Air Fryer Stuffed Buffalo Ranch Chicken Breasts
Get ready for a flavor-packed culinary adventure with our Air Fryer Stuffed Buffalo Ranch Chicken Breasts! Bursting with the bold tanginess of Frank’s RedHot sauce, the creamy richness of cream cheese, the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of pepper jack cheese, and the zesty kick of ranch seasoning, these chicken breasts are an absolute taste sensation. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors, perfectly balanced and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a satisfying weeknight meal, these stuffed chicken breasts are sure to impress every palate.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE?
You’ll love this buffalo chicken breast recipe for its irresistible combination of flavors and simplicity. With tender chicken breasts stuffed with creamy cheese filling and seasoned with tangy buffalo sauce and zesty ranch seasoning, each bite is a mouthwatering explosion of taste. Plus, using the air fryer ensures that the chicken comes out perfectly juicy on the inside and delightfully crispy on the outside, all without the need for excessive oil or frying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for gatherings, this recipe ticks all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and satisfaction.
SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE IT:
Chicken Breast Seasoning:
- 4 Chicken Breasts (boneless skinless chicken breasts) – These will serve as the base for the stuffed chicken breasts.
- (2 Tbsp) Olive Oil – Rub all over the breasts to help maintain moisture.
- ½ Cup Hot Sauce – Used to brush on the breasts for added flavor and spiciness.
- ½ Packet Ranch Seasoning – Sprinkled all over the breasts for a tangy and herby flavor, with the packet divided in half. The other half of the ranch seasoning goes in the stuffing.
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder – Adds a savory garlic flavor to the chicken.
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder – Provides a subtle onion flavor to complement the other seasonings.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – Used to season the chicken breasts to taste, enhancing their overall flavor profile.
- 1 Cup Pepper Jack Cheese – Sprinkled on top of each breast before air frying for a melty and spicy kick.
Buffalo RANCH CREAM CHEESE MIXTURE:
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (room temperature) – Forms the creamy base of the stuffing, providing richness and texture.
- ½ Cup Pepper Jack Cheese (shredded) – Mixed with the cream cheese for a gooey and spicy filling.
- ½ Packet Ranch Seasoning – Combined with the cheeses for that classic ranch flavor.
- 2 Tbsp Hot Sauce (Franks Redhot) – Adds heat and Buffalo sauce flavor to the stuffing mixture.
- 1 Tbsp Parsley (fresh for garnish) – Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
- Ranch Dressing (for dipping and serving) – Served alongside the stuffed chicken breasts for additional flavor and creaminess.
WHY USING THE AIR FRYER MAKES THIS RECIPE SO EASY?
This easy air fryer recipe cooks the chicken evenly and quickly without always needing to flip it. Plus, there’s less mess to clean up and you don’t have to deal with splattering oil or turning on the oven. It’s a convenient way to enjoy crispy chicken without the hassle, making mealtime a breeze.
HOW TO PREPARE STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS?
Time needed: 35 minutes
- Prepare the Stuffing:
In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, half of the ranch seasoning packet, and hot sauce. Mix until well combined.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
On a cutting board with a sharp knife; butterfly the chicken breast by slicing horizontally. Make sure you don’t cut all the way through, create a pocket for stuffing. Season the inside of each breast with garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. - Stuff the Chicken Breasts:
Spoon the Buffalo Ranch stuffing mixture into each chicken breast pocket, dividing it evenly among them. Brush the outside of the breast with hot sauce, then sprinkle the remaining half of the ranch seasoning. - Prepare the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and ensure they are not touching. Cooking time is 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees f (74°C), flipping halfway through cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer to double-check the temperature. - Air Fry the Breasts:
Once the breasts are done, sprinkle pepper jack cheese on top and continue air frying until the cheese is melted. - Garnish and Enjoy!
Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the Air Fryer Stuffed Buffalo Ranch Chicken Breasts with extra ranch dressing and hot sauce for dipping and enjoy!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, but generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C). It’s essential to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
Yes, you can customize the recipe by using your favorite cheese. Cream cheese and Pepper Jack cheese add a tangy and spicy flavor, but you can experiment with alternatives like cheddar, mozzarella, or even feta.
To prevent the cheese from oozing out seal the chicken breasts tightly after stuffing them. You can also secure the edges with toothpicks or kitchen twine if necessary.
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can lessen the amount of hot sauce in the stuffing mixture. If you like it spicier, you can add more hot sauce or even add some chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
To keep the chicken breasts moist, avoid overcooking them. Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can affect air circulation and result in uneven cooking. Brush the chicken with a little olive oil or melted butter before cooking to help lock in moisture.
STUFFED BUFFALO CHICKEN RECIPE VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS:
These variations and substitutions can tailor the recipe to suit your tastes making it a family favorite.
- Cheese Options: Pepper Jack cheese adds a spicy kick to the recipe, you can substitute it with your favorite cheese. Different types of cheese including cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, or even blue cheese can all work well.
- Stuffing Ingredients: Feel free to customize the stuffing mixture according to your preferences. Add crispy crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh spinach for extra flavor and texture.
- Sauce Variations: Experiment with different hot sauces to adjust the level of spiciness. Sriracha, Tabasco, or your favorite barbecue sauce can be used instead of Buffalo sauce for a different taste.
- Seasonings: Enhance the flavor of the chicken breasts by incorporating additional seasonings into the dry rub or stuffing mixture. Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning can add depth to the dish.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken breasts with large portobello mushrooms or thick slices of eggplant. Stuff them with the Buffalo ranch mixture and cook them in the air fryer until tender.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you are gluten-sensitive, make sure the ranch seasoning packet and hot sauce are gluten-free.
IS stuffed BUFFALO CHICKEN BREAST A LOW-CARB OPTION?
Yes, air fryer stuffed chicken breast can be a low-carb meal, particularly when made with low-carb ingredients. By using chicken breast and incorporating low carb ingredients like hot sauce, ranch seasoning, and cheese, this recipe is very flavorful. Additionally, the air fryer helps to reduce the need for additional oils or breading, keeping the carb count low. Add a low-carb side like roasted vegetables or a salad for a delicious option to those watching their carb intake.
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST?
To store leftover juicy chicken breasts, let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Be sure to wrap it tightly in aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken breast back in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through. Another option is to microwave it on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes. You can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
CAN LEFTOVER BUFFALO CHICKEN BREAST BE FROZEN AND THAWED?
Yes, leftover stuffed buffalo chicken breast can be frozen for later consumption. To freeze, wrap the chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer bag. Make sure they are completely cooled before freezing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the frozen chicken breasts to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat them using any of these cooking methods like the air fryer, microwave, oven, or skillet.
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Air Fyer Stuffed Buffalo Ranch Chicken Breasts
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Chicken Breast Seasoning:
- 4 Chicken Breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- ½ Cup Hot Sauce (to brush on the breasts)
- ½ Packet Ranch Seasoning (sprinkle all over the breasts)(ranch packet divided in half)
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1 Cup Pepper Jack Cheese (sprinkle and melt on top of each breast once air-fried)
Buffalo Ranch Stuffing:
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (room temperature)
- ½ Cup Pepper Jack Cheese (shredded)
- ½ Packet Ranch Seasoning (divided in half)
- 2 Tbsp Hot Sauce (Franks Redhot)
- 1 Tbsp Parsley (fresh for garnish)
- Ranch Dressing (for dipping and serving)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, half of the ranch seasoning packet, hot sauce, and fresh parsley to make the Buffalo Ranch stuffing. Mix until well combined.
- On a cutting board with a sharp knife; butterfly the chicken breast by slicing horizontally. Make sure you don't cut all the way through, create a pocket for stuffing. Season the inside of each breast with garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Spoon the Buffalo Ranch stuffing mixture into each chicken breast pocket, dividing it evenly among them. Brush the outside of the breast with hot sauce, then sprinkle the remaining half of the ranch seasoning.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and make sure they are not touching. Cooking time is 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), flipping halfway through cooking. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to double-check the temperature.
- Once the chicken breasts are almost done, sprinkle pepper jack cheese on top of each breast and continue air frying until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Air Fryer Stuffed Buffalo Ranch Chicken Breasts with extra ranch dressing and hot sauce for dipping and enjoy!