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Malibu Chicken Recipe

Malibu Chicken Recipe

5 from 22 reviews

Malibu Chicken is a deliciously crispy breaded chicken breast layered with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, topped with a creamy, tangy Malibu sauce made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and optional Worcestershire sauce. This comforting dish combines a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 68 oz each)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 Large Eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups Panko Breadcrumbs (or regular dried breadcrumbs)
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon Paprika (optional)
  • 4 slices Cooked Ham (about 12 oz per breast, e.g., Black Forest, Virginia, or Honey Ham)
  • 48 slices Swiss Cheese (enough to cover each breast)
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil (for pan-frying)

For the Creamy Malibu Sauce:

  • ½ cup Mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Honey (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (optional)
  • Pinch of Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 12 tablespoons Milk or Cream (optional, to thin sauce if needed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking and tender texture.
  2. Set Up Breading Stations: On three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs (combine panko breadcrumbs with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika). This arrangement facilitates the breading process.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press breadcrumbs gently to adhere well.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry each breaded chicken breast for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, for a lighter option, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy and cooked. Remove from heat and transfer to a baking dish if using the skillet method.
  5. Top with Ham and Cheese: Place one slice (or two if preferred) of cooked ham on each chicken breast, then layer with enough Swiss cheese slices to cover the top fully. This creates the signature flavorful and melty topping.
  6. Melt the Cheese: Place the chicken breasts under a broiler or in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Prepare the Malibu Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in milk or cream a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Serve: Spoon the creamy Malibu sauce generously over the hot chicken breasts and serve immediately alongside your choice of sides such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • For extra crispy chicken, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
  • You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or Provolone for a different cheese flavor.
  • If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
  • The creamy Malibu sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of honey to your preference.
  • For a lighter version, bake the chicken instead of frying and use low-fat mayonnaise if preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: Malibu Chicken, breaded chicken, crispy chicken breast, creamy mustard sauce, Swiss cheese chicken, ham and cheese chicken, easy chicken recipes