Name: Malibu Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (6–8 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 1-2 oz per breast); 4–8 slices Swiss Cheese (enough to cover each breast); 3 tablespoons Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil (for pan-frying); ½ cup Mayonnaise; 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; 1–2 tablespoons Milk or Cream (optional, to thin sauce)

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a sun-kissed getaway on a plate, the Malibu Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken, crispy golden breadcrumbs, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese with a luscious, tangy creamy sauce that sends your taste buds straight to a tropical paradise. Perfectly balanced and effortlessly impressive, this Malibu Chicken Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknights or special occasions alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each adding its own sparkle to the Malibu Chicken Recipe. From the crispy coating to the rich creamy sauce, every component works together to deliver a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for similar sizes so they cook evenly and stay juicy after pounding thin.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates a great base for the breadcrumb coating to cling to, ensuring crispiness.
Large Eggs: Beat them well to make a perfect binding layer for the panko breadcrumbs.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For that unbeatable crunch; Italian-style breadcrumbs are a flavorful substitute.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors subtly, but be sure to adjust to your taste.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds the perfect hint of spice.
Garlic Powder: Optional, but recommended to boost the savory notes in your breading.
Paprika: Adds a touch of color and smoky sweetness to the crust.
Cooked Ham Slices: Choose a quality ham like Black Forest or Honey Ham for a sweet, smoky contrast.
Swiss Cheese: Melts perfectly with a beautiful nutty flavor; Gruyère or Provolone can mix things up.
Olive or Vegetable Oil: Used for pan-frying; a butter blend works too for extra richness.
Mayonnaise: Gets the creamy Malibu Sauce off to a rich start.
Dijon Mustard: The tangy superstar of the sauce that ties everything together.
Honey: Brings a balancing sweetness to the sauce’s tangy profile.
Lemon Juice: Adds bright freshness that livens up the sauce beautifully.
Worcestershire Sauce: Optional, but adds a subtle umami depth to the creaminess.
Milk or Cream: Helps adjust the Malibu sauce to just the right consistency.

How to Make Malibu Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts until they’re about ½ inch thick. Doing this ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness. A meat mallet or rolling pin works perfectly here. Season lightly with salt and pepper once flattened for extra flavor.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In separate shallow dishes, place the flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in the third. This classic setup makes it easy to coat the chicken evenly and create that irresistible crispy texture.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

First, dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, press the breasts into the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, covering every nook for a crunchy golden crust after cooking.

Step 4: Pan-Fry the Chicken

Heat olive or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, gently lay the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. This seals in the juices while adding a stunning outer crunch. If you prefer, bake the chicken after breading for a lighter version.

Step 5: Add Ham and Cheese

Remove the chicken from the pan and lay a slice or two of cooked ham on each breast, then top with Swiss cheese slices. Return the chicken to the skillet or place under a broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts beautifully and forms a gooey, golden topping.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Malibu Sauce

While the chicken finishes cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add milk or cream as needed to reach a luscious, pourable consistency. This sauce is what truly makes the Malibu Chicken Recipe sing with its rich tangy kick.

How to Serve Malibu Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives brightens the plate visually and adds a fresh herbal note that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. A thin lemon wedge on the side adds a lovely option for an extra burst of citrus if you like.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the creamy sauce. Think garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad for a lighter touch. Jasmine rice or buttery pasta also makes a delicious canvas for this flavor-packed chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Malibu Chicken Recipe sliced over a bed of mixed greens topped with avocado and cherry tomatoes. Or arrange the chicken on a platter surrounded by colorful grilled vegetables for a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress family and guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Malibu Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Malibu Chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain moistness and flavor.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently in the oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese melts back to oozy perfection. Microwaving works in a pinch but can affect the crispy breading texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in the Malibu Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is classic, Gruyère, Provolone, or even mozzarella work wonderfully and add delightful flavor variations.

Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts thin?

Yes, pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and helps the chicken stay tender while the coating crisps perfectly without overcooking.

Can I make the Malibu sauce in advance?

Definitely! The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving to recombine any separated ingredients.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

You can use regular dried breadcrumbs, but panko offers a lighter, crunchier texture that really elevates this dish. Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs add an extra flavor punch if available.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes! For a lighter option, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. Then add ham and cheese and broil briefly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Malibu Chicken Recipe that turns an everyday meal into a celebration on your plate. With its crispy crust, savory ham, melty cheese, and that irresistibly creamy sauce, this dish delivers pure comfort and bright flavors all in one bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and share in the joy this recipe brings to the table. Happy cooking!

Malibu Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 12 reviews

Malibu Chicken is a delightful crispy chicken breast stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust, and served with a creamy, tangy Malibu sauce. This recipe combines savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet flavors for a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for any occasion.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-frying and Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (6–8 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 1–2 oz per breast)
4–8 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
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
1–2 tablespoons Milk or Cream (optional, to thin sauce)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Start by pounding the chicken breasts evenly until they are thin and uniform in thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and are easy to roll.
Set up Breading Station: Place the flour in one shallow dish. In another dish, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to add flavor to the coating.
Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, coating thoroughly on all sides.
Assemble the Rolls: Lay a slice of cooked ham on each breaded chicken breast, then top with enough Swiss cheese to cover the surface. Carefully roll up the chicken breast, securing the filling inside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken rolls seam side down and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. For a fully cooked interior, finish cooking in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Make the Malibu Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth. If desired, thin the sauce with 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream to reach your preferred consistency.
Serve: Slice the chicken rolls if preferred and drizzle or serve alongside the creamy Malibu sauce for dipping. Enjoy this flavorful meal warm.

Notes

Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier crust, but regular breadcrumbs or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs work well too.
Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to your taste preference for sweetness.
If you prefer, finish cooking the chicken rolls entirely in the oven for a lighter version, lightly spraying them with oil before baking.
Gruyère or Provolone cheese can be substituted for Swiss cheese to vary the flavor.
Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking with an instant-read thermometer for food safety.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep and reheats well in the oven.