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Keto Cheesy Chicken in the Air Fryer Recipe

4.5 from 143 reviews

This Keto Cheesy Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy broccoli topping, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a quick, low-carb, and flavorful meal. With a golden, bubbly cheese crust and a hint of garlic and onion, this dish is perfect for a satisfying keto-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (over 8 oz each)

Cheese Mixture

  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup raw broccoli, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, crushed garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
  2. Incorporate broccoli: Finely chop the raw broccoli into very small pieces to ensure even distribution and mix them into the cheese mixture, creating a cohesive filling.
  3. Prep the chicken: Place the raw chicken breasts on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to make crosshatch or diamond-shaped cuts on the top surface, being careful not to slice all the way through. This helps the cheese mixture penetrate the chicken for enhanced flavor.
  4. Stuff the chicken: Evenly spread the cheese and broccoli mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure some of the filling seeps into the crevices formed by the crosshatch cuts for a deliciously stuffed effect.
  5. Air fryer setup: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Gently place the prepared chicken breasts inside the basket in a single layer.
  6. Cook the chicken: Set the air fryer to 370°F and cook the chicken for 15 minutes or until the cheese topping turns golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to ensure it is safely cooked through.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a moist and tender bite.
  8. Storage: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken breasts are relatively thick and uniform for even cooking.
  • Using finely chopped broccoli helps it cook through quickly and integrate well with the cheese mixture.
  • The crosshatch cuts help the stuffing penetrate and infuse flavor but be careful not to cut all the way through.
  • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for food safety.
  • Mayonnaise adds moisture and richness, but can be omitted for a dairy-only version.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispness.

Keywords: Keto chicken, cheesy chicken, air fryer chicken, low carb chicken, keto dinner, air fryer recipe