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If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home, this Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken with Sundried Tomato and Mozzarella is a must-try! Juicy chicken breasts are filled with rich pesto, creamy mozzarella, and flavorful sundried tomatoes, then wrapped in crispy bacon and finished with a smoky BBQ glaze. The air fryer makes this dish both quick and foolproof, delivering a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Packed with Flavor: A combination of smoky, cheesy, and tangy notes in every bite.
- Healthier Option: Air frying cuts down on excess oil while keeping the bacon crispy.
- Impress Your Guests: A gourmet-style dish that’s simple enough for home cooks.
Ingredient Notes for Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken with Sundried Tomato and Mozzarella
- Chicken Breasts: Use large, even-sized breasts for easier stuffing.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best to hold the filling in place.
- Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully but can be substituted with provolone or cheddar.
- Sundried Tomatoes: Use oil-packed sundried tomatoes for a richer flavor.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce to complement the bacon and cheese.
How To Make Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken with Sundried Tomato & Mozzarella
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket. Be sure not to cut all the way through. Gently pound them with a meat mallet to ensure even thickness.
2. Season the Chicken
- Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika for enhanced flavor.
3. Stuff the Chicken
- Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto inside each chicken breast. Layer with a slice of mozzarella, followed by a sundried tomato, and repeat the layers. Close the chicken breast to secure the filling.
4. Wrap with Bacon
- Tightly wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 3–4 slices of bacon, ensuring the seams are covered to keep the filling intact.
5. Glaze with BBQ Sauce
- Brush the wrapped chicken with BBQ sauce for a rich, smoky finish.
6. Cook in the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, seam side down. Cook for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Rest & Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: It holds the filling in place better and gets extra crispy.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the chicken to prevent leakage.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding spinach, ricotta, or even a touch of honey mustard inside the chicken for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- Pair with a side of garlic bread or a light pasta dish.
- Drizzle extra pesto or BBQ sauce for added flavor.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each cooked stuffed chicken breast in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until heated through.
FAQ for Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Mozzarella
Can I make this recipe without bacon?
Yes, you can omit the bacon if you prefer a leaner version. You could substitute the bacon with a thin layer of olive oil or a healthier protein alternative, but the texture and flavor will change.
Can I cook this in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for around 25-30 minutes. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. Thighs will offer a slightly juicier result, but the cooking time may vary slightly. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken with Sundried Tomato & Mozzarella
Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato & Mozzarella is a mouthwatering dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful mix of pesto, creamy mozzarella, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Wrapped in crispy bacon and brushed with smoky BBQ sauce, this dish is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, delivering a crispy exterior and juicy, savory interior. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4-6 slices bacon
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp pesto
- 4-6 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 4-6 pieces sun-dried tomatoes
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Place each chicken breast on a clean cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice through the side of the breast like a hot dog bun, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
- Open the chicken breast and gently pound it with a meat mallet to an even thickness.
- Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto evenly inside each chicken breast.
- Layer with a slice of mozzarella cheese, a piece of sun-dried tomato, another slice of mozzarella, and another piece of sun-dried tomato.
- Close the chicken breast carefully to keep the filling inside.
- Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 2-3 slices of bacon, ensuring the ends are tucked underneath or secured with toothpicks if needed.
- Brush the wrapped chicken breasts evenly with BBQ sauce.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side of roasted vegetables, salad, or mashed potatoes.
- Enjoy your delicious, juicy, and flavorful stuffed chicken breast!
Nutrition
Calories: 545kcal
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