Here’s a flavorful recipe for Air Fryer Broccoli and Cheddar Chicken, a quick and delicious meal that combines juicy chicken breasts stuffed with broccoli and melted cheddar, all cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets (finely chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
- Toothpicks (to secure chicken, if necessary)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by cutting a pocket in the thickest part of each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through. The pocket will hold the broccoli-cheddar filling.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the chopped steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese (if using), garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the Chicken:
- Spoon the broccoli and cheddar mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, stuffing it as much as possible. If needed, secure the opening with toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling out while cooking.
4. Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Rub this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of each stuffed chicken breast.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
6. Air Fry the Chicken:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray.
- Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
7. Rest and Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to settle. Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dish, like mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or extra steamed broccoli.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry again for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
This Air Fryer Broccoli and Cheddar Chicken is a perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and nutritious, and it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
