Malibu Chicken with Creamy Dijon Honey Sauce Recipe
Malibu Chicken is a deliciously crispy breaded chicken breast layered with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, topped with a tangy and creamy Malibu sauce made from Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, honey, and lemon juice. Perfectly pan-fried or baked for a golden crust and indulgent flavor, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of textures and tastes ideal for a comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Large Eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups Panko Breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon Paprika (optional)
- 4 slices Cooked Ham (Black Forest, Virginia, or Honey Ham, about 1–2 oz each)
- 4–8 slices Swiss Cheese (or Gruyère/Provolone)
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil (for pan-frying)
For the Creamy Malibu Sauce:
- ½ cup Mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
- 3 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Honey (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (optional)
- Pinch of Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1–2 tablespoons Milk or Cream (optional, to thin sauce)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Start by pounding the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to an even thinness for uniform cooking and tender texture. This also helps the chicken cook faster and achieve a crispy crust.
- Prepare Breading Station: In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. These steps ensure a well-adhered and flavorful coating.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs to help the breadcrumbs stick. Finally, coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture for a crispy outer layer.
- Layer Ham and Cheese: Place a slice of cooked ham on each breaded chicken breast followed by enough Swiss cheese slices to cover. This layering creates the signature Malibu Chicken flavors with a gooey melted cheese finish.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive or vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side, or alternatively, lightly oil a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
- Make the Malibu Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Add milk or cream as needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. This sauce adds a tangy and sweet complement to the crispy chicken.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy Malibu sauce over the cooked chicken breasts or serve alongside as a dipping sauce. Enjoy this delicious meal with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to a consistent thickness of about ½ inch.
- If you prefer a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika in the breadcrumb mixture.
- The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Use Italian-style breadcrumbs or add herbs like parsley to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Baking is a lighter alternative to pan-frying while still producing a crispy coating when brushed or sprayed with oil.
Keywords: Malibu chicken, breaded chicken, pan-fried chicken, Swiss cheese chicken, creamy mustard sauce, crispy chicken breast
