Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken in Air Fryer

Looking for a hearty and delicious way to shake up your chicken game? This Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken in Air Fryer is your new go-to! It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and oozing with cheesy broccoli goodness. Bonus? It’s a healthier option than frying in oil because the air fryer does all the magic for you—less mess, less grease, and big flavor. Whether you have kids who are picky eaters or you’re simply looking for something fun to impress at dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Table of content

• About The Recipe
• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Key Ingredients and Substitutions
• How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
• Expert Tips for Success
• Variations and Customizations
• Nutritional Information
• Storage and Reheating Instructions
• Recipe Card
  • Recipe Preparation
  • Ingredients List
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Cooking notes
  • Nutritional Information
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Comments & Reviews
• Social Sharing Options

About The Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken in Air Fryer – Easy & Crispy Recipe

Stuffed chicken can feel a little fancy, but this recipe is shockingly simple to pull off, even on a busy weeknight. Stuffing chicken breasts with cheesy goodness just takes them to a whole new level! This Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken in Air Fryer is my answer to the ‘what’s for dinner?’ blues that hit midway through the week. Picture this: tender chicken breasts filled with creamy, flavorful broccoli and gooey cheese, all cooked to crispy perfection in your air fryer. Seriously, it’s less greasy than frying, faster than oven baking, and it feels like a treat that belongs in a restaurant (but nope, all from your kitchen!). Plus, since you’re working with an air fryer, you save yourself from preheating the oven or dealing with a messy stovetop—you’ll cook this quicker than your kids can argue about what show to watch. Let’s jump in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Mouthwatering cheese and broccoli filling.
• Crispy exterior without deep frying.
• Quick and easy prep in under 15 minutes.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
• Made with simple, easily available ingredients.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

• Chicken breasts: Make sure they’re boneless and skinless. You could also try this with thinly sliced chicken thighs for a twist.
• Broccoli: Freshly steamed broccoli works best, but you can use frozen if you let it thaw first.
• Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack works well for that extra melty goodness.
• Breadcrumbs: Go with seasoned breadcrumbs for flavor or use panko crumbs if you like a lighter crunch.
• Eggs: These will help your breading stick to the chicken. No eggs? Try a milk and flour mixture as a substitute.

How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)

• Start with the chicken. Take your chicken breasts and, using a sharp knife, make a pocket inside each one without cutting all the way through.
• Prepare your filling. Mix together cooked and chopped broccoli with shredded cheddar cheese in a small bowl.
• Stuff each chicken breast with the broccoli-cheese mixture, packing it in carefully so it doesn’t spill out.
• Prep your breading station. In one bowl, whisk eggs. In a second bowl, place breadcrumbs.
• Coat the chicken. Dip each breast into the eggs first, then into the breadcrumbs, pressing to make it stick well.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (if your model requires preheating).
• Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd—cook in batches if needed.
• Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and reaches 165°F inside.

Expert Tips for Success

Use toothpicks to close the chicken breasts while cooking to keep the filling from spilling out.
Don’t overstuff—it’s tempting, but too much filling might ooze out during cooking.
Spray the chicken lightly with olive oil before air frying for that perfect golden color.
If you’re short on time, a bag of pre-shredded cheddar and pre-chopped frozen broccoli saves even more prep.

Variations and Customizations

If you’re feeling adventurous or need to tailor the recipe for dietary needs, here are a few ideas to switch it up:
1. Dairy-free version: Use plant-based cheese and a dairy-free egg substitute like aquafaba.
2. Keto-friendly: Skip the breadcrumbs and coat in crushed pork rinds instead.
3. Spice it up: Add some minced jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
4. Veggie swap: Replace broccoli with sautéed spinach or diced bell peppers for a different taste and texture twist. Customizing this recipe is half the fun!

Nutritional Information

A serving of this Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken contains about 350-400 calories, depending on exact ingredient amounts and portion sizes. It’s packed with 30g of protein, thanks to the chicken and cheese, making it a hearty main dish. The carbs come in a bit lower—depending on the breadcrumb coating you use, you’re looking at about 20g of carbs per serving. With a balance of fats from the cheese and a burst of vitamins and fiber from the broccoli, it’s a filling, well-rounded meal option. If you’re watching sodium, choose a low-sodium cheese or make your own breadcrumbs at home for more control over added salts.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your cooked stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, the air fryer is your best bet: pop it back at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes to re-crisp the breading without drying out the chicken. If you’re in a rush, a microwave will work too—just be sure to cover the chicken to help it heat evenly without losing moisture (about 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power).

All Your Questions About This Recipe