Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat cream cheese (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any other cheese of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray (for greasing the air fryer basket)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Stuffing:
- In a bowl, combine the chopped spinach, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic, parsley, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the filling is well combined. This will be the stuffing for your chicken breasts.
2. Stuff the Chicken Breasts:
- Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast using a sharp knife. Be sure not to cut all the way through; you want to create a pocket for the stuffing.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the prepared spinach mixture. You can use toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary, but be careful when removing them later.
3. Prepare the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Chicken:
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) when done. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- If your chicken breasts are particularly large or thick, you may need a few extra minutes, so be sure to check for doneness.
5. Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked through and the stuffing is bubbly, remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer.
- Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Nutritional Information (per stuffed chicken breast, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- WW Points: 4-5 (depending on the type of cheese used)
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast:
- Quick and Easy: The air fryer cooks the chicken quickly, giving you a juicy, perfectly cooked meal in less time than traditional oven baking.
- Low in Points: This dish is low in WW points, especially when using reduced-fat cream cheese and a light cheese like mozzarella. It’s a great way to enjoy a filling, flavorful dinner without derailing your WW plan.
- Customizable: You can modify the stuffing based on your preferences. Add sun-dried tomatoes, bacon bits, or even artichoke hearts to the stuffing for extra flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute the cream cheese and cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
- Healthy and Satisfying: The combination of lean chicken breast and nutrient-dense spinach makes this meal high in protein and low in carbs, making it a satisfying and healthy choice for any dinner.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can cook several stuffed chicken breasts at once and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat them when you’re ready to eat!
Tips & Variations:
- Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the stuffing for a little heat.
- Vegetarian option: If you want a vegetarian version, you can swap the chicken for tofu or portobello mushrooms and use the same stuffing.
- Add a sauce: You can drizzle a little low-sugar marinara sauce or pesto over the chicken before serving for added flavor.
This Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delicious, healthy, and low-effort meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re following Weight Watchers or just looking for a tasty and nutritious meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your hunger while keeping you on track with your health goals. Enjoy!
