Crispy Malibu Chicken

Posted on February 12, 2026

introduction

This easy, crispy Malibu chicken recipe is a family-friendly weeknight winner with melty Swiss and sweet honey mustard — comforting, indulgent, and picture-perfect for Pinterest. Crispy Malibu Chicken delivers crunchy breading, savory ham, and gooey cheese in every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prep.

If you love make-ahead dinners and fuss-free plating, try pairing this with a light salad or buttery mashed potatoes, or check a quick wrap variation like the 5-minute Crispy Chicken Ranch Wrap for lunch leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Malibu Chicken

Crunchy, golden breaded chicken with melty Swiss and savory ham in every bite.
Quick prep and pan-fry plus a short oven finish — weeknight friendly.
Great for meal prep: assemble ahead and bake just before serving.
Kid-approved flavors and easy to adapt (air fryer or oven-baked).
Visually attractive for Pinterest-worthy plating and leftovers.

Ingredients Needed

Protein

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 slices of ham
4 slices of Swiss cheese

Breading & Coating

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup bread crumbs

Sauce & Seasoning

1/2 cup honey mustard sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Frying

Olive oil or butter for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking.
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and then coat with bread crumbs.
In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Cook chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
If baking, place fried chicken on a baking sheet and top with ham and Swiss cheese.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Drizzle honey mustard sauce over the top before serving. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions Crispy Malibu Chicken

Serve this with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic butter green beans, or a crisp wedge salad to balance the richness. For a lighter plate, tuck the chicken into a toasted roll with extra honey mustard for a hearty sandwich. Leftovers reheat well and can be layered into wraps or sliced over a grain bowl.

Tips for Success Crispy Malibu Chicken

Pound chicken to an even thickness so it cooks through evenly and stays tender.
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and dredging to help the breading stick.
Use a thermometer — cooked chicken should reach 165°F in the thickest part.
For extra crunch, mix panko with the bread crumbs or double-coat (flour → egg → crumbs → quick egg → crumbs).
Want less oil? Finish breaded chicken in a 400°F oven for 10–12 minutes after a quick sear. See an air-fryer twist like this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Wraps for inspiration.
Keep cooked chicken on a rack rather than a plate to avoid soggy bottoms.

Try a wrap version for meal prep lunches and snack-sized crispy chicken wraps for party bites.

variation

Air-Fryer Malibu Chicken: After breading, spray with oil and air-fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. Top with ham and cheese, then return to air fryer 1–2 minutes to melt.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs or crushed GF crackers.
Low-Carb: Swap breading for crushed pork rinds and skip the flour.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes — boneless thighs work great and stay extra juicy. Adjust cook time slightly and check for 165°F internal temp.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Assemble up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to keep breading crisp.

Q: How do I keep the breading from falling off?
A: Pat chicken dry, use the three-step dredge (flour → egg → crumbs), and press crumbs firmly. Letting breaded chicken rest 10 minutes before frying helps adhesion.

Q: Is honey mustard necessary?
A: It’s classic with Malibu chicken, but swap for Dijon, BBQ, or a lemon aioli to change the flavor profile.

Conclusion

If you want a classic recipe for inspiration, check out a well-loved version at Malibu Chicken – The Country Cook, or try a Sizzler-style copycat take at Malibu Chicken Recipe (Sizzler Copycat) – One Sweet Appetite for a different spin. For some background on the dish’s restaurant history and related promotions, read this piece about Sizzler’s promotions in the past at Honoring Service with a Free Steak at Sizzler on Veterans Day | Eater.