Mediterranean Air-Fryer Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken Thighs
These Mediterranean Air-Fryer Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken Thighs are an easy weeknight dinner that feels special without requiring much prep. Boneless chicken thighs are filled with tender broccoli, tangy feta, melty mozzarella, garlic, and herbs, then cooked in the air fryer until the outside is golden and the center is juicy.
Serve with a fresh Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or warm pita for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
⭐ Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Yield: 4 stuffed chicken thighs
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Category: Dinner
Method: Air Fryer
Difficulty: Easy
🛒 Ingredients
For the Stuffed Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 5–6 oz (140–170 g) each
1 cup finely chopped broccoli, fresh or frozen
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Chicken Exterior:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Small pinch of salt
Freshly ground black pepper
For Serving:
Lemon wedges
Chopped fresh parsley
Extra crumbled feta
Fresh dill, optional
Tzatziki, optional
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Broccoli
If using fresh broccoli, finely chop it into very small pieces.
Steam or microwave the broccoli for 2–3 minutes, just until slightly tender.
Drain very well and allow it to cool.
Chef’s tip: Remove as much moisture as possible. Excess water can make the filling watery and cause the cheese to leak.
2. Make the Mediterranean Filling
In a medium bowl, combine:
- Broccoli
- Mozzarella
- Feta
- Greek yogurt
- Garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Salt
- Black pepper
Mix until evenly combined.
The filling should be creamy but thick enough to hold its shape.
3. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.
Place each thigh between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap.
Gently pound the thickest portions until each piece is relatively even in thickness.
Don’t pound it too thin—you want the chicken to be sturdy enough to hold the filling.
4. Stuff the Chicken
Place approximately ¼ of the broccoli-cheese mixture in the center of each chicken thigh.
Fold the sides of the chicken over the filling, creating a compact roll.
Secure with 1–2 toothpicks.
Don’t overfill the thighs, or the cheese will escape during cooking.
5. Season the Outside
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Brush or rub the mixture over the outside of each stuffed chicken thigh.
6. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Lightly spray or brush the basket with olive oil if needed.
7. Air Fry
Place the stuffed chicken thighs seam-side down in the air fryer basket.
Leave space between the pieces so hot air can circulate.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Carefully turn the chicken and continue cooking for another 8–10 minutes.
8. Check the Temperature
The chicken is safely cooked when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Insert the thermometer into the chicken itself rather than directly into the cheese filling.
If necessary, continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes.
9. Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Carefully remove the toothpicks.
Finish with fresh lemon juice, parsley, feta, and a little fresh dill.
Serve immediately.
🥦 Mediterranean Serving Ideas
Turn this into a complete dinner by serving the stuffed chicken with:
Fresh & Light:
- Greek salad
- Cucumber and tomato salad
- Tzatziki
- Lemon-dressed greens
More Filling:
- Warm pita bread
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Lemon-herb couscous
- Roasted Vegetables
- Zucchini
- Bell peppers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
A spoonful of tzatziki + fresh lemon juice makes an especially good finishing combination.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in protein
- Air-fryer friendly
- Juicy and flavorful
- Packed with broccoli
- Mediterranean-inspired ingredients
- Crispy golden exterior
- Creamy, cheesy center
- Easy enough for a weeknight dinner
- Great with salad, vegetables, rice, or pita
👨🍳 Chef Tips
1. Dry the broccoli really well.
This is one of the most important steps. Watery broccoli can make the filling loose and encourage the cheese to escape.
2. Don’t overstuff.
A smaller amount of filling creates a tighter roll and helps keep the cheese inside.
3. Secure the seam.
Starting seam-side down helps seal the chicken during the first part of cooking. Toothpicks provide extra insurance.
4. Use a thermometer.
Chicken thighs are forgiving, but stuffed chicken is much easier to judge with an instant-read thermometer.
5. Don’t overcrowd the basket.
Air circulation is what gives the chicken its golden exterior.
6. Let it rest.
Five minutes allows the juices to redistribute and the melted cheese to settle slightly.
7. Add lemon at the end.
Fresh lemon juice brightens the rich cheese and brings out the Mediterranean flavors.
📊 Nutrition Information
Per serving — 1 stuffed chicken thigh
Calories: ~390 kcal
Protein: ~39 g
Carbohydrates: ~6 g
Fat: ~23 g
Fiber: ~2 g
Sugar: ~2 g
Sodium: ~650 mg
Note: (Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary according to the size of the chicken thighs, cheese brands, and amount of salt used.)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw it first and squeeze or drain it very well before chopping.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and season the stuffed chicken, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Why is my cheese leaking out?
The most common reasons are overfilling, insufficiently securing the chicken, or a loose seam. Use less filling and place the chicken seam-side down before cooking.
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but chicken thighs are more forgiving and remain juicier in the air fryer. If using breasts, pound them evenly and avoid overcooking.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer. The thickest portion of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).