Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Cost estimate: $8–12 | Serves: 4

Okay, friends, let’s be real. Dinnertime can be a total battleground, right? Between picky eaters and the eternal question of “what’s for dinner?!” I’m constantly searching for recipes that are easy, healthy-ish, and—most importantly—delicious enough to get everyone to actually eat them. This Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Air Fryer Chicken is a total game-changer. It’s packed with flavor, surprisingly simple to make (even on a busy weeknight), and looks fancy enough to impress. Plus, who can resist melty cheese? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These

Trust me, this isn’t your grandma’s bland chicken recipe. Here’s why you’ll be making this again and again:

• Super Flavorful – The combination of creamy cheese, garlicky spinach, and juicy chicken is a flavor explosion in your mouth!
• Quick & Easy – Thanks to the air fryer, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes. That’s faster than ordering takeout!
• Healthy-ish – Okay, there’s cheese, but we’re also packing in spinach! So, you know, balance. Plus, air frying uses way less oil than traditional methods.
• Impressive Presentation – These stuffed chicken breasts look like they came straight from a restaurant. Perfect for a special occasion or just a regular Tuesday night when you want to feel fancy.
• Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this one. I mean, who can say no to cheesy goodness? Cut them into smaller pieces for the little ones.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: A sprinkle of paprika for color

How to Make

1. Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to about 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.Note: Be gentle! You don’t want to tear the chicken. We’re just trying to make it thinner and more uniform.
2. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is really softened! Otherwise, you’ll end up with a lumpy filling.
3. Stuff the chicken: Divide the spinach and cheese mixture evenly among the chicken breasts. Spread the filling over one half of each chicken breast, leaving a small border.
4. Roll and secure: Carefully roll each chicken breast up, starting from the filled end. Secure the seam with toothpicks or kitchen twine.Warning: Don’t overstuff the chicken, or the filling will ooze out during cooking!
5. Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
6. Cook the chicken: Brush the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.Note: If your air fryer is small, you may need to cut the chicken breasts in half before cooking.
7. Air fry: Cook for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).Important: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked! This is crucial for food safety.
8. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks or twine. Slice and serve immediately.Pro Tip: A little rest time helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken!

Tips & Tricks

Want to take this recipe to the next level? Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks:

• Flavor Booster: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little kick. Or, use a flavored cream cheese, like garlic and herb.
• Time-Saver: Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on busy weeknights.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer.
• Prep Hack: To prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket, spray it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

Dietary Variations

Need to adapt this recipe to fit your dietary needs? No problem!

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check the labels on your seasonings to be sure.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese and mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives. Look for cashew-based cream cheese and mozzarella-style shreds. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
• Low-Carb/Keto: This recipe is already fairly low in carbs. To make it even more keto-friendly, use full-fat cream cheese and mozzarella, and consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or other low-carb veggies to the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the filling. Nobody wants watery chicken!

Can I bake these in the oven instead of air frying?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Make sure to use an oven-safe dish and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You sure can! Assemble the stuffed chicken breasts and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.

Summary & Final Thoughts

And there you have it! Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Air Fryer Chicken – a dinner winner that’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or some fluffy mashed potatoes. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something a little special but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. My kids absolutely devour this (especially when I let them help with the stuffing!), and I love that it’s a relatively healthy and easy way to get some greens into their diet. Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe for easy access, and please share it with your friends and family who are always looking for quick and delicious dinner ideas. Happy cooking!

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