Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast

If you’re in the market for a quick, simple, protein-packed, low-carb chicken dinner, you can stop your scrolling. My ooey-gooey recipe for Spinach and Cream Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts is about to solve all your dinnertime woes. Made with just 10 basic ingredients and only 10 minutes of active prep, these air fryer chicken breasts are the weeknight savior you’ve been looking for!

As a full-time working mom of two adorably needy little humans, I’m all for recipes that are fast, flavorful, and filling. This air-fried stuffed chicken breast recipe hits the trifecta! 

Featuring lean, white meat chicken, a lusciously dreamy cream cheese and mozzarella filling, umami sun-dried tomatoes, and iron-rich spinach, you’d never guess these healthy stuffed chicken breasts are actually quite virtuous.

Jump to:

• What is Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken?
• What does it taste like?
• Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
• Ingredients Needed
• Substitutions
• How To Cook Stuffed Chicken Breasts In The Air Fryer
• Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
• Serving Suggestions — What To Serve With Air Fryer Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
• Refrigerating & Reheating Instructions
• Recipe Success Tips
• FAQs
• Cream Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken Nutrition
• Pricing Info
• Sides
• Other chicken recipes
• Recipe

What is Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken?

This Mediterranean-inspired cheesy spinach-stuffed chicken breast recipe is essentially a lightened-up version of chicken Kiev (which is stuffed with butter) or chicken Cordon Bleu (which is stuffed with ham and cheese). 

For this air fryer chicken breast, no breading is used and we swap in a delightfully rich filling of cream cheese, mozzarella, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. In Italy, this stuffed preparation is known as involtini al pollo, which roughly translates to “chicken rolls.”

What does it taste like?

These mouth-watering air fryer boneless skinless chicken breasts are bursting with flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

First, imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, tender chicken breast that has been air-fried to perfection. As you continue to savor the dish, you’ll discover a delectable filling made with a creamy mixture of seasoned cream cheese and mozzarella that is oozing with goodness.

But wait — it gets even better! This creamy filling is generously studded with vibrant spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic for an Italian-inspired flavor that is simply irresistible. Every bite is a symphony of savory notes that’ll immediately transport you to a gorgeous Mediterranean villa.

The real beauty of this dish is that it’s not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also healthy! With the air fryer, you can achieve that crispy, golden-brown exterior without all the added calories and fat that come with traditional deep-frying.

Trust me, once you try these cheesy stuffed chicken breasts, you won’t be able to get enough. They’re the perfect combination of indulgent and nutritious, and they’re sure to impress even the most discerning foodies. So go ahead and give them a try – your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Aside from being an absolute delight to eat, this recipe for stuffed chicken breast with cream cheese and spinach is also:

• Quick & Easy – All you need is 10 minutes of active time in the kitchen, then the air fryer does all the rest!
• Made With Only 10 Simple Ingredients – Chances are, you probably already have at least half of what you need on hand.
• Easily Customizable – While my fam is enamored with the umami-tart combo of melty cheese, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and earthy spinach, you’re welcome to take this in any direction you want. Feel free to swap in different greens or herbs, try different flavors of cheese, omit the tomatoes or trade them for olives… The possibilities are as endless as your imagination! Read on below for tons of ways to make this easy stuffed chicken breast recipe work for you.
• Rich & Filling – One serving of these keto stuffed chicken breasts packs a whopping 25 grams of protein, meaning you’re sure to stay satisfied for hours. Pair with your favorite steamed or sautéed veggies for a colorful, crave-worthy meal!

Ingredients Needed

As promised, your ingredient list is pretty dang short. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• Cream Cheese – For a slightly tangy, creamy-dreamy base for your filling.
• Fresh Spinach – For earthy flavor and a boost of nutrients. Opt for baby spinach to keep your prep work to a minimum!
• Mozzarella Cheese – You know those enviable cheese stretch photos you see on Instagram? Mozzarella is the secret.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – I love the tangy, umami flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. Feel free to use either the shelf-stable kind that comes in a bag, or use the kind that comes packed in oil. If you opt for the latter, don’t toss that flavorful EVOO! Use it to make stellar salad dressings or to add a pop of bright flavor to anything you sauté.
• Fresh Basil – For brightly herbaceous notes that give this air fryer chicken breast caprese salad vibes.
• Garlic Powder – I love using garlic powder to achieve sweet allium complexity without any of the bite. Feel free to use plain or California-style garlic powder with parsley.
• Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts – Opt for smaller chicken breasts, or halve two larger chicken breasts hamburger bun-style so your chicken rolls aren’t too thick.
• Avocado Oil – For a gorgeously golden, crispy exterior.
• Onion Powder – For allium sweetness without any papery skin or teary eyes.
• Smoked Paprika – For adding a touch of smoky richness. Use either smoked hot paprika or smoked sweet paprika depending on your preference for spicy foods.
• Kosher Salt – For seasoning, there’s no better option than wide-flaked kosher salt.

Substitutions

While I think this recipe for cream cheese and spinach stuffed chicken is flawless as written, I want you to feel empowered to make any swaps you need. 

• Cream Cheese – Feel free to use slightly lighter Neufchatel cheese to cut down a bit on calories. You can also use dairy-free cream cheese if you need!
• Fresh Spinach – You’re welcome to experiment with other tender leafy greens like peppery arugula or watercress if you prefer. Alternatively, you can use frozen chopped spinach — just make sure to defrost it and squeeze out any excess liquid first.
• Mozzarella Cheese – The mild flavor of mozzarella lets the sun-dried tomatoes shine in their fullest glory. Feel free to swap in other melty cheeses like nutty gruyere, creamy Havarti, or sharp cheddar. You can also use vegan cheese if dairy doesn’t agree with you.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These flavor boosters pack a heck of a punch. Feel free to use more mildly flavored roasted tomatoes or sweet roasted peppers instead. You can also lean into the tang by swapping in briny olives instead.
• Fresh Basil – If you don’t have access to fresh basil, you can use about ⅓ as much dried basil instead. Alternatively, consider experimenting with other herbs like parsley instead.
• Garlic Powder – I think the mildly sweet flavor of garlic powder is great here, but you can use fresh or jarred minced garlic for a slightly sharper flavor.
• Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts – If you’re more of a dark meat kind of person, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.
• Avocado Oil – Any neutral-flavored, high-smoke point oil will work beautifully here. I personally like to use avocado oil for its heart-healthy benefits, but grapeseed oil, corn oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil are all acceptable (albeit less healthy) substitutes.
• Onion Powder – Much like garlic powder, you can swap in fresh minced onion or shallot here.
• Smoked Paprika – Plain paprika is a fine substitute if that’s what you have on hand. You can also try using ground smoked chili powders like chipotle or ancho if you prefer a slightly spicier profile. 
• Kosher Salt – Feel free to use any salt you have on hand, but consult a conversion chart for proper measurement. 

How To Cook Stuffed Chicken Breasts In The Air Fryer

This simple recipe for air-fried cream cheese and spinach-stuffed chicken breast comes together with almost zero fuss. Here’s how:

Step 1: Prep. Preheat your air fryer and mix all the filling ingredients together in a bowl. Set it aside for later.

Step 2: Butterfly the chicken breasts (hamburger-style), making sure that the 2 halves of each chicken breast are still connected together.

Step 3: Stuff the chicken breasts with the filling. Secure them with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.

Step 4: Make the seasoning rub. Mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt together in a small bowl. Rub the chicken with the oil, then sprinkle with the seasoning.

Step 5: Air fry chicken. Spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil, and place the chicken in your air fryer basket. Air fry for 25-30 minutes.

Step 6: Divide into 4 servings and serve with the sides of your choice. Enjoy!

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Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

Feel free to use this stuffed chicken breast air fryer recipe as a basic template, then make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

1. Vegetarian/Vegan: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken breasts with portobello mushroom caps. I suggest sandwiching two together to hold the filling inside and adjusting the cooking time down as needed.  You’re also welcome to use plant-based cream cheese and vegan mozzarella cheese to make it vegan-friendly. Feel free to add extra veggies like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to the stuffing for more bulk.
2. Swap Your Cheese: You can substitute the cream cheese with other creamy alternatives like goat cheese or ricotta.
3. Greek-Inspired: Add chopped kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano to the stuffing mixture for an extra pop of flavor.
4. Tex-Mex: To give this recipe some southwestern flair, omit the spinach, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes in favor of diced jalapeños and/or roasted green chiles, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime to the stuffing. Feel free to serve the stuffed chicken with some salsa and avocado slices to complete the vibe.
5. Low-fat: To reduce the fat content, use low-fat cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese and part-skim mozzarella cheese. You can also skip the cheese altogether and add more spinach and veggies to the stuffing.

How to make this recipe with frozen spinach

If you want to swap in frozen spinach for fresh, just make sure to defrost it first and then squeeze out as much liquid as possible. I find that using a clean kitchen towel wrapped around the spinach works great — just prepare for it to get stained green. Once the spinach is squeezed out, proceed with the recipe as written!

Serving Suggestions — What To Serve With Air Fryer Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

If you’re wondering what to serve alongside these magnificent spinach cream cheese stuffed chicken breasts, consider any of the following:

• Sautéed or Roasted Veggies – Keep it simple with your favorites. Bonus: you can toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the same air fryer as the chicken!
• Salad – A fresh, crisp salad is always a great complement to any main dish, especially a chicken breast stuffed with spinach and cream cheese. Consider a mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and Italian dressing.
• Pasta or Grains – If you’re in the mood for something carby and comforting, try serving the stuffed chicken breasts over a bed of your favorite pasta. Toss the pasta with some olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor. For a healthier alternative to pasta, consider serving the stuffed chicken breasts with quinoa or brown rice. 
• Garlic Bread – Who can resist warm, garlicky bread? Serve some on the side to soak up all the delicious juices from the stuffed chicken breasts.
• Wine Pairing – If you’re serving this dish for a special occasion or just want to elevate your meal, consider pairing it with a nice glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. 

Refrigerating & Reheating Instructions

• To store leftovers, let the stuffed chicken breasts cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Can you reheat stuffed chicken in the air fryer?

Yep! To reheat the stuffed chicken breasts, you can either use an air fryer or an oven.

Air fryer – preheat to 375°F, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the basket, and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Oven – preheat to 350°F, place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

• You can also reheat the stuffed chicken breasts in the microwave by placing them on a microwave-safe plate, covering them with a damp paper towel, and heating them in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F before serving.

Recipe Success Tips

The best way to ensure that your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F for proper food safety. 

Remember: sometimes less is more. When stuffing the chicken breasts, be careful not to overstuff them. If there’s too much filling, it may ooze out during cooking and make a mess. It’s better to use less filling and make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the chicken.

Preheating the air fryer is important for even cooking and crispy results. 

Make sure to space the chicken breasts evenly in the air fryer basket without any overlap to ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy all around.

FAQs

Cream Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken Nutrition

This stuffed chicken breast recipe is a great source of protein, with 25 grams per serving. It’s also relatively low in carbohydrates, with just 4 grams per serving, 1 of which is fiber. All my low-carb and keto folks out there, this one’s for you!

The recipe also contains just 270 calories per serving, meaning you have plenty of space left on the plate to add the veggies and starches of your choice for a deliciously balanced meal. 

That said, it does contain 17 grams of fat and 361 milligrams of sodium, so it’s important to keep portion sizes in mind and balance this meal with plenty of vegetables and other nutritious foods throughout the day.

Total nutritional content per serving is:

• Calories: 270 calories
• Total Fat: 17 grams
• Protein: 25 grams
• Sodium: 361 mg
• Carbohydrates: 4 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram

*This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

Pricing Info

This is what I personally paid to make this recipe:

• 3 oz cream cheese: $1.38
• ½ cup chopped fresh spinach: $0.15
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: $0.49
• ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: $0.90
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil: $0.99
• 2 tsp garlic powder: $0.10
• Chicken breasts: $4.99
• 1 tbsp avocado oil: $0.31
• ½ tsp onion powder: $0.02
• ½ tsp smoked paprika: $0.13
• ¼ tsp salt: $0.01

The total comes out to be around $9.47, or roughly $2.36 per serving!

Sides

Other chicken recipes

Tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the comments below! I would really appreciate your feedback!

Recipe

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xoxo Megan