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Smoked-Cheddar-Stuffed Chicken with Green Apple Slaw

This sophisticated high-protein dish elevates the humble chicken breast into something truly special. Stuffed with a rich blend of smoked cheddar, cream cheese and fresh sage, the chicken is glazed with a sweet and warming maple and whisky basting sauce. The smokiness of the cheese and the depth of the whisky are perfectly balanced by the sweet, sticky glaze, making it a wonderful choice for an autumnal dinner or an elevated weekend barbecue.

To cut through the richness of the stuffed poultry, we serve it with a vibrant green apple slaw. Made with crisp Granny Smith apples, red onion and a zesty lemon-whisky dressing, this salad adds a necessary crunch and acidic brightness. It is an excellent recipe for entertaining, as both the chicken and the basting sauce can be prepared a day in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy with your guests.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Smoked-Cheddar-Stuffed Chicken with Green Apple Slaw

  • 60g coarsely grated smoked cheddar cheese

  • 1 tablespoon plus 60ml pure maple syrup

  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese, room temperature

  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage

  • 4 boneless chicken breast halves with skin and tenderloin attached

  • 60ml Scotch whisky

  • 2 tablespoons (packed) golden brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

  • 1 tablespoon Scotch whisky

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage

  • 1 very large Granny Smith apple, halved, cored, cut into matchstick-size strips (about 400g )

  • 40g paper-thin slices red onion

  • 2 spring onions, chopped

  • Nonstick vegetable oil spray

How to make Smoked-Cheddar-Stuffed Chicken with Green Apple Slaw

Stir cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, cream cheese, and sage in small bowl to blend. Place 1 chicken breast, skin side down, on work surface. Using small sharp knife, cut 1 1/2-inch-deep by 2-inch-long horizontal pocket in chicken. Pack in 1/4 of stuffing. Press tenderloin into pocket opening to seal in stuffing. Repeat with remaining chicken and stuffing. Arrange chicken on small baking sheet. Combine 60ml maple syrup, whisky, brown sugar, and butter in small saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until sauce comes to simmer and is blended. (Chicken and basting sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate.)

Whisk first 5 ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Mix in apple, red onion, and spring onions. Season slaw to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours, tossing occasionally.

Spray grill rack with nonstick spray and prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Rewarm basting sauce; transfer half to bowl and reserve. Set pan with remaining sauce at edge of grill to keep warm. Grill chicken, skin side down, until golden, about 3 minutes. Turn chicken over, repositioning over medium to medium-low heat. Grill until cooked through, turning occasionally and basting with sauce in pan during last 5 minutes, about 8 minutes. Transfer chicken to platter. Serve with apple slaw, passing reserved sauce separately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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