Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Hasselback Chicken
Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Hasselback Chicken mixes the flavours of jalapeño poppers with juicy chicken breast, creating a delicious and impressive dish. Air-frying the chicken makes it soft and juicy, and the cheesy, spicy stuffing adds flavour. How to cook this amazing dish:
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Seed and finely cut 2 jalapeños.
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- Optional 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (garnish)
1. Prepare Chicken:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Pre-heat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Hasselback the Chicken: Cut each chicken breast horizontally about 1/2 inch apart with a sharp knife, being cautious not to cut through. These cuts generate filling pockets.
2. Filling prep:
- Mix Filling: Mix cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, jalapeños, bacon, garlic, and onion powder in a bowl. Blend well.
3. Stuff Chicken:
- Fill Pockets: Gently press cheese mixture into chicken breast slices.
4. Season Chicken:
- Season: Combine smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub olive oil on the chicken breasts and then season evenly.
5. Cook Chicken:
- Put the packed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch, for even cooking.
- Air fry: Cook chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes or till 165°F (74°C). Melt and brown the cheese.
6. Serve.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after air-frying. Garnish and serve. Add chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and serve immediately.
Perfect Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Hasselback Chicken Tips:
- Even Cuts: Avoid cutting through the chicken breasts while making Hasselback cuts.
- Softened cream cheese makes it easier to blend and stuff chicken.
- Change the amount of jalapeños to suit your heat preference. To reduce heat, remove the seeds and membranes from jalapeños.
- Make sure chicken breasts are equal sizes for consistent cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- This Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Hasselback Chicken is a delicious recipe that mixes the spice of jalapeños with the creaminess of cheese in a juicy chicken wrap. This dinner party or family supper recipe will be a hit. Taste the amazing flavours and textures in every bite!