Breaded chicken cutlets, golden and crisp on the outside, layered with savory ham and melty Swiss cheese—Malibu Chicken is comfort food with a retro twist that’s making a bold comeback in today’s home kitchens.
Originally made famous by Sizzler restaurants in the ’80s, this dish is still beloved for how it combines bold flavor with satisfying texture, all in a relatively simple, family-friendly format.
It’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home, especially with pantry staples. And let’s be honest—anything that can be prepped in under 30 minutes and still feel like a weekend treat is a keeper.
I usually pair it with a crunchy Caesar Salad for balance and, lately, a spoonful of tangy Cranberry Sauce for a seasonal upgrade. That little pop of sweetness takes it to another level.
The real win? It satisfies those fried food cravings without deep-frying—baked or pan-seared, you still get all the crispy, cheesy goodness.
Malibu Chicken is trending again because it’s nostalgic, flexible, and genuinely satisfying without being heavy. In fact, protein-rich meals like this can help curb unhealthy snacking by keeping you fuller for longer—an easy way to stick to health goals without sacrificing flavor.
Got your own twist? I’d love to hear how you serve it in your home!
The Secret to Loving Every Bite!
- It takes me back: I grew up ordering this at Sizzler, and now I make it with a personal touch that feels even better than the original.
- The balance is everything: The crunchy chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss make every bite layered and satisfying—you really don’t miss the deep-fried stuff.
- Customizable for busy nights: I use thin-sliced chicken to cut cooking time and sometimes even air-fry the cutlets.
- It supports my health goals: With lean protein and minimal added sugar, this dish keeps me full and focused.
- That mustard sauce is magic: It’s creamy, tangy, and honestly, I make extra to dip veggies or drizzle over sandwiches later.
Malibu Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Shallow bowls (for breading)
- Whisk
- Large skillet or baking sheet
- Tongs or spatula
- Small mixing bowl (for sauce)
- Baking dish (if baking)
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts or 4 thin sliced chicken breasts
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs
- splash of water
- 1 cup Italian style panko breadcrumbs
- 8 slices deli ham
- 6 slices swiss cheese
For the sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tablespoons dijon mustard
- Tablespoons yellow mustard
- 4 teaspoons honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts evenly and slice if needed into cutlet portions.
- In one bowl, mix flour with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs with a splash of water.
- In a third bowl, add Italian panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip chicken into flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing to coat.
- Pan-fry until golden or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes.
- Top each piece with a slice of ham and Swiss cheese; heat until melted.
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and serve with the chicken.
Variations That Will Ease Your Job!
- Swap the ham with prosciutto or turkey pastrami: If you’re craving a deeper, more gourmet flavor, prosciutto brings that salty richness without overpowering the dish. Turkey pastrami is also a leaner, flavorful swap.
- Try a parmesan-herb crust: Mix grated parmesan and Italian herbs into your panko for a crispier, more aromatic coating. It gives a golden, nutty finish that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Make it low-carb with almond flour and pork rinds: For those watching carbs, ditch the breadcrumbs altogether and use crushed pork rinds and almond flour. It adds crunch without the carbs and still holds together well when pan-fried or baked.
- Add a slice of grilled pineapple under the cheese: Want a sweet island-style twist? Grilled pineapple under the cheese brings just the right touch of sweetness and plays beautifully with the savory mustard sauce.
- Turn it into sliders for parties: Slice the chicken thin, stack with ham and cheese in mini buns, and bake until warm. Serve the sauce on the side. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and super fun for gatherings.
Quick Questions?
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Ans: Yes, chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness, but they may need a slightly longer cooking time.
2. What’s the best way to get a crispy crust?
Ans: Double-dip the chicken in the egg wash and breadcrumbs, and let it rest for 10 minutes before cooking to help the crust adhere better.
3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Ans: Absolutely! You can bread the chicken and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
4. Is there a healthier alternative for the sauce?
Ans: You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to lighten the sauce without losing creaminess.
5. How do I reheat Malibu Chicken without losing crunch?
Ans: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at medium heat to keep the crust crispy instead of microwaving.
