Air Fryer BBQ Stuffed Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a savory cheese and barbecue filling, all wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with barbecue sauce. This recipe offers layers of irresistible flavors—from creamy, cheesy goodness to smoky bacon and tangy barbecue sauce—all cooked to perfection in an air fryer. The result? Juicy, flavorful chicken that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Make sure to check out our other air fryer recipes like Air Fryer Steak Fajitas!
The Ingredients That Make It Shine
- Chicken: Use four boneless, skinless chicken breasts, each weighing about 4 ounces. Adjust cooking time based on the size of the chicken, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Filling: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing with cheddar cheese and garlic powder. This guarantees a smooth, rich filling.
- Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand or a homemade recipe for a personalized touch.
- Bacon: Stick with regular-cut bacon for optimal crispiness. Thick-cut bacon may not fully crisp up within the recommended cooking time.
Tips for Making Stuffed Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Create a pocket in the thickest part of the chicken by carefully slicing about 2 inches deep with a sharp knife.
- Stuff and Wrap: Mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce in a bowl. Evenly divide the mixture among the chicken pockets. Wrap each chicken breast with two slices of bacon and brush the outside with more barbecue sauce.
- Air Fry: Place the stuffed chicken in the air fryer and cook for about 10 minutes. Flip, then cook for another 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the bacon is crispy. Cooking times may vary based on the size of the chicken breasts.
Can You Bake It Instead?
Yes, this dish can be baked in the oven, though the bacon may not crisp as well as it does in an air fryer. To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F and follow the preparation steps. Bake the chicken for 20 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through.
Serving Suggestions and Final Thoughts
Pair Air Fryer BBQ Stuffed Chicken with a side of Garlic and Parmesan Roasted Asparagus or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal. Whether cooked in an air fryer or oven, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Air Fryer BBQ Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup barbecue sauce, divided
- 8 slices of regular-cut bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F and lightly coat the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into each chicken breast by holding it firmly with one hand and slicing a two-inch slit in the thickest part. Be careful not to cut through to the opposite side.
- In a medium bowl, combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- Fill each chicken pocket evenly with the cream cheese mixture.
- Wrap two slices of bacon around each chicken breast, ensuring the filling is secure. Brush the remaining barbecue sauce over the bacon-wrapped chicken.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve immediately.
This recipe was adapted from Iamhomesteader’s Air Fryer BBQ Stuffed Chicken
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