Make this Air Fryer Hunters Chicken at home with our quick, easy, and flavor-packed recipe. Juicy chicken breast, crispy bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all in under 30 minutes! A must-try meat recipe from www.bbrecipes.com.

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food that feels indulgent but fits a modern, quick-prep lifestyle, Air Fryer Hunters Chicken wins every time. Traditionally made in the oven and served in pubs across the UK, this dish is rich with flavor, protein-packed, and endlessly satisfying. But we’re making it faster and just as delicious—using the air fryer.

So why try this Air Fryer Hunters Chicken recipe? First, it cuts down cooking time without compromising on that crispy bacon and juicy chicken combo. Second, it’s an all-in-one meat dish loaded with barbecue flavor and cheesy goodness. And lastly, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, protein-rich diets, or anyone who wants an easy homemade meal that feels like a cheat meal (but isn’t).

Let’s dive into this simple yet irresistible air fryer classic.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make Air Fryer Hunters Chicken at home:

Ingredient	Amount
Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)	2 large
Smoked back bacon or streaky bacon	4 slices
BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)	1/2 cup
Cheddar cheese (grated)	1 cup
Olive oil	1 tbsp
Salt	1/2 tsp
Ground black pepper	1/4 tsp
Garlic powder (optional)	1/2 tsp

Optional Add-ons: Jalapeños, red onion slices, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Serves 2)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520
Protein	48g
Carbs	8g
Fat	32g
Saturated Fat	14g
Sodium	850mg

This meat recipe is high in protein and relatively low in carbs, making it a great choice for low-carb and keto diets.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This adds flavor and helps the meat stay juicy.

Step 3: Wrap with Bacon

Wrap each seasoned chicken breast with two slices of bacon. Tuck the ends underneath or secure them with toothpicks if needed.

Step 4: Air Fry

Place the wrapped chicken in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Add BBQ Sauce and Cheese

Once the chicken is cooked, brush generously with BBQ sauce and sprinkle grated cheese on top. Return to the air fryer for 2–3 more minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Step 6: Serve

Carefully remove the Air Fryer Hunters Chicken and let it rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This rich and flavorful dish pairs beautifully with:

Mashed potatoes or fries
Steamed green beans or peas
Coleslaw or side salad
Buttered corn on the cob
Grilled vegetables

You can also slice it up and serve in a sandwich roll for a cheesy BBQ chicken melt!

Pro Tips

Make your Air Fryer Hunters Chicken even better with these simple tips:

Use room temperature chicken for even cooking.
Choose thick-cut bacon for extra texture and flavor.
Line the air fryer with parchment or foil to catch drips and ease cleanup.
Test doneness with a meat thermometer.
Rest the chicken before slicing to retain juices.

These tips ensure the perfect bite every single time.

Variations

Looking to mix it up? Try one of these recipe variations:

Spicy Hunter’s Chicken

Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce before topping.

Vegetarian Alternative

Swap chicken for thick slices of grilled halloumi or tofu and use veggie bacon.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and double-check your bacon packaging.

Turkey Hunters Chicken

Substitute turkey breast for a leaner meat alternative with similar flavor.

These variations make this dish adaptable to many dietary lifestyles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Thaw the chicken fully before cooking to ensure even heating and safe cooking.

Q: What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
A: Choose a smoky, thick sauce—homemade or store-bought depending on preference.

Q: Can I meal prep this?
A: Yes! Cook the chicken fully, refrigerate for up to 3 days, and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe without bacon?
A: Absolutely. Skip the bacon or use a vegetarian or turkey substitute.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Hunters Chicken recipe combines everything we love about classic comfort food—savory chicken, crispy bacon, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese—with the speed and ease of air frying. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even impressing guests without the stress.

Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments. Don’t forget to explore more quick and flavorful meat recipes at www.bbrecipes.com go-to source for easy, delicious homemade meals.

Bookmark this dish, share it with friends, and come back soon for more easy air fryer recipes and weeknight dinner ideas!