Introduction

This Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy spinach and cheese filling for a deliciously satisfying meal. Quick to prepare and cooked to juicy perfection in the air fryer, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a simple dinner treat.

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Spinach, Cream Cheese, and Parmesan Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 (8-ounce/225g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
1½ teaspoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 ounces cream cheese (softened, 56g)
¾ cup fresh spinach (finely chopped, 24g)
3 tablespoons grated parmesan
2 tablespoons diced tomato
2 cloves garlic (minced)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (for filling)
⅛ teaspoon salt (for filling)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped spinach, parmesan, diced tomato, minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Stir until well mixed to make the filling.
Step 2: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and carefully cut a pocket into the thickest long side of each breast without cutting all the way through.
Step 3: Stuff each pocket with the prepared filling and secure the opening with toothpicks to hold the filling inside.
Step 4: Rub the outside of the chicken breasts with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with ½ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, paprika, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Step 6: Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch each other for even cooking.
Step 7: Cook for 15 to 17 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.
Step 8: Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes after cooking, then carefully remove the toothpicks before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or fresh herbs like basil to the filling.
You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different twist on the greens.
If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the stuffed chicken in an oven preheated to 375°F for about 25-30 minutes.
Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain juiciness and crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture in the filling.

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Spinach, Cream Cheese, and Parmesan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 62 reviews

This Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe features juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, fresh spinach, parmesan, tomato, and garlic. Seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper, these stuffed chicken breasts are air fried to a perfect golden finish that seals in moisture and flavors, making for a healthy, flavorful weeknight dinner.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 (8-ounce/225g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
1½ teaspoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Filling

2 ounces cream cheese, softened (56g)
¾ cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (24g)
3 tablespoons grated parmesan
2 tablespoons diced tomato
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely chopped spinach, grated parmesan, diced tomato, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the filling is cohesive.
Make a Pocket in Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the thickest side of each breast without cutting all the way through. This pocket will hold the filling.
Stuff the Chicken: Fill each chicken breast pocket evenly with the prepared filling. Secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
Season the Chicken: Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and ground black pepper to create a flavorful crust.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Cook the Chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch to allow air circulation. Air fry for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving for a neat presentation.

Notes

Use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, but make sure it is thawed and excess moisture squeezed out.
If you prefer, add herbs such as basil or oregano to the filling for additional flavor.
Be careful when cutting the pocket in the chicken breasts to avoid cutting all the way through.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Air fryer chicken, stuffed chicken breasts, healthy chicken recipes, spinach stuffed chicken, quick dinner, low fat chicken