Homemade Malibu Chicken Recipe
Malibu Chicken is a deliciously crispy, breaded chicken breast layered with ham and Swiss cheese, then baked to melty perfection. This recipe features a flavorful seasoned breadcrumb coating and a creamy honey mustard dipping sauce, making it a perfect comfort food meal that balances savory and slightly sweet flavors.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Chicken and Coating
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- 6 slices ham
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1–2 cups panko breadcrumbs (lightly crushed)
- 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts evenly to a uniform thickness using plastic wrap or parchment paper to cover the chicken, preventing sticking to the mallet or rolling pin.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a cast iron skillet or frying pan over medium heat until hot and melted.
- Prepare Coating Stations: In three separate shallow bowls or containers, place the all-purpose flour in the first, a mixture of buttermilk and beaten egg in the second, and the panko breadcrumbs combined with Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic salt, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes in the third.
- Coat the Chicken: Pat each chicken breast dry. Dip each piece first into the flour, then into the buttermilk and egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place three coated chicken breasts at a time into the hot skillet. Fry for approximately 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried chicken breasts and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat frying with the remaining chicken pieces.
- Assemble for Baking: Arrange the cooked chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Top each piece with one slice of Swiss cheese, followed by a slice of ham, and then topped again with another slice of Swiss cheese.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and honey until smooth. Serve alongside the baked Malibu Chicken.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness or omit if you want a milder flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier texture; a light crush helps better adhesion.
- The honey mustard dipping sauce complements the savory chicken with a sweet tangy contrast.
- Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- This recipe works well with either a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed frying pan to achieve an even crust.
Keywords: Malibu Chicken, breaded chicken, crispy chicken, ham and cheese chicken, panko chicken, honey mustard sauce