Ingredients
Filling
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapenos, chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped pickled jalapenos, and 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well mixed and creamy.
- Make slits in the chicken: Lay the chicken breasts on a cutting board and carefully cut about 6 slits across the top of each breast without cutting all the way through, creating pockets to stuff the cheese mixture.
- Stuff the chicken: Using a spoon or small spatula, stuff the cream cheese mixture into each slit of the chicken breasts, spreading it evenly inside.
- Air fry the chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add cheese topping: With about 1 minute left on the timer, open the air fryer and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken breasts.
- Finish cooking: Air fry for the last minute until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to cut all the way through the chicken when making slits to keep the filling inside.
- Adjust the amount of jalapenos based on your preferred spice level.
- You can substitute pickled jalapenos with fresh jalapenos for a different flavor profile.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after air frying to redistribute juices and enhance flavor.
- This recipe works well with skinless chicken breasts for easier stuffing and quicker cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
