Description
Malibu chicken brings together crispy breaded chicken, melted Swiss cheese, and sweet ham in a delightful combo that reminds you of classic diner favorites. Grab your skillet and get ready to create this simple yet satisfying meal that will have your family asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of deli-style ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Pinch of garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Create three shallow bowls for breading: first with ½ cup flour seasoned with salt and pepper, second with 2 beaten eggs, third with 1 cup breadcrumbs mixed with ½ cup Parmesan cheese.
- Pound 4 chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking and tender meat.
- Coat each chicken breast thoroughly in flour, shaking off excess. Dip completely in beaten eggs, then roll in breadcrumb mixture, pressing coating firmly.
- Arrange breaded chicken on prepared baking sheet. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil across the surface to help achieve golden crispiness.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and develop a golden-brown exterior.
- Place 1 slice of ham and 1 slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast during the final 5 minutes of baking. Watch cheese melt and bubble slightly.
- Whisk ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, and a pinch of garlic powder in a small bowl to create dipping sauce.
- Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 3 minutes. Serve immediately with mustard sauce on the side.
Notes
- Pounding chicken breasts ensures even cooking and keeps them tender, preventing dry or tough meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, as overcooking can make the chicken dry and tough.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and use corn starch instead of wheat flour.
- Opt for low-fat ham and reduced-fat Swiss cheese to make this dish lighter and more diet-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 462 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg