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Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: June 24, 2020

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Dive into the indulgent world of Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken, a recipe that promises a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making it an irresistible addition to your culinary repertoire.

This dish masterfully combines the tender juiciness of chicken breasts with the savory crunch of bacon, all while being elevated by a gooey, melted cheese center. It’s a symphony of flavors that comes together in the air fryer, offering a healthier take on a decadent treat.

The air fryer works its magic by circulating hot air around the bacon-wrapped chicken, ensuring the bacon crisps beautifully without the need for excessive oil, while the chicken remains succulent and moist. The result is a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours of preparation, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward and quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or when you simply crave something deliciously comforting.

What sets this Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken apart is not just its mouthwatering flavor but also the versatility it offers. Whether you choose to fill the chicken with sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, or any cheese of your liking, each bite promises a burst of melted goodness that complements the smoky bacon wrap perfectly. Paired with your favorite sides or salads, it’s a meal that’s bound to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. So, let’s get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to prepare as it is to devour, all thanks to the convenience and efficiency of air frying.

Suppose you are looking for even more Air Fryer Chicken Recipes. In that case, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER DRY RUBBED CHICKEN WINGS, LEMON PEPPER AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGHS, AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY MUSTARD CHICKEN and AIR FRYER HONEY BALSAMIC CHICKEN.

Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken (1)

Easy Cheddar Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Easy Cheddar Bacon Wrapped Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the juicy tenderness of chicken breasts with the irresistible flavors of cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a meal that’s not only simple to prepare but also packed with rich, satisfying flavors. By wrapping each piece of chicken with bacon, you ensure that the meat remains moist and tender while cooking, with the bacon providing a smoky, savory exterior that’s wonderfully crispy. With the addition of cheddar cheese adds a creamy, tangy layer that melts beautifully, creating a gooey filling that complements the chicken and bacon perfectly.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking for an impressive dish to serve at your next gathering, Easy Cheddar Bacon Wrapped Chicken is sure to be a hit. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served alongside various sides, from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes, making it a substantial main course. The preparation process is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients, yet the result is a dish that looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. This dish not only promises a delicious dining experience but also leaves room for creativity, allowing you to add your favorite herbs and spices to tailor the flavors to your liking.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken is a recipe that epitomizes the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and indulgence, making it a must-try for any home cook. Here’s why you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again:

Flavor Explosion: The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese creates a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. Each component complements the others, resulting in a dish that’s rich in taste and satisfyingly savory.
Quick and Easy: Utilizing an air fryer for this recipe means you can enjoy a meal that feels gourmet without lengthy preparation or cooking times. It’s straightforward and fuss-free, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner plans.
Healthier Option: Air frying the chicken wrapped in bacon allows for a crispy finish without the need for excessive oil, making this a lighter alternative to traditional frying methods. You get all the indulgent flavors with fewer calories.
Versatile Serving: This dish pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides, from fresh salads and steamed vegetables to more hearty options like baked potatoes or rice, allowing you to customize your meal to suit any dietary preference or occasion.
Impressive Presentation: The visual appeal of golden-brown bacon wrapped neatly around succulent chicken breasts, oozing with melted cheese, is undeniably mouthwatering. It’s a dish that looks as good as it tastes, sure to impress family and guests alike.
Customizable: While delicious as is, this recipe is easily adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add herbs and spices to the chicken before wrapping it in bacon for an extra flavor kick.
Minimal Cleanup: The air fryer basket contains any mess, making cleanup a breeze. This is especially appreciated on busy nights when time is of the essence.

Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken is not just a recipe; it’s a revelation in home cooking, offering a perfect balance between gourmet flavor and everyday convenience. It’s sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection, delighting anyone who has the pleasure of tasting it.

Ingredients Needed For Chicken Wrapped In Bacon With Cheese Air Fryer

Dive into the world of comforting flavors with this Chicken Wrapped in Bacon with Cheese recipe, designed specifically for your air fryer. This dish combines the succulence of chicken, the rich taste of cheese, and the crispy delight of bacon, all cooked to perfection with the ease and convenience of air frying. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want to treat your family to a hearty meal, this recipe promises a delectable experience with every bite, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet dish.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, chicken breasts provide a lean, tender base that perfectly absorbs the flavors of the cheese and bacon.
Bacon Strips: Wrapping the chicken in bacon not only infuses it with a smoky flavor but also ensures the chicken remains moist and tender by sealing in the juices during cooking.
Cheddar Cheese: Slices of cheddar cheese melt beautifully inside the wrap, adding a creamy, tangy layer that complements the savory taste of the bacon and chicken.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, salt and pepper enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and bacon, making the dish more vibrant and balanced.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder adds a subtle hint of warmth and depth, elevating the overall taste profile of the dish without overpowering the main ingredients.
Optional Herbs (such as thyme or rosemary): Adding herbs introduces a fresh, aromatic dimension to the dish, allowing you to customize the flavor according to your preferences.

This Air Fryer Chicken Wrapped in Bacon with Cheese is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that promises satisfaction and comfort, all while utilizing the convenience of air frying to achieve a restaurant-quality finish.

How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast In Air Fryer

Cooking Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast in an air fryer is a delicious way to enjoy a gourmet meal with minimal fuss. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this savory dish:

Prepare the Chicken:

Start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Place a slice of cheese inside each pocket. If using herbs, add them inside or on top of the cheese.

Wrap with Bacon:

Carefully wrap 2-3 slices of bacon around each stuffed chicken breast, ensuring the bacon covers most of the chicken. The bacon will help seal the pocket and keep the cheese from leaking out during cooking. Use toothpicks to secure the bacon if necessary.
Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately for an even cook.

Cook:

Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other to allow for proper air circulation.
Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. The exact time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and your air fryer model. Halfway through the cooking time, you may want to flip the chicken breasts to ensure the bacon crisps up evenly on all sides.

Check for Doneness:

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) by using a meat thermometer. The bacon should be crispy and golden brown.

Serve:

Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer, let it rest for a few minutes, and remove any toothpicks before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes the chicken even more tender.

Enjoy:

Serve your Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast hot, with your favorite sides, for a complete meal.

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Recipe Variations

This is a great way to stuff your chicken. Some other great possibilities are:

Stuffing: Add a tablespoon of cooked stuffing. Place underneath the bacon and wrap tightly.
Vegetables: Add broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or diced potatoes underneath the bacon.

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken involves balancing flavors, ensuring proper cooking, and achieving the right texture. Here are some pro tips to help you master this dish:

Select the Right Bacon: Opt for thin to medium-thick bacon. Thick-cut bacon might not cook as evenly or get as crispy as desired in the time it takes for the chicken to cook through.
Secure the Bacon: Use toothpicks to secure the bacon ends to the chicken. This prevents the bacon from unraveling during cooking, ensuring it stays wrapped around the chicken for maximum flavor and moisture retention.
Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before stuffing and wrapping. This promotes even cooking, preventing thinner parts from drying out while the thicker parts finish cooking.
Prevent Cheese Leakage: Try to seal the chicken pocket as well as possible and consider placing the cheese in the center of the chicken, away from the edges. This minimizes cheese leakage during cooking.
Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the bacon-wrapped chicken in batches if necessary to ensure there’s enough space around each piece for the air to circulate. This helps the bacon crisp up evenly.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Starting with a preheated air fryer ensures that the cooking process begins immediately, helping to seal in the juices and make the bacon crispy.
Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking. Remember, the bacon adds additional cooking time compared to plain chicken.
Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and tender bite.
Customize Your Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese for stuffing, such as mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Each cheese brings a unique flavor profile to the dish.
Add Flavor with Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to season the inside of the chicken or even the bacon with your favorite spices or herb blends. This can add an extra layer of flavor that complements the cheese and bacon.

These tips will help you create a deliciously moist and flavorful Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken, with perfectly cooked meat and crispy bacon every time. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and seasonings to make this dish uniquely yours.

Faq’s

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor absorption. If you start with frozen chicken, make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking? Make sure to secure the bacon tightly around the chicken, which helps seal in the cheese. Using toothpicks to hold the bacon in place can also prevent leakage. Additionally, choosing thicker cuts of cheese that melt slower can help retain more cheese inside the chicken.

What types of cheese work best for this recipe? Cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or Gouda, are ideal for this recipe. They provide a nice creamy texture and rich flavor when melted.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. This can help save time on busy days. Remember to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cooking in the air fryer.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The safest way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C). Additionally, the bacon should be crispy, and the chicken should no longer be pink inside.

Can I add other seasonings or marinades to the chicken? Absolutely! Feel free to marinate the chicken beforehand or add your favorite seasonings inside the cheese stuffing or on the outside of the bacon. This can add extra layers of flavor to the dish.

How can I make this dish healthier? Opt for low-fat cheese and consider using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce the overall fat content. Additionally, serving the chicken with a side of vegetables can create a more balanced meal.

What should I do if my air fryer is small and can’t fit all the chicken breasts at once? Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and may prevent the bacon from getting crispy. Keep the first batch warm in the oven while the second batch cooks.

Can I use this method with chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs can also be wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cheese. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly due to the different fat content and thickness of chicken thighs.

How should leftovers be stored and reheated? Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and the bacon is crispy again.

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