Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this air fryer cheddar broccoli stuffed chicken breast! It’s honestly one of my all-time favorite meals. Not only is it super delicious, but it’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing! The tender chicken breast is filled with gooey cheddar cheese and vibrant broccoli, and when cooked in the air fryer, it comes out perfectly juicy and crispy on the outside. I love how quick and easy it is to whip up, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a healthier option, which makes me feel good about indulging in that cheesy goodness. Trust me, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, and your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

How to Prepare Air Fryer Cheddar Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First things first, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial to ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice, crispy exterior.
2. While the air fryer is heating up, grab a medium bowl and mix together your chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This cheesy broccoli filling is where the magic happens!
3. Next, take your chicken breasts and carefully cut a pocket in each one. Be gentle but firm—you don’t want to slice all the way through. You’re creating the perfect little pouch for all that delicious filling!
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli and cheese mixture. Don’t be shy—fill them up! Just make sure you can still close the pocket, or you’ll have a cheesy mess in the air fryer.
5. Now, brush the outside of the chicken breasts with olive oil. This not only adds flavor but also helps achieve that golden brown color we all love.
6. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Give them a little space to breathe and cook evenly.
7. Cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Wow, that smell is going to be amazing!
8. Once they’re done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep all that cheesy goodness inside and makes for a juicier bite.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your air fryer cheddar broccoli stuffed chicken breast turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips to help you along the way:

• Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to cram in as much filling as possible, be mindful of how much you stuff those chicken pockets. If they’re too full, the filling might spill out during cooking, and nobody wants that cheesy mess!
• Check Your Chicken: Make sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer. You want that internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken. Trust me; it’s worth the extra step for safety and flavor!
• Let It Rest: After cooking, let your chicken rest for a few minutes before digging in. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite even more succulent and delicious!
• Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to mix things up with additional spices or herbs! A sprinkle of Italian seasoning or some red pepper flakes can add a fun twist to the flavor profile.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and good-quality cheese really make a difference in taste. If you can, avoid pre-shredded cheese since it often has anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this delightful dish! Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the breakdown of the nutritional values for one serving of air fryer cheddar broccoli stuffed chicken breast. This is based on typical ingredients, so keep in mind that actual values may vary a bit depending on what you use!

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

This meal is not only satisfying but also packed with protein to keep you feeling full and energized! What’s better than a delicious, guilt-free dinner that supports your health goals? Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Common Questions About Air Fryer Cheddar Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water from the frozen broccoli before mixing it with the cheese and seasonings. This helps keep the filling from getting too watery.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake the stuffed chicken breasts in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they cook through.

Can I add other ingredients to the stuffing?
For sure! Feel free to get creative. You can add cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or even a bit of cream cheese for added richness. Just remember to balance the quantities so the chicken can still close properly.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re coming straight from the fridge!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful: The combination of tender chicken, gooey cheddar, and fresh broccoli creates a mouthwatering explosion of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
• Healthy: Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is a satisfying way to enjoy a nutritious meal without feeling weighed down. Plus, it’s gluten-free!
• Air Fryer Magic: Cooking in the air fryer means you get that crispy, golden exterior without the need for excess oil. It’s like having the best of both worlds!
• Customizable: Whether you want to add spices, swap out the cheese, or toss in some extra ingredients, this recipe is adaptable to fit your taste preferences.
• Impressive Presentation: Stuffed chicken breasts look fancy yet are surprisingly simple to make, so you can wow your family or guests with minimal effort!

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions

Let’s chat about the ingredients in this air fryer cheddar broccoli stuffed chicken breast and some fun swaps you can make! I love how flexible this recipe is, so you can really make it your own.

• Chicken Breasts: While I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, you could also use chicken thighs if you want a richer flavor. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is ideal, but frozen broccoli works in a pinch! Just remember to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your stuffing. You can also swap in other veggies like spinach or bell peppers for a different twist.
• Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for that bold flavor, but feel free to try mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a creamy goat cheese if that’s more your style. Just keep in mind that different cheeses melt differently, so you might get a slightly varied texture.
• Garlic and Onion Powder: These spices add great flavor, but if you prefer fresh ingredients, you can use minced garlic and finely chopped onions instead. Just sauté them for a couple of minutes before mixing them into the filling for a fresh taste!
• Olive Oil: This helps with browning and adds flavor, but you could easily use avocado oil or melted butter if you want. Just make sure whatever you choose has a high smoke point for that perfect crispy finish!

With these ingredient notes and substitutions, you can personalize this dish to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Happy cooking and enjoy experimenting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made this delicious air fryer cheddar broccoli stuffed chicken breast and now you have some leftovers—lucky you! To keep them tasting just as amazing the next day, here’s how to properly store and reheat them.

First, let the stuffed chicken breasts cool down to room temperature. Once they’re cool, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can place them in an airtight container. Just make sure they’re well-sealed to prevent any moisture from getting in. Proper storage will help maintain that juicy texture and cheesy filling!

You can keep the stuffed chicken in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to save them for longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them securely to avoid freezer burn—trust me, no one wants that. They’ll be good in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to reheat them:

• From the Refrigerator: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken breasts in the basket and heat for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through. This will help restore that crispy exterior!
• From the Freezer: If you’ve frozen the chicken, it’s best to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as above. If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat them straight from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the reheating time.

And there you have it! Enjoy your leftovers without sacrificing any of that delightful flavor. Happy munching!

For more information on the health benefits of broccoli, check out this article. If you’re interested in air frying techniques, you can find great tips at Food Network.

For a delicious side dish, consider pairing this meal with cheesy broccoli and chicken casserole.

Air fryer cheddar broccoli stuffed chicken breast blissfully cheesy

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Air fryer cheddar broccoli stuffed chicken breast is a delicious and healthy meal option. It combines tender chicken breast filled with cheddar cheese and broccoli, all cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cut a pocket in each chicken breast and stuff with the broccoli and cheese mixture.
4. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil.
5. Place the stuffed chicken in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
• You can substitute other cheeses if desired.
• Adjust cooking time based on the size of the chicken breasts.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: air fryer, cheddar, broccoli, stuffed chicken breast