Air Fryer BBQ Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein for the dish.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded, this adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the stuffing.

BBQ sauce: Provides a smoky and sweet glaze for the chicken.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the cheese stuffing.

Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of onion.

Salt: Used to season the chicken breasts.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and enhances the other flavors.

When cutting a pocket into the chicken breasts, make sure to use a sharp knife and create an opening that is deep enough to hold the cheese mixture without cutting through the other side. This ensures that the cheddar cheese stays inside the chicken during cooking, preventing any loss of filling and keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts are similar in texture and can be stuffed and cooked in the same manner as chicken breasts.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and provides a creamy texture, though it has a milder flavor compared to cheddar.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory profile that complements the chicken, though it will give a different flavor profile.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can provide a similar flavor, though they will add a bit of texture to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, giving the dish a different but enjoyable kick.

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
• Place the cooled chicken breasts in an airtight container. If stacking, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
• To freeze, wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they maintain their shape and prevents freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped chicken breasts in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. For best quality, consume within this timeframe.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain texture and flavor.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• For a quicker option, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Serve with a fresh drizzle of bbq sauce and a side of steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the chicken from drying out.
  4. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the BBQ sauce caramelize a bit.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Check the temperature and continue heating in 30-second intervals until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. If the cheddar cheese starts to ooze out, it's a good sign that it's heated through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. For extra flavor, you can brush on a bit more BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.

• Air fryer: Used to cook the chicken breasts to a crispy perfection without the need for excessive oil.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Knife: Essential for cutting a pocket into each chicken breast for stuffing.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to cut the chicken breasts.

• Basting brush: Used to brush the BBQ sauce over each chicken breast evenly.

• Meat thermometer: Ensures the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

• Tongs: Handy for placing the chicken breasts into the air fryer and removing them once cooked.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the cheddar cheese and BBQ sauce accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the garlic powder and onion powder precisely.

Prepare the filling: Mix the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder in advance and store in the fridge.

Pre-cut the chicken: Cut pockets into the chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.

Season in bulk: Season all the chicken breasts at once with salt and pepper to save time.

Use a brush: Use a silicone brush to quickly and evenly apply the bbq sauce.

Batch cooking: If your air fryer is large enough, cook all the chicken breasts at once.