This Easy Malibu Chicken Recipe is a simple copycat-style dinner: crispy breaded chicken topped with savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, then finished with a sweet-tangy sauce for the perfect bite. It’s quick enough for weeknights but feels restaurant-worthy, and it pairs perfectly with fries, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. If you love easy chicken dinners that everyone actually eats, save this pin for later—this one becomes a repeat recipe fast.
Time + Servings
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 20 minutes
- Total: ~35 minutes
- Serves: 4
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thin cutlets)
- Salt + black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko is best for crunch)
Topping
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
For frying
- Oil (enough for a shallow fry) + 1 tbsp butter (optional)
Simple “Malibu” Sauce (sweet-tangy)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard (or Dijon)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the chicken
- Pat chicken dry.
- If thick, slice horizontally or pound to even thickness.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 2: Set up breading station
3 bowls:
- Flour
- Beaten eggs
- Breadcrumbs
Coat each chicken piece: flour → egg → breadcrumbs.
Tip: Press breadcrumbs in so they stick well.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with oil (shallow fry).
- Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C).
- Place on a baking tray.
Step 4: Add ham + Swiss
Top each chicken piece with:
- 1 slice ham
- 1 slice Swiss cheese
Broil 1–2 minutes (or bake at 400°F / 205°C for 3–5 minutes) until cheese melts.
Step 5: Make the sauce
Mix mayo + honey + mustard + lemon juice + salt until smooth.
Step 6: Serve
Serve chicken hot with sauce on the side or drizzled on top.
Best Side Ideas
- Fries or wedges
- Mashed potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Simple green salad
- Steamed veggies
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: 3 days
- Reheat: oven/air fryer for best crispiness
