
Stuffing the Chicken: Generously fill each pocket with the broccoli cheese mixture. Fold the chicken over and secure with toothpicks if needed—think of them as tiny bouncers keeping the party inside!
Seasoning and Oiling: Lightly coat each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil. Sprinkle paprika generously on both sides; you want them to look as good as they taste.
Airing it Out!: Place the stuffed chicken in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—a meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C).
Serving Suggestions: Once out of the air fryer, let your masterpiece rest for 5 minutes before slicing into it. delicious roasted potatoes Serve alongside roasted veggies or a crisp salad for a complete meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
You Must Know
- This Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken is not just delicious; it’s also a great way to sneak in some veggies
- The crispy exterior and gooey cheese filling create a delightful contrast that will impress anyone who tries it
- Plus, the air fryer makes it quick and easy!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by seasoning the chicken well, then stuff and secure it. Preheat the air fryer while you prepare everything else to ensure even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out broccoli for spinach or add different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a personalized flavor twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep the chicken breast as uniform in thickness as possible for even cooking
- Always allow your stuffed chicken to rest before slicing; this keeps all those cheesy goodness intact
- Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal experience!
Cooking this dish reminds me of the first dinner party I hosted. Everyone raved about it, and my friends asked for seconds—talk about a confidence boost!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking and proper texture.
How do I know when my stuffed chicken is fully cooked?
Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer for safety.
Can I make Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?
For more inspiration, check out this Homemade Crescent Rolls recipe.
Yes, prep it in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook!
Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a delicious filling of broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, all enveloped in a crispy, golden exterior. This delightful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, bringing a burst of flavor and nutrition to your table. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, it’s a family favorite that even picky eaters will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh broccoli, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)
- 2 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly each chicken breast using a sharp knife to create pockets for the filling.
- In a bowl, mix chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Generously fill each chicken pocket with the broccoli mixture and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Lightly coat each stuffed breast with olive oil and sprinkle paprika on both sides.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing; serve with veggies or salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
