Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: air fryer cheddar broccoli stuffed chicken breast! Seriously, this dish is a game changer. It’s not just the ease of preparation that gets me excited, but the amazing flavors that come together in every bite. I remember the first time I made it—I had just gotten my air fryer and was eager to try something new. The moment I took that first bite, I was hooked! The juicy chicken paired with the creamy cheddar and tender broccoli is a match made in heaven. Plus, it’s so quick to whip up; in just 35 minutes, you can have a delicious, wholesome meal on the table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making your air fryer cheddar broccoli stuffed chicken breast sing with flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best texture. They’ll be the delightful canvas for your stuffing!
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Lightly steamed until bright green and tender. This adds a wonderful pop of color and nutrition!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Go for sharp cheddar if you love bold flavors! It melts beautifully and adds that creamy goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: It brings that aromatic essence to the dish—absolutely essential!
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: A little onion powder enhances the savory depth, making every bite more delicious.
- Salt and pepper: To taste! Adjust these to your preference for the perfect seasoning.
- Olive oil spray: A light mist helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior in the air fryer.
How to Prepare Air Fryer Cheddar Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast
Getting your air fryer cheddar broccoli stuffed chicken breast ready is a breeze! Here’s how to bring it all together step-by-step:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that delightful crispiness!
- While it’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the steamed broccoli florets with the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated and you can almost taste the yumminess!
- Next, take your chicken breasts and carefully slice a pocket into the side of each one. Don’t cut all the way through—just enough to create a little pouch for your delicious filling.
- Now, stuff those chicken breasts with your broccoli and cheese mixture! Press it in gently, making sure it’s packed but not bursting out.
- Give the outside of the chicken a quick spray with olive oil. This helps it get that golden-brown finish in the air fryer.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded for even cooking.
- Cook for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will keep them juicy and tender!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- The air fryer makes the chicken beautifully crispy without the excess oil.
- Rich, cheesy filling with nutritious broccoli makes it a deliciously balanced meal.
- Ready in just 35 minutes—so you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without the fuss.
- Customizable! Swap out veggies or cheese to suit your taste.
Tips for Success
To ensure your air fryer cheddar broccoli stuffed chicken breast turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t rush the preheating—this step is crucial for that crispy texture. Also, try to avoid overstuffing your chicken; a little filling goes a long way, and it’ll help keep everything intact while cooking. If you can, let the stuffed chicken sit for a couple of minutes after cooking; this helps the juices redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender. And lastly, feel free to experiment with different cheeses or veggies—there’s no wrong way to make this dish your own!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrition, it’s important to remember that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect from each serving of air fryer cheddar broccoli stuffed chicken breast:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
For the most accurate information, I always recommend using your own ingredients and checking their nutritional labels. Enjoy your delicious meal knowing you’re making a wholesome choice!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making your air fryer cheddar broccoli stuffed chicken breast? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before mixing it with the cheese and spices. This way, you won’t end up with excess moisture in your filling.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake these chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re cold from the fridge.
What other fillings can I use?
The sky’s the limit! Feel free to mix in some cooked spinach, bell peppers, or even a different type of cheese like mozzarella for a twist!
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s perfectly cooked and safe to eat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’ve got any leftovers from your air fryer cheddar broccoli stuffed chicken breast (and trust me, it’s hard to resist), storing them properly is key! Let the chicken cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to heat through. This way, you’ll get that crispy exterior back while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful. Yum!
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal that pairs beautifully with your air fryer cheddar broccoli stuffed chicken breast, I recommend serving it alongside a light, refreshing salad. A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonders! You can also add some roasted sweet potatoes or a side of quinoa for a hearty touch. If you’re in the mood for something comforting, creamy mashed potatoes or a savory rice pilaf would be delightful too. And don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to soak up any delicious juices left on your plate—it’s the perfect way to enjoy every last bite!
For more information on healthy cooking methods, check out this Healthline article on the benefits of air frying.
If you’re interested in learning more about the nutritional aspects of chicken, visit NutritionValue.org for detailed insights.
Lastly, for tips on meal prepping, you can refer to EatRight.org for expert advice.
Print
Air Fryer Cheddar Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Breast Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious air fryer cheddar broccoli stuffed chicken breast that is easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Slice a pocket into each chicken breast.
- Stuff the chicken breasts with the broccoli and cheese mixture.
- Spray the outside of the chicken breasts with olive oil.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- You can substitute other vegetables if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: air fryer, cheddar, broccoli, stuffed, chicken breast
