Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken with Bacon, BBQ Sauce, and Cheddar Recipe
Introduction
Air fryer hunter’s chicken is a delicious, smoky dish perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Wrapped in crispy bacon and topped with barbecue sauce and melted cheddar, it’s full of flavor and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 small skinless chicken breasts or 1 large, cut in half lengthways
- 4-6 rashers smoked streaky bacon
- 3 tbsp thick barbecue sauce
- 40g cheddar, grated
- Seasonal vegetables, for serving
- Potato wedges, for serving
- Ketchup, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F).
- Step 2: Wrap each chicken breast with bacon rashers widthways. If the chicken breasts are very thick, cook them in the air fryer for 10 minutes first before wrapping in bacon.
- Step 3: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Brush the chicken all over with barbecue sauce and sprinkle with grated cheddar (use as much cheese as you like).
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese has melted.
- Step 6: Serve hot with seasonal vegetables, potato wedges, and ketchup on the side.
Tips & Variations
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the barbecue sauce before brushing.
- Swap the cheddar for mozzarella or a smoky cheese like smoked gouda for a different cheese taste.
- Use turkey bacon as a lower-fat alternative to streaky bacon.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) means it’s safely cooked.
Storage
Store leftover hunter’s chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to keep the bacon crisp and the chicken tender. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking in the air fryer. If you use frozen chicken, increase cooking time and check doneness carefully.
What sides go well with hunter’s chicken?
Seasonal vegetables, potato wedges, and ketchup are classic accompaniments. You can also serve it with a simple salad, coleslaw, or garlic bread for a more filling meal.
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Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken with Bacon, BBQ Sauce, and Cheddar Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Air fryer hunter’s chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts wrapped in smoky bacon, topped with tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, this flavorful meal pairs wonderfully with seasonal vegetables, crispy potato wedges, and ketchup for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Bacon
- 2 small skinless chicken breasts or 1 large chicken breast cut in half lengthways
- 4–6 rashers smoked streaky bacon
Toppings
- 3 tbsp thick barbecue sauce
- 40g cheddar, grated
To Serve
- Seasonal vegetables
- Potato wedges
- Ketchup
Instructions
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) to ensure it reaches the right cooking temperature before adding the chicken.
- Wrap the Chicken: Take the chicken breasts and wrap them widthways with the smoked streaky bacon rashers. If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, you may cut one large breast in half lengthways.
- Initial Cooking for Thick Chicken: For thick chicken breasts, cook them uncovered in the air fryer for 10 minutes first to start the cooking process and ensure even cooking.
- Cook Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes. This allows the bacon to render its fat and become crispy while cooking the chicken through.
- Add Barbecue Sauce and Cheese: Remove the chicken carefully, brush all over with the thick barbecue sauce, then sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top. You may use less than the entire 40g depending on your preference.
- Final Cooking: Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese has melted and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 75°C or 165°F).
- Serve: Plate the hunter’s chicken with a side of seasonal vegetables, crispy potato wedges, and ketchup for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- If your chicken breasts are very thick, cooking them initially for 10 minutes before wrapping ensures even cooking.
- You can substitute cheddar with another type of melting cheese if preferred.
- Adjust barbecue sauce quantity according to taste.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is safely cooked through.
- Potato wedges can be cooked separately in the air fryer for a consistent crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: hunter’s chicken, air fryer chicken, bacon wrapped chicken, barbecue chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe
