Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breasts: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

Looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious weeknight dinner? Look no further than these air fryer bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts! This recipe combines juicy, tender chicken with your favorite fillings, all wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon. The air fryer cooks everything perfectly, giving you a restaurant-quality meal without all the fuss. This is one of those recipes that once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your rotation. It’s versatile, satisfying, and surprisingly healthy.

## Why Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breasts?

There are so many reasons to love this recipe, but here are a few highlights:

* **Quick and Easy:** The air fryer significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional oven baking. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
* **Crispy Bacon:** The air fryer creates incredibly crispy bacon without all the excess grease. You get that perfect crunch in every bite.
* **Juicy Chicken:** The bacon wrapping helps to keep the chicken breasts moist and tender, preventing them from drying out during cooking.
* **Customizable:** The filling options are endless! You can use your favorite cheeses, vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a unique and flavorful dish.
* **Healthier Option:** Air frying uses less oil than deep frying or pan-frying, making this a healthier way to enjoy bacon-wrapped chicken.
* **Easy Cleanup:** Air fryers are notoriously easy to clean. Simply wipe down the basket and you’re done!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need. This recipe calls for simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* **Bacon:** 8-12 slices of bacon (depending on thickness)
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces, softened
* **Shredded Cheese:** 1/2 cup (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
* **Spinach:** 1/2 cup, chopped (fresh or frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Add-ins:** Sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, parmesan cheese, herbs like basil or oregano.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Air Fryer:** A standard air fryer will work perfectly for this recipe. Make sure it’s large enough to fit the chicken breasts without overcrowding.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For preparing the filling.
* **Cutting Board:** For prepping the chicken and vegetables.
* **Knife:** For slicing the chicken and chopping the vegetables.
* **Toothpicks:** To secure the bacon wrapping.
* **Meat Thermometer:** To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making these delicious air fryer bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts! Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* Place each chicken breast on a cutting board.
* Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a large enough pocket to hold the filling.
* Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.

**2. Make the Filling:**

* In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
* Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
* Add any optional add-ins you desire, such as sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or onions.

**3. Stuff the Chicken Breasts:**

* Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, dividing it evenly.
* Don’t overstuff the chicken breasts, as the filling may ooze out during cooking. Leave a little room at the edges.

**4. Wrap with Bacon:**

* Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 2-3 slices of bacon, overlapping the edges to ensure the chicken is completely covered.
* Secure the bacon with toothpicks to prevent it from unraveling during cooking. Insert the toothpicks at an angle to hold the bacon in place.

**5. Air Fry the Chicken:**

* Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
* Place the bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will prevent the bacon from crisping up properly. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
* Air fry for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
* Flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

**6. Rest and Serve:**

* Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.
* Remove the toothpicks before serving.
* Serve the air fryer bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a salad.

## Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to help you achieve perfect air fryer bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts every time:

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket:** Overcrowding will prevent the bacon from crisping up properly. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
* **Use Thin-Cut Bacon:** Thin-cut bacon will cook more quickly and evenly than thick-cut bacon.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Softened cream cheese will be easier to mix with the other filling ingredients.
* **Don’t Overstuff the Chicken:** Overstuffing can cause the filling to ooze out during cooking.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
* **Adjust Cooking Time as Needed:** Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the type of air fryer you are using. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
* **Experiment with Fillings:** Get creative with your fillings! Try different cheeses, vegetables, herbs, and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
* **Pre-cook vegetables (optional):** If you are using vegetables that take a long time to cook, such as onions or bell peppers, you may want to pre-cook them slightly before adding them to the filling.

## Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to your preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutions to try:

* **Cheese Variations:** Use different types of cheese in the filling, such as provolone, Gruyere, or pepper jack. You can also add grated parmesan cheese to the top of the chicken breasts before air frying.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Add different vegetables to the filling, such as sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts. You can also add chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme.
* **Meat Variations:** Instead of spinach, try using cooked and crumbled sausage or diced ham in the filling.
* **Sauce Variations:** Drizzle the cooked chicken breasts with your favorite sauce, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
* **Spice Variations:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
* **Bacon Alternatives:** While bacon is the star of the show, you could experiment with prosciutto or pancetta for a different flavor profile.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Ensure that your bacon and other ingredients are gluten-free for a gluten-free meal.

## Serving Suggestions

These air fryer bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes, make a healthy and delicious side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken.
* **Rice:** Rice pilaf, wild rice, or brown rice are all great options.
* **Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
* **Quinoa:** Quinoa is a healthy and protein-packed side dish that pairs well with chicken.
* **Asparagus:** Grilled or roasted asparagus is a simple and elegant side dish.
* **Green Beans:** Steamed or sautéed green beans are a quick and easy option.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

These air fryer bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts can be prepared ahead of time, making them a great option for meal prepping. Here’s how:

* **Prepare the chicken breasts:** Slice the pockets, season with salt and pepper, and prepare the filling as directed.
* **Stuff and wrap the chicken:** Stuff the chicken breasts with the filling and wrap them with bacon.
* **Store in the refrigerator:** Place the stuffed and wrapped chicken breasts in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* **Air fry when ready to eat:** When you’re ready to cook the chicken, preheat your air fryer and cook as directed. You may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time if the chicken is very cold.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store any leftover air fryer bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken breasts in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on filling)
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

This recipe is a good source of protein and healthy fats. It is also relatively low in carbohydrates. However, the nutritional information may vary depending on the ingredients you use.

## Final Thoughts

Air fryer bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts are a winning combination of flavor, convenience, and health. They’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. With endless variations and simple steps, you’ll be making this recipe again and again. Enjoy!