Ah, chicken. It’s that classic protein canvas, isn’t it? But imagine—just for a second—taking it to an art gallery, where instead of paintings, it’s stuffed with BBQ magic and crisped to divine perfection in an air fryer. Forget gallery whispers; this is a loud, proud culinary masterpiece waiting to be devoured, one juicy bite at a time.
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and spray the basket with a nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper. Carefully create a pocket by cutting a two-inch slit into the thickest part of each breast, ensuring you don’t cut through the opposite side.
- In a medium bowl, blend the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce until smooth. Evenly distribute and stuff this mixture into the pockets you cut in the chicken breasts.
- Securely wrap each stuffed chicken breast with two strips of bacon. Brush the remaining barbecue sauce over the bacon-wrapped chicken to add flavor and help it crisp.
- Place the prepared chicken into the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10 minutes, then flip each piece and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F and the bacon is crispy.
- Once cooked, serve the chicken immediately for a satisfying and flavorful dish.
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 bacon (not thick-cut)
FAQ
- Can I prepare Air Fryer BBQ Stuffed Chicken in the oven instead of an air fryer?
- Yes, you can opt to cook this dish in the oven, although the bacon might not get as crisp as it would in an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F, follow the same preparation steps, and bake for 20 minutes. Flip the chicken, then bake for an additional 15 minutes, adjusting the time as necessary based on the size of your chicken breasts.
- Which air fryer is recommended for making BBQ Stuffed Chicken?
- The Ninja Air Fryer is recommended due to its consistent performance and ease of use. It’s been tested alongside other brands and has proven to deliver excellent results, making it a great choice for this recipe.
- What type of bacon should I use for this recipe?
- It’s best to use regular bacon rather than thick-cut bacon. Thick-cut bacon may not become crispy within the suggested cooking time, which could lead to overcooking the chicken to achieve the desired bacon texture.
- How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?
- The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F. It’s essential to check this using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked properly and is safe to eat.
Tips
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with the other filling ingredients for easier blending and a smoother texture.
- Use regular bacon instead of thick-cut to ensure it crisps up properly within the air fryer cooking time.
- Keep a close eye on the internal temperature of the chicken and aim for 165°F to ensure it is cooked through without drying out.
- When creating the pocket in the chicken breast for stuffing, use a sharp knife and be careful not to cut through the opposite side to keep the filling contained.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Essential for cooking the stuffed chicken as described in the recipe. The Ninja Air Fryer is recommended.
- Sharp Knife – For making a precise slit in the chicken breast for stuffing.
- Medium Mixing Bowl – For preparing the cream cheese and cheddar cheese mixture.
