Easy Malibu Chicken Recipe (Crispy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor!)
If you’re craving a nostalgic diner-style meal with a gourmet twist, this Malibu Chicken recipe delivers on all fronts. Featuring tender, crispy breaded chicken, savory slices of ham, and gooey melted Swiss cheese, it’s finished with a creamy, tangy mustard sauce that ties everything together. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting guests, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults both love this restaurant-style comfort dish.
- High-Protein & Filling: A well-balanced meal that satisfies big appetites.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Bread and cook the chicken ahead of time, then just reheat and top before serving.
- Perfect Sauce: The creamy mustard sauce adds the ideal tangy contrast to the savory chicken and cheese.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 thin sliced chicken breasts)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs
- Splash of water
- 1 cup Italian style panko breadcrumbs
- 8 slices deli ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
For the Mustard Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 4 teaspoons honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. If using large breasts, slice into cutlets for quicker, even cooking.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Bowl 2: Whisk the eggs with a splash of water.
- Bowl 3: Add Italian style panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then the egg wash, then the panko. Press to coat well.
- To fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and pan-fry until golden and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes per side).
To bake: Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes or until golden and cooked through. - Once the chicken is cooked, top each piece with 1–2 slices of deli ham and a slice of Swiss cheese. Return to the oven or skillet briefly to melt the cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all mustard sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Serve chicken hot with mustard sauce on the side or drizzled on top.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic pairing: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad.
- Low-carb option: Try cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles on the side.
- Make it a sandwich: Tuck the Malibu chicken into a toasted brioche bun for an epic sandwich version.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use thin chicken cutlets: They cook faster and stay juicy inside with a crisp coating.
- Don’t skip the pounding: Even thickness ensures consistent cooking and better texture.
- Chill the breaded chicken for 15 minutes before frying or baking to help the coating adhere better.
- Double the sauce: It stores well in the fridge and tastes great with sandwiches or fries.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to preserve crispiness.
- Freeze: You can freeze cooked, unassembled chicken portions for up to 2 months. Reheat and top with ham and cheese when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 911 kcal per serving (approximate)
Final Thoughts
This Malibu Chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with minimal effort. The combination of crispy chicken, smoky ham, melty Swiss, and that bold mustard sauce is pure indulgence. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a dish you’ll make again and again.
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