Description
Spicy meets creamy in this mouthwatering air fryer jalapeño popper hasselback chicken recipe that combines bold flavors and crispy textures. Cheesy, zesty, and perfectly golden, this dish promises a delightful culinary adventure you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Poultry:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Stuffing Ingredients:
- 120 g (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- 50 g (¼ cup) cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 2 fresh jalapenos, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
Instructions
- Create a creamy, zesty filling by blending cream cheese, cheddar, diced jalapenos, crispy bacon bits, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until uniformly incorporated.
- Select plump chicken breasts and carefully slice horizontal cuts across the top, stopping just short of completely separating the sections to maintain structural integrity.
- Massage the chicken with olive oil, then generously season with smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring the spices penetrate the intricate cut patterns.
- Delicately spoon the jalapeno-cheese mixture into each precise slit, gently pressing to fill every crevice with the decadent filling.
- Activate the air fryer and heat to 200C, allowing it to reach optimal temperature for even cooking.
- Coat the air fryer basket with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and carefully arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-18 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75C and the cheese turns golden and effervescent.
- Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped green onions or chives for a vibrant pop of color and flavor.
- Complement the dish with a crisp salad, roasted seasonal vegetables, or cauliflower rice, and offer guacamole or sour cream as optional indulgent accompaniments.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by removing jalapeno seeds for milder flavor or adding extra chopped peppers for spice enthusiasts.
- Ensure chicken is evenly cut using a sharp knife and wooden spoon trick to prevent accidentally slicing through completely.
- Swap ingredients for dietary needs like using turkey bacon for lower fat, plant-based cream cheese for dairy-free, or Greek yogurt for lighter filling.
- Prevent cheese from leaking by slightly chilling the filling mixture before stuffing and not overfilling the chicken breast cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 754 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg