Description
This Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Hasselback Chicken is a delicious twist on classic stuffed chicken. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a creamy, cheesy jalapeño popper mixture and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Perfect for a quick dinner that’s full of flavor and low in carbs!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 120 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- 50 g (1/4 cup) cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
Instructions
🥣 Prepare the Filling:
- Mix the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
🔪 Prepare the Chicken:
-
Make Hasselback Cuts:
- Using a sharp knife, make horizontal cuts along the top of each chicken breast about 1 cm (1/2 inch) apart.
- Do not cut all the way through—aim to slice about 3/4 of the way down.
-
Season the Chicken:
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Make sure the seasoning gets into the slits for maximum flavor.
-
Stuff the Chicken:
- Spoon the jalapeño cheese mixture into each cut, pressing gently to fill them generously.
🍽️ Air Fryer Cooking Method:
-
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3 minutes.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 15-18 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (75°C / 165°F) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
-
Garnish:
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
- Serve with a side of guacamole or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Notes
🥣 Prepare the Filling:
- Mix the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
🔪 Prepare the Chicken:
-
Make Hasselback Cuts:
- Using a sharp knife, make horizontal cuts along the top of each chicken breast about 1 cm (1/2 inch) apart.
- Do not cut all the way through—aim to slice about 3/4 of the way down.
-
Season the Chicken:
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Make sure the seasoning gets into the slits for maximum flavor.
-
Stuff the Chicken:
- Spoon the jalapeño cheese mixture into each cut, pressing gently to fill them generously.
🍽️ Air Fryer Cooking Method:
-
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3 minutes.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 15-18 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (75°C / 165°F) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
-
Garnish:
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
- Serve with a side of guacamole or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.