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If you’re craving a flavorful, low-carb dinner that’s packed with cheesy goodness, this recipe is calling your name. Air fryer cheesy bacon Hasselback chicken takes tender chicken breasts and transforms them into melty, crispy masterpieces with layers of cheese, smoky bacon and a pop of spinach. Everything comes together beautifully in the air fryer for a quick weeknight meal. It’s rich, satisfying and guaranteed to win over cheese lovers. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and the bold, indulgent flavors it offers in every bite.
Air fryer cheesy bacon Hasselback chicken is loaded with melty cheese, crispy bacon and fresh spinach, all packed into juicy chicken breasts for a crave-worthy dinner.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like mac and beer cheese, cider brined turkey breast, corn casserole, or pesto crusted salmon filets.
Why You’ll Love It
Cheesy and savory: With five kinds of cheese, every bite is rich and indulgent.
Quick to cook: The air fryer gets it done fast with minimal cleanup.
Low carb friendly: Great for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
Loaded with flavor: Bacon, garlic and paprika add bold taste.
Easy prep: Simple slicing and stuffing makes this dish a breeze.
Air Fryer Hasselback Chicken with Cheese and Bacon Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Chicken breasts: A hearty, lean protein base for the recipe.
Cream cheese: Adds creamy texture and rich flavor to the filling.
Colby jack cheese: Mild and melty, perfect for stuffing.
Pepper jack cheese: Brings just a little kick of spice.
Cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and depth.
Cooked bacon: Crispy and smoky, perfect with cheese.
Spinach: Brings freshness and color to balance the richness.
Garlic: Adds savory depth to the filling.
Spices: Smoked paprika, black pepper and salt season the chicken perfectly.
Bocconcini: Mini mozzarella balls that melt beautifully on top.
How to Make Hasselback Chicken in an Air Fryer
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make the slits: Cut about 6 deep slits into each chicken breast without cutting through.
Mix the filling: Combine all the remaining ingredients except the bocconcini in a bowl.
Stuff the chicken: Fill the slits with the cheese mixture and top with bocconcini.
Air fry the chicken: Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, spray lightly with oil and cook until done.
Substitutions and Variations
Swap the cheeses: Use mozzarella or Swiss instead of pepper jack or colby jack.
Add herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme can bring a fresh herbal note.
Bacon: For a lighter version, turkey bacon works well too, or you could substitute bacon bits.
Try kale: Swap spinach for kale or another leafy green if preferred. Or try mushrooms instead.
Serving Suggestions
With potatoes: Pair your air fried Hasselback stuffed chicken with smashed potato salad, garlic mashed potatoes or one of these sweet potato recipes.
With a salad: Enjoy one of these Italian summer salads on the side.
With vegetables: Serve your Hasselback chicken breasts with garlic green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts.
How to Store Hasselback Chicken with Bacon
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: You can warm it back up in the air fryer or oven.
Top Tips
Slice evenly: Make sure your slits are deep enough to hold filling but not all the way through.
Don’t overstuff: Too much filling can spill out and burn in the air fryer.
Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Hasselback Chicken with Bacon FAQs
No, the chicken should be fully thawed so you can easily cut and fill the slits.
Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 375°F until the chicken is fully cooked.
Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken Recipe
Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
- 4 Ounces cream cheese, half a block
- ½ Cup colby jack cheese, shredded
- ½ Cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- ½ Cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ Cup bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 Cup spinach, fresh, chopped
- 1 Teaspoon garlic, fresh, minced
- 1 Teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ Teaspoon salt
- ½ Teaspoon black pepper
- ½ Cup bocconcini, mini mozzarella balls
- nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
Instructions
- Make about 6 slits across the top of each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through.
- In a bowl, combine the remaining ingredients except the bocconcini and mix well.
- Fill each slit with the cheese mixture and top with a couple bocconcini balls.
- Place each chicken breast in the air fryer basket and spray with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray. Place the basket in the air fryer.
- Set the air fryer for 360 degrees F for 15 minutes. Check for doneness, if not completely cooked, cook for an additional minute or two.
Notes
Don’t overstuff: Too much filling can spill out and burn in the air fryer.
Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Nutrition
Whether you’re serving it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this air fryer cheesy bacon Hasselback chicken is a surefire hit. The mix of rich cheeses, savory bacon and tender chicken in this creamy bacon chicken dish is irresistible, especially when made with minimal effort in the air fryer. This cheesy air fryer chicken dinner recipe quick, satisfying and packed with flavor, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Pair it with your favorite veggies or salad for a complete, comforting meal.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
The cheesy bacon hasselback chicken was a winner! Loved the flavor combo, especially the bacon.
This chicken is loaded with cheese and bacon—so delicious and perfect for busy nights!
So happy I tried this recipe—it’s easy and incredibly delicious!
Absolutely perfect! This dish was so satisfying to the point that you’ll make this over and over! 👌
Wow, what a fantastic dish! The ingredients blended perfectly, creating a scrumptious meal. I’ll be making this one often. Already excited to give it another go!