I love to make air fryer hasselback chicken – it’s simple, highly customizable, and perfect for even a busy weeknight. While there are a ton of different filling options you can experiment with, caprese is one of my favorites, with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes, for a delicious bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed With Flavor: The signature sliced “hasselback” cuts allow for stuffing with cheese, veggies, or seasonings, infusing flavor deep into the chicken. It’s the same premise as my Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes, just with a protein this time!
- Quick and Crispy: The air fryer gives you juicy meat inside with a lightly crisped, golden exterior, without needing excess oil or time
- Customizable & Impressive: It looks gourmet but is easy to make, and you can adapt the fillings to suit anything from comfort food cravings to low-carb diets. This caprese version is naturally gluten free!
- Great for Meal Prep: It reheats well and holds its shape, making it ideal for prepping in advance without sacrificing presentation
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Ingredients List
- 3-4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 3-4 Roma tomatoes, sliced into ¼” – ½” thick medallions
- 8 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced into ½” thick medallions then cut in half)
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 Tbsp balsamic glaze
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Use thick chicken breasts (not thin sliced) so they hold up to the hasselback cuts well
- You can swap in other tomatoes if desired, but very large ones may need to be further cut to fit in the chicken
- All seasonings are adjustable to taste, including omission if preferred
- The amount of ingredients you need will vary with the size and number of chicken breasts used – generally assume 1 tomato, 3-4 full slices mozzarella (so you get 6-8 when cut in half), and 6-8 basil leaves per breast
Filling Variations
- Jalapeño Popper: cream cheese, diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), shredded cheddar cheese or pepper jack, crumbled bacon (optional)
- Ranch: cream cheese or ranch-seasoned Greek yogurt, shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack, chopped green onions or chives, cooked crumbled bacon (optional)
- Spinach and Cheese: sautéed spinach (fresh or thawed from frozen and drained), garlic and herb cream cheese or ricotta, mozzarella or feta, dash of nutmeg or red pepper flakes for depth or spice
- Chicken Cordon Bleu: thin-sliced ham or prosciutto, Swiss or Gruyère cheese, Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy layer)
- Fajita: cooked bell peppers and onions (sautéed or air-fried), taco or fajita seasoning, shredded Mexican cheese blend, optional: a dollop of guacamole or salsa on top after cooking
- Garlic Mushroom: sautéed mushrooms with garlic and thyme, Gruyère, Swiss, or provolone, and a dab of cream cheese or bechamel for extra richness
- French Onion: Caramelized onions, Gruyère or Swiss cheese, and a smear of Dijon mustard for zing
- Broccoli Bacon Cheddar: finely chopped steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar, crispy crumbled bacon, and a spoonful of ranch or sour cream to bind
- Buffalo Chicken: buffalo sauce, Cream cheese or blue cheese crumbles, mozzarella or Monterey Jack
Step By Step Instructions
- Use a sharp knife to cut your chicken breast widthwise about ¾” apart, stopping about ½” from the bottom (do not cut all the way through). Tip: use two wooden spoons or chopsticks on either side of the chicken to serve as “stoppers” so your knife can’t go all the way through accidentally
- Season the chicken with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning (make sure to get some into the cuts as well)
- Into each cut, insert one slice of tomato, one leaf of basil, and one slice of fresh mozzarella. If your breasts are smaller, you can alternate 1 piece of cheese and then 1 slice tomato and a basil leaf in the cuts
- Place the stuffed chicken breast into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, allowing air space between them
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for to 15-20 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F in the center
- Drizzle with balsamic graze, sprinkle with extra fresh basil if desired, then serve with your favorite sides!
Pairing Suggestions
Side Dishes
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes – Crispy and buttery with a mild flavor that doesn’t overwhelm the Caprese filling
- Balsamic-Glazed Brussels Sprouts – Roasted or air fried, they echo the balsamic drizzle often used on Caprese dishes. For a quick option, try my honey balsamic Microwave Brussels Sprouts
- Pesto Pasta Salad – Cold pasta tossed with pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls for a light, matching vibe
- Arugula or Fresh Spinach Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – Peppery greens complement the basil and mozzarella nicely!
- Grilled Corn on the Cob with Basil Butter – Adds sweetness and ties in with the fresh herb flavors
- Roasted Veggies – try roasted zucchini, summer squash, green beans, bell pepper, or red onions, especially when paired with a little balsamic for a complimentary flavor!
Drink Pairings
- Dry White Wine – A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works beautifully with mozzarella and basil
- Sparkling Water with Lemon or Cucumber – For a non-alcoholic option that’s refreshing and palate-cleansing!
- Light Rosé – Crisp and slightly fruity, this is a summery match that plays well with tomatoes and cheese
- Limoncello Spritz – If you’re leaning into Italian flavors, this light cocktail adds zing and fun. A Lemon Drop Martini is another great choice!
Bread and Grains
- Garlic Bread or Crostini – Great for soaking up juices or balsamic glaze
- Quinoa with Cherry Tomatoes and Herbs – Adds protein and texture, while mirroring the Caprese flavors. You can even add roasted Air Fryer Cherry Tomatoes!
- Orzo with Spinach and Parmesan Cheese – Creamy, tender pasta that doesn’t overshadow the chicken (rice works well too)
Recipe FAQs
Why Is It Called Hasselback Chicken?
The term “Hasselback” refers to the slicing technique, where cuts are made partway through the meat (or potato, in the original Swedish dish) to create pockets for fillings or seasonings.
Hasselback chicken uses this method to stuff ingredients like cheese, vegetables, or herbs into the slits for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.
How Do You Keep Chicken Moist?
To keep chicken moist, avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer. Pull it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can also brush the chicken with olive oil, use juicy fillings, or marinate beforehand to lock in moisture.
What Type Of Cheese For Stuffed Chicken?
Mozzarella, provolone, cream cheese, feta, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar all work well depending on your flavor profile. For a Caprese-style stuffed chicken, fresh mozzarella is classic; for jalapeño popper versions, cream cheese and cheddar are ideal.
Tips For the Best Hasselback Chicken
- Cooking times can vary a lot between air fryers and based on the size and thickness of your specific chicken breast. An instant read thermometer is your best bet to ensure your chicken is fully cooked (165°F) in the center. My times are based on a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer, not preheated
- You can add the basil in after cooking if you prefer, since it does get a bit crispy in the air fryer. If you want it fresh and vibrant, slide it in the spaces before adding the balsamic drizzle
- If you’re using a soft cheese filling (like cream cheese) make sure to spread the mixture well into the cuts and don’t overpack it too much, since it gets very soft
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days
- Freezer: You can freeze cooked, cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn. Note that if your stuffing includes fresh herbs or delicate veggies (like tomatoes), freezing may change the texture slightly
Reheating Tips
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5-8 minutes, checking that the center is hot (165°F)
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, loosely covered with foil
- Microwave: Use short bursts on medium power to avoid drying it out. Add a splash of broth or water and cover with a microwave-safe lid for best results
More Chicken Recipes
- Aldi Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
- Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
- Air Fryer Alice Springs Chicken
Final Thoughts
This tasty air fryer hasselback chicken recipe is one of my favorites since it’s so customizable. You can make the same recipe and change up the fillings and enjoy different flavors any night of the week! It’s also suitable for a variety of diets – this version is naturally gluten free for example.
While this caprese combination of tomato, basil, and mozzarella is a classic Italian-inspired cheesy hasselback chicken option, it’s delicious with lots of other flavors too. Thanks to the air fryer, your chicken cooks up fast, juicy, and simple enough for a weeknight.
Katie’s tip
If you have more fresh summer tomatoes to use up, check out all of my Air Fryer Tomato Recipes for more inspiration, from appetizers to weeknight meals!
Caprese Hasselback Chicken (Air Fryer)
Servings: 4
This hasselback chicken breast is sliced, stuffed with Italian inspired caprese toppings, then cooked to juicy perfection in your air fryer. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for dinner!
Equipment
- 2 Wooden spoons (or similar; to serve as cutting guides)
- Flat spatula (recommended)
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, and trimmed if desired)
- 4 Roma tomatoes (sliced into ¼” – ½” thick medallions)
- 8 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced into ½” thick medallions then cut in half)
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 Tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Use a sharp knife to cut your chicken breast widthwise about ¾” apart, stopping about ½” from the bottom (do not cut all the way through). Tip: use two wooden spoons or chopsticks on either side of the chicken to serve as “stoppers” so your knife can’t go all the way through accidentally4 chicken breasts
- Season the chicken with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning (make sure to get some into the cuts as well)½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Into each cut, insert one slice of tomato, one leaf of basil, and one slice of fresh mozzarella. If your breasts are smaller, you can alternate 1 piece of cheese and then 1 slice tomato and a basil leaf in the cuts. You can also add the basil after cooking if preferred4 Roma tomatoes, 8 slices fresh mozzarella cheese, 12 fresh basil leaves
- Place the stuffed chicken breast into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, allowing air space between them
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for to 15-20 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F in the center
- Drizzle with balsamic graze, then serve with your favorite sides!1 Tbsp balsamic glaze
Notes
- Cooking times are based on my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer, but can vary between different air fryers and based on the size and thickness of your specific chicken breast, so adjust as needed for your specific setup
- Use thick chicken breasts (not thin sliced) so they hold up to the hasselback cuts well
- You can swap in other tomatoes if desired, but very large ones may need to be further cut to fit in the chicken
- All seasonings are adjustable to taste, including omission if preferred. See my full article above for different variations to try!
- The amount of ingredients you can will vary with the size and number of chicken breasts used – generally assume 1 tomato, 3-4 full slices mozzarella (so you get 6-8 when cut in half), and 6-8 basil leaves per breast
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, size, and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Serving: 397g | Calories: 492kcal | Carbohydrates: 8.3g | Protein: 72g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8.6g | Cholesterol: 229mg | Sodium: 347mg | Potassium: 1066mg | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 1.7g | Vitamin A: 184.7IU | Vitamin C: 8.8mg | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 1.3mg
