As someone who’s spent years testing air fryer hacks, I can confidently say Barber Foods Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a game-changer. Forget slaving over traditional frying methods—this recipe uses your Instant Pot or air fryer to lock in a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the interior bursting with juicy, cheesy broccoli stuffing. The flavor? Imagine tender meat with a charred, flavorful crust competing with restaurant-quality dishes (yes, even that Caprese Stuffed Chicken you love).
What makes this delicious? It’s all in the frozen, pre-stuffed chicken breast from Barber Foods—no messy cooking required. Just toss it in the air fryer, and in minutes, you’ve got a dinner that’s easy, kid-approved, and smells way better thanks to fewer odors (goodbye, strong cruciferous vegetable stink!). Pro tip: Pair it with rice pilaf or a light salad. Trust me, once you switch to this method, you’ll never go back to plain chicken again.
Ingredients Barber foods brocoli stuffed chicken instant pot recipe
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (¾ to 1-inch thick)
- 2 cups cooked, chopped broccoli florets
- Sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella for a creamy, decadent filling
- Cream cheese to add richness to the stuffing
- Garlic powder, salt, and pepper for savory seasoning
- Good Stuff blend (my go-to brand for meats—trust me, it’s the best)
- 1 egg to bind the luscious broccoli-cheese mixture
- Olive oil spray for a light, keto-friendly cook
- Frozen Barber Foods Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast (for shortcuts!)
- Panko breadcrumbs or Mayo coating for optional crispy breading
- Italian seasoning and onion powder for extra flavor depth
- Ricotta cheese to balance the sharpness of cheddar
- ½ cup milk for a smoother soup base (if using canned broccoli-cheese soup)
- 4 baked potatoes as a hearty side (optional)
- Shredded cheese for topping melted perfection
- ½ tsp mustard for a tangy kick in the mix
- Frozen broccoli pieces for added texture
- Low-carb tweaks: skip breadcrumbs, use oil rub instead
- Air fryer-friendly method for crispy, golden results
- 2 boxes pre-stuffed Barber Foods chicken for ultimate convenience
Instructions Barber foods broccoli stuffed chicken instant pot recipe
1. Prep the Broccoli
Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper—roast in the air fryer until slightly browned and tender. I skip boiling/steaming; roasting adds a charred exterior and deepens the flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese stuffing.
2. Mix the Stuffing
In a large bowl, mix cooked broccoli, shredded cheddar, ricotta, egg, and seasoning (I swear by Good Shit Seasoning). Use your hands—it’ll feel sticky, but that’s how the stuffing holds its shape inside the chicken.
3. Preheat & Prep Chicken
Preheat air fryer to 390°F. Butterfly chicken breasts by slicing a pocket into the center (don’t cut through!). Season the inside with garlic powder, salt, and a teaspoon of your preferred blend.
4. Secure with Toothpicks
Stuff each breast with 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture, then close with toothpicks. No toothpicks? Tie with kitchen string—prevents the stuffing from spilling and ruining your presentation.
5. Air Fry to Perfection
Place chicken in the basket, spray lightly with oil, and cook for 14-18 minutes (flip halfway using spatulas). Check the internal temp hits 165°F. My Ninja 6-in-1 nails that crispy, golden finish every time.
6. Serving
Serve with drizzled potatoes (wrap in foil, cook in crock pot for 5-8 hours) or garnish with extra cheddar. For crunch, dip in egg + Panko, bake at 350°F until browned, then broil briefly.
Barber Chicken In Air Fryer
Let’s cut to the chase: Barber Foods Stuffed Chicken is my go-to when I’m pressed for time but still want a favorite meal that feels gourmet. As someone who’s tested countless easy hacks for frozen meals, I can vouch that tossing these chicken breasts (yes, straight from the box!) into the air fryer is a game-changer. No need to thaw—just cook them frozen at 390°F, and in 20 minutes, you’ll have crispy-outside, juicy-inside chicken stuffed with broccoli and cheese.
What I love? It’s quick enough for a fast lunch but fancy enough for dinner. The air fryer locks in flavor without the mess of traditional cooking, and the stuffed breast stays tender every time. Pro tip: Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread. Trust me, even picky eaters won’t compete with this one.
Variations
This recipe is wildly versatile—swap the broccoli for spinach, asparagus, or even air-fryer onions and mushrooms if you’re feeling fancy. I’ve used goat cheese for tang, feta for saltiness, and even creamy Brie when I’m hosting friends. Hate prepping veggies? Grab frozen mixes to save time. The stuffing holds up beautifully no matter what vegetables or cheese types you pick.
No air fryer? No sweat. Bake it in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F. I’ve tested both methods, and while the air fryer gives a crispier crust, the oven works perfectly for larger batches. Pro tip: Parmesan sprinkled on top before baking adds a golden crunch my kids fight over.
Leftovers
Don’t let leftover broccoli cheese stuffed chicken go to waste! If you’ve got extra broccoli and cheese mix after prepping, toss it into Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Bites—a nutritious snack perfect for game-day gatherings with friends. I’ve found that storing uncooked stuffed chicken in the freezer (sealed in an air-tight container) is a meal prep lifesaver; just thaw and follow the recipe card’s cooking directions when ready to cook. For cooked leftovers, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days or freeze for 5 days. To revive them, reheat in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes until warmed through—this keeps the texture crisp, unlike microwaving. Pro tip: If your prepped chicken feels dry after cooled, drizzle a little broth before reheating. Save every bite—those leftovers can transform into tomorrow’s lunch or a quick dinner!
Notes
- Breading is optional—skip it for low-carb, keto-friendly meals by rubbing chicken breast with oil and seasoning, but for crunch, dip in egg wash + Panko/breadcrumbs (my Mayo-coated hack adds extra flavor).
- Swap broccoli with spinach, asparagus, or Air Fryer Mushrooms; cheese lovers can use feta, Parmesan, goat cheese, or Brie for the stuffing.
- Cook in Air fryer (faster) or bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until internal temp hits 165°F—brush with egg mixture if tricky to coat.
- Prep ahead: Freeze uncooked, Panko-crusted chicken (spritz cooking spray before baking for crisp browns).
- Broccoli mix leftovers? Toss into Air Fryer onions for next-day enjoyment.
Where can you find Barber Foods Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast?
Head straight to the freezer section at your local Walmart—this fully cooked chicken variety usually sits on the top shelf beside other frozen products. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve added this to my Grocery Pickup Order; it’s my favorite hack for quick meals when I’m too busy to browse aisles. Pro tip: While you’re picking up your groceries, suggest tossing in extra easy-to-cook sides like rice or steamed veggies. No thawing needed—just press “start” on your Instant Pot, and dinner’s ready in
Nutritions
1piece delivers 510kcal with 56g Protein and 29g Fat (including 15g Saturated). Packed with 1125mg Potassium, 479mg Calcium, and 1568IU Vitamin A for nutrients. Split into 4Servings for lighter meals (~1kcal each) if watching sodium (862mg).
FAQS
Q: Can I use other frozen stuffed chicken varieties besides broccoli and cheese?
Absolutely! Barber Foods offers Loaded Baked Potato, Scallops & Lobster Stuffing, and Chicken Parmesan—all work in the Instant Pot. No wrong answers; even brands like Parmesan-stuffed chicken breast from your local grocery store will do.
Q: How long can I save leftovers?
Refrigerate cooled leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the Instant Pot or air fryer—keeps the stuffing crispy!
Q: What sides pair well with this stuffed chicken?
Roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, warm bread, or salads are my go-tos. Options feel endless—even Baked Potato halves or garlicky veggies work.
Barber Foods Broccoli Stuffed Chicken – Instant Pot Magic!
Equipment
- Instant Pot (Air Fryer or Oven)
- Mixing bowls
- Toothpicks/kitchen string
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
For Homemade Version:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups cooked broccoli florets
- ½ cup shredded cheddar + mozzarella
- ¼ cup ricotta/cream cheese
- 1 egg
- Garlic powder salt, pepper
- Olive oil spray
Shortcut Version:
- 2 boxes frozen Barber Foods Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken
- Panko breadcrumbs ,Italian seasoning Optional
Instructions
For Pre-Stuffed Chicken (Shortcut):
- Cook frozen chicken in air fryer at 390°F for 14–18 mins (no thawing).
- Check internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Serve immediately.
For Homemade Stuffed Chicken:
- Butterfly chicken, season inside.
- Mix stuffing: Broccoli, cheeses, egg, spices.
- Stuff chicken, secure with toothpicks.
- Air fry at 390°F for 14–18 mins or bake at 425°F for 20–25 mins.
- Rest 2 mins, then serve.