This Homemade Malibu Chicken Recipe brings back the classic taste we all love, featuring crispy chicken breasts topped with savory chicken ham and gooey Swiss cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish captures the essence of comfort food while being easy to prepare. With a creamy honey mustard sauce that adds a delightful twist, it’s sure to be a hit on your dinner table any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners.
- Flavorful Layers: The combination of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it alongside vegetables, salad, or your favorite sides for a well-rounded meal.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite spices or switch up the sauces for a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious Homemade Malibu Chicken, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Meat mallet
- Shallow bowls
- Frying pan
- Baking sheet
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Meat mallet: This tool helps pound down chicken breasts to an even thickness, ensuring even cooking.
- Shallow bowls: Perfect for breading stations; they make dipping ingredients easier.
- Frying pan: Essential for achieving that crispy coating while frying chicken.
- Baking sheet: Ideal for keeping the chicken warm after frying and can be used for oven baking if desired.

Ingredients
For this Homemade Malibu Chicken Recipe, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken
- 6 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (pound down a bit)
- 6 slices chicken ham
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
For the Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1-2 cups Panko breadcrumbs, crushed
For Seasoning
- 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
For Cooking
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
How to Make Homemade Malibu Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding each chicken breast to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
In three shallow bowls, place flour in one bowl, buttermilk mixed with egg in another, and Panko breadcrumbs seasoned with spices in the third bowl.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Dip each chicken breast into the flour first, coating evenly.
- Next, dip it into the buttermilk mixture.
- Finally, coat it in Panko breadcrumbs thoroughly.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil and butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot:
1. Carefully add breaded chicken breasts.
2. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Assemble
Once cooked:
1. Place a slice of chicken ham and two slices of Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast.
2. Cover with a lid until cheese melts slightly.
Step 6: Prepare Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl:
1. Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and honey.
2. Mix well until smooth.
Step 7: Serve
Drizzle with honey mustard sauce before serving. Enjoy your Homemade Malibu Chicken!
How to Serve Homemade Malibu Chicken Recipe
Serving your Homemade Malibu Chicken can elevate the dining experience, making it not just a meal but a delightful occasion. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this dish.
On a Bed of Greens
- Use fresh mixed greens as a base for your chicken. Add slices of avocado and cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.
With Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes topped with a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor and color.
In a Sandwich
- Place the crispy chicken, cheese, and ham between two slices of your favorite bread. Add lettuce and tomato for a delicious sandwich option.
As Part of a Platter
- Create a platter with slices of Malibu Chicken, assorted cheeses, olives, and crackers for an inviting appetizer spread.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- Pair with a light side salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
With Sweet Potato Fries
- Offer sweet potato fries as a side for a sweet and savory combination that everyone will love.
How to Perfect Homemade Malibu Chicken Recipe
To ensure your Homemade Malibu Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality cheese enhance the overall flavor.
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to uniform thickness before breading.
- Double-Dip for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy crust, dip the chicken in flour, then buttermilk, and again in Panko breadcrumbs.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying to get that perfect golden crust.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to maintain juiciness.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust or add spices based on personal preferences for unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Malibu Chicken Recipe
Complementing your Homemade Malibu Chicken with the right sides can enhance your meal’s appeal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
-
Garlic Butter Green Beans
Quickly sauté green beans in garlic butter for a simple yet flavorful side dish. -
Coleslaw
A crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast, balancing out the richness of the chicken. -
Roasted Vegetables
Toss seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers in olive oil and roast until tender for added nutrition. -
Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs, lemon juice, and diced vegetables provides a healthy alternative. -
Corn on the Cob
Grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds sweetness and texture that pairs well with fried dishes. -
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy baked mac and cheese brings comfort food vibes that are sure to please anyone at the table. -
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze make an ideal side that is both tasty and nutritious. -
Fruit Salad
A colorful fruit salad adds freshness and sweetness, making it an ideal palate cleanser alongside savory dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid overcooking the chicken. Ensure the chicken breasts are cooked just until golden brown to keep them juicy.
- Don’t skip the pounding step. Pounding the chicken breasts helps them cook evenly and remain tender.
- Be careful with seasoning amounts. Too much seasoning can overpower the dish; follow the recipe for balanced flavors.
- Forgetting to let the oil heat up before frying is a common error. Preheat your oil properly to achieve a crispy coating.
- Skipping the resting period after cooking can make your chicken dry. Letting it rest allows juices to redistribute for better flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the homemade Malibu chicken to cool completely before storing.
Freezing Homemade Malibu Chicken Recipe
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
- Can be stored for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Homemade Malibu Chicken Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making this delicious dish.
What is a Homemade Malibu Chicken Recipe?
Homemade Malibu Chicken is a crispy chicken dish topped with ham and Swiss cheese, typically served with a honey mustard sauce.
How do I make my Homemade Malibu Chicken Recipe crispy?
To achieve crispiness, ensure you use Panko breadcrumbs and fry at the right temperature without overcrowding the pan.
Can I customize my Homemade Malibu Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add different cheeses or switch out toppings according to your preference while keeping the chicken base intact.
What sides go well with Homemade Malibu Chicken?
Popular sides include mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad that complements the flavors of the dish well.
How long does it take to cook Homemade Malibu Chicken?
The cooking time is approximately 25 minutes after prep time of about 20 minutes, making it quick for weeknight dinners.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Malibu Chicken Recipe is not only nostalgic but also versatile for family dinners. It’s easy to customize with different toppings or sauces according to your taste. Give it a try and impress your loved ones with this delightful meal!
Homemade Malibu Chicken Recipe
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Homemade Malibu Chicken Recipe, a comforting twist on a classic dish. Succulent chicken breasts are perfectly breaded and fried to golden perfection, then topped with savory chicken ham and melty Swiss cheese. The addition of a creamy honey mustard sauce elevates each bite, making this dish a family favorite for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite spices, this recipe promises satisfying flavors that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices of chicken ham
- 12 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1–2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil and butter for frying
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Set up a breading station with flour, a buttermilk and egg mixture, and seasoned Panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each chicken breast in flour, then the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat with Panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil and butter in a frying pan over medium heat and cook the breaded chicken for about 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Top each cooked breast with a slice of chicken ham and two slices of Swiss cheese, covering briefly to melt the cheese.
- Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and honey in a bowl for the sauce.
- Serve drizzled with honey mustard sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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