This Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast is a fun twist on dinner! Juicy chicken is filled with pepperoni, gooey cheese, and all your favorite pizza toppings, making it a total crowd-pleaser.
Cooking it in the air fryer means it’s crispy on the outside and super tasty on the inside. I love serving mine with a side salad—it feels fancy but is so easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, as they create a perfect pocket for stuffing. If you prefer, you can substitute with turkey breasts for a leaner option or use thighs for a juicier bite.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara saves time, but homemade is often richer in flavor. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, consider using a fresh tomato sauce instead.
Cheeses: Mozzarella brings gooeyness, but you can swap it with provolone or ricotta for different flavors. Parmesan adds a nice sharpness, but nutritional yeast is a great vegan alternative.
Pepperoni: While pepperoni is a classic choice for the filling, try using turkey pepperoni for a lighter option, or even grilled vegetables for a veggie version.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning is a wonderful blend, but you can mix your own with dried basil, oregano, and thyme if you like. Adding crushed red pepper adds a nice kick!
How Do I Properly Stuff the Chicken Breasts?
Creating a pocket in the chicken breast is simple, but it’s important to be cautious. Here’s how to do it correctly:
- Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken breast horizontally. Aim for the center but stop just before cutting all the way through.
- Make sure to create a deep enough pocket to hold all the delicious stuffing without it spilling out.
- If the pockets seem too small, gently adjust the cut, but be careful not to create holes.
- Once stuffed, securing the opening with toothpicks helps keep the filling inside while cooking, but remember to remove them before serving!
How to Make Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 18-22 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, in total, you’ll need about 30-35 minutes to have your delicious Pizza Stuffed Chicken ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
First, set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot for cooking the chicken perfectly.
2. Make the Pizza Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and set this tasty filling aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
Take your boneless chicken breasts and carefully slice each one horizontally. You want to create a pocket for the pizza filling, but be cautious not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Using a spoon, fill each chicken breast pocket with an equal amount of your delicious pizza filling. If the pockets are a bit open, feel free to secure them with toothpicks to keep all that yumminess inside while cooking.
5. Get Ready to Cook:
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. This is an important step for easy cleanup!
6. Cook the Stuffed Chicken:
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd them so they cook evenly. Now, cook the chicken for 18-22 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Rest and Garnish:
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken nice and juicy. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
8. Enjoy:
Your Pizza Stuffed Chicken is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it up and relish the delicious flavors inside!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute mozzarella with any cheese that melts well, such as provolone, fontina, or even cheddar. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly depending on your cheese choice. If you prefer a stronger flavor, consider adding a bit of goat cheese along with mozzarella for a nice twist.
How Do I Know When the Chicken is Cooked Through?
The best way to check if your chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, make sure there’s no pink meat and the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts a day ahead. Just cover them well and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. When it’s time to air fry, you might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time if they are chilled.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This will help keep them crispy on the outside!
