Description

Savory Malibu Chicken is a delightful dish featuring tender, pounded chicken breasts layered with ham and Swiss cheese, breaded and pan-fried to golden perfection, then baked with a creamy, tangy mustard sauce. This recipe combines crispy textures with rich, flavorful notes, making it an impressive yet easy-to-make meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating:

4 pieces Chicken Breasts (pounded thin to ¼–½ inch thickness)
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
1 cup All-Purpose Flour (substitute gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
2 large Eggs (beaten, for binding)
1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Butter (for frying)

Assembly:

4 slices Ham (traditional deli-style)
4 slices Swiss Cheese

Creamy Mustard Sauce:

½ cup Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
1 tablespoon Honey
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (optional)

Instructions

Prep Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of ¼-½ inch for consistent cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then set aside.
Set Breading Station: Prepare three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs (you can add a splash of milk if desired), and the third with Panko breadcrumbs for coating.
Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with Panko breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy crust.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat.
Assemble and Bake: Place the browned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Top each with a slice of ham and Swiss cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
Make Sauce: While the chicken bakes, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce (if using) until smooth. Adjust the sweetness or acidity to taste.
Serve: Remove baked chicken from the oven, drizzle generously with the creamy mustard sauce, garnish as desired, and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure Panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free.
Pounding the chicken evenly ensures it cooks uniformly and stays tender.
Use fresh Dijon mustard for the best flavor in the sauce.
The Worcestershire sauce in the sauce is optional but adds depth to the flavor.
Serve with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Malibu Chicken, Chicken Breast, Creamy Mustard Sauce, Breaded Chicken, Panko, Ham and Swiss, Easy Dinner