A crispy, golden-fried chicken cutlet topped with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese—Homemade Malibu Chicken is a nostalgic, hearty dish that brings the classic Sizzler favorite to your own dinner table. Served with a rich and creamy honey mustard dipping sauce, this comforting recipe is perfect for weeknight meals or casual weekend gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Malibu Chicken is a satisfying and flavorful combination of textures and tastes: crunchy seasoned breading, juicy chicken, smoky ham, and gooey cheese, all finished with a tangy-sweet sauce. It’s both crowd-pleasing and simple to prepare with pantry-friendly ingredients. Whether you grew up with this dish or are discovering it for the first time, you’ll find it deliciously memorable.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded evenly)
6 slices deli ham
12 slices Swiss cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
1–2 cups Panko breadcrumbs (lightly crushed)
2 tsp Cajun seasoning (e.g., Slap Ya Mama®)
2 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp butter

For the Dipping Sauce:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp yellow mustard
1 tsp honey

directions

1. Prepare the chicken:
Place each chicken breast between sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper and gently pound to an even thickness using a mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking and a tender texture.

2. Set up breading stations:
Prepare three shallow bowls:

Bowl 1: All-purpose flour
Bowl 2: Buttermilk mixed with a beaten egg
Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs combined with Cajun seasoning, garlic salt, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes

3. Bread the chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry. Dredge each piece first in the flour, then dip into the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the coating adheres well.

4. Fry the chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil and butter over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 6–8 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Bake with toppings:
Place the fried chicken on a baking sheet. Top each piece with one slice of Swiss cheese, one slice of ham, and a second slice of Swiss cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.

6. Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and honey until smooth and creamy.

7. Serve:
Plate the warm Malibu chicken and drizzle with the honey mustard sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 570 kcal per serving

Variations

Oven-baked version: For a lighter alternative, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, then proceed with the topping and final bake.
Different cheeses: Substitute Swiss cheese with provolone, mozzarella, or gouda for a different flavor profile.
Spicy kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture for added heat.
Low-carb option: Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of flour and breadcrumbs.
Mini Malibu bites: Use chicken tenders or cutlets for a bite-sized version—perfect for appetizers or party platters.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce in a separate container.
Reheating: Reheat chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to maintain crispness. Microwave reheating is not recommended as it softens the coating.
Freezing: You can freeze the breaded and fried chicken before baking with cheese and ham. Freeze individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. Bake from frozen with toppings when ready to serve.

FAQs

What is Malibu chicken?

Malibu chicken is a breaded and fried chicken cutlet topped with ham and melted Swiss cheese, served with a honey mustard dipping sauce. It was popularized by the Sizzler restaurant chain.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a suitable alternative.

What cut of chicken should I use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are traditional, but boneless thighs can also be used for a juicier result.

Is buttermilk necessary for the breading?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and bind the breading. You can substitute with milk mixed with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice if needed.

Can I air-fry the chicken?

Yes, air-fry breaded chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through.

How can I keep the chicken crispy?

Let the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying instead of stacking. This helps maintain crispness.

What sides pair well with Malibu chicken?

Mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, green beans, coleslaw, or a simple salad complement this dish well.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead and refrigerate. Add cheese and ham just before baking and serving.

Can I use pre-cooked ham?

Yes, use deli-style or leftover baked ham. Avoid overly thick slices, which may not heat through evenly.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Conclusion

Homemade Malibu Chicken is a nostalgic, flavor-packed dish that brings crispy coating, savory ham, melty cheese, and tangy dipping sauce together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re recreating a childhood favorite or introducing it to your family for the first time, this dish offers comfort, flavor, and a restaurant-quality experience right from your kitchen.