Description

This Savory Malibu Chicken recipe features tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts breaded to a golden crisp, topped with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, then baked to perfection. Finished with a creamy, tangy mustard sauce with a hint of honey and lemon, this dish is a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

4 pieces Chicken Breasts (pounded to ¼–½ inch thickness)
Salt and Pepper (to season)
1 cup All-Purpose Flour (use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
2 large Eggs (for binding the breadcrumb coating)
1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (for crispy texture)
2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Butter (for frying)

Toppings

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

Creamy Mustard Sauce

1/2 cup Mayonnaise (rich base for sauce)
2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard (adds tanginess)
1 tablespoon Honey (sweetens the sauce)
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (brightens the sauce)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (optional)

Instructions

Prep Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to about ¼-½ inch thickness for even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, then set aside.
Set Breading Station: Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with whisked eggs (you may add a splash of milk if desired), and one with Panko breadcrumbs.
Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture until fully coated, then press into the Panko breadcrumbs to cover completely.
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 or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a baking sheet.
Assemble and Bake: Top each chicken breast with a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve: Drizzle the creamy mustard sauce generously over the baked Malibu chicken. Garnish as desired and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Pounding the chicken thin ensures quick and even cooking, preventing dryness.
You can add fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the mustard sauce for extra flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Ham slices can be substituted with turkey or prosciutto based on preference.

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

Keywords: Malibu chicken, creamy mustard sauce, baked chicken, breaded chicken, Swiss cheese chicken, ham and cheese chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner recipe