Malibu Chicken

Crispy breaded chicken topped with ham, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy Malibu sauce. Perfect baked chicken recipe for weeknight dinners, family meals, or entertaining guests. Easy to make, flavorful, and pairs well with vegetables, potatoes, or rice.

Ingredients

Chicken & Breading:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup seasoned Panko bread crumbs
• 4 thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, or as needed
• 4 slices deli ham
• 4 slices Swiss cheese

Malibu Sauce:

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (regular or coarse-ground)
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 2 teaspoons honey
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Season each chicken breast lightly with salt and pepper.

Set Up the Breading Station

2. Arrange the breading ingredients in three shallow bowls:
   • Bowl 1: Flour
   • Bowl 2: Whisked egg with vegetable oil
   • Bowl 3: Panko bread crumbs

Bread the Chicken

3. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess.
4. Dip into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
5. Press into Panko bread crumbs until fully coated.
6. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet or foil-lined pan. Repeat with remaining pieces.

Brown the Chicken

7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken for about 3 minutes per side, without fully cooking.
8. Remove from heat, then layer each chicken breast with a slice of ham and top with Swiss cheese.

Bake

9. Transfer the skillet or baking sheet to the oven and bake 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Make the Malibu Sauce

10. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, and onion powder. Chill until ready to serve.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Malibu Chicken combines a crispy breaded chicken base with savory ham, melted Swiss cheese, and a creamy, slightly sweet sauce. It’s a comforting yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Tips

• Use thin-sliced chicken breasts for faster cooking and even browning.
• Spray or lightly grease your spatula when spreading Panko to prevent sticking.
• Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking to lock in juices.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute Swiss cheese with provolone or mozzarella for a different flavor.
• Swap ham with turkey slices or prosciutto.
• Use gluten-free flour and Panko for a gluten-free version.
• Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne to the Panko for a spicier crust.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Bake just before serving.

Can this be cooked entirely in the oven?
Yes, you can skip the skillet browning step, but the chicken may not get as crispy.

How long does the sauce last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

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Serving

Serve Malibu Chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

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Suggestions

• Drizzle extra Malibu sauce over the chicken before serving for added flavor.
• Pair with a crisp white wine or light iced tea.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a colorful presentation.