This Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breast is a show-stopper meal that’s packed with creamy, cheesy filling and wrapped in crispy, golden bacon. Cooking it in the air fryer ensures the bacon is perfectly crispy while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s great for weeknights or special occasions!
Why This Recipe Works
Air Fryer Magic: The air fryer delivers crispy bacon without drying out the chicken.
Flavor Explosion: The creamy filling adds rich flavor, while the bacon seals in the juiciness.
Quick and Easy: Prep it in minutes, and the air fryer does the rest!
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 slices of bacon
4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions or spinach (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Toothpicks for securing
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breast
Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally, but don’t cut all the way through. Open them like a book.
Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions (or spinach), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the Chicken:
Divide the cheese mixture evenly among the chicken breasts, spreading it on one side. Fold the other side over to enclose the filling.
Wrap with Bacon:
Wrap 2 slices of bacon around each stuffed chicken breast, securing the ends with toothpicks.
Cook in the Air Fryer:
Place the chicken breasts seam-side down in the air fryer basket. Ensure they’re not touching for even cooking.
Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the bacon is crispy.
Serve:
Remove the toothpicks before serving and enjoy hot with your favorite side dishes.
Tips for Recipe Success
Bacon Choice: Thin-cut bacon works best as it crisps up faster in the air fryer.
Don’t Overstuff: Avoid overfilling the chicken breasts to keep the filling from leaking out.
Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp garden salad.
Serve over mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the juices.
Add a dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard for extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, but turkey bacon may not crisp up as much, so increase the cooking time slightly.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, broiling for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the bacon.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Timing Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
This Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a guaranteed hit with its crispy bacon, creamy filling, and tender chicken. Cook it in your air fryer for a quick, delicious meal that feels like a gourmet treat!