Malibu chicken is a beloved restaurant dish that combines tender grilled or baked chicken breasts topped with ham, melted Swiss cheese, and a sweet honey mustard sauce that brings everything together. Inspired by tropical flavors and the laid-back California vibe, this recipe creates a sweet and savory combination that feels both indulgent and surprisingly light. The chicken stays juicy and flavorful, the ham adds a salty-sweet element, the Swiss cheese melts into gooey perfection, and that honey mustard sauce ties it all together with tangy sweetness. While many people know this dish from chain restaurants, making it at home is actually quite simple and allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Whether you’re recreating a favorite restaurant memory, looking for an easy but impressive dinner, or just want something different from plain chicken, this Malibu chicken delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Serving Quantity: Serves 4 people
Cooking Time: 40 minutes (including 15 minutes prep time and 25 minutes cooking time)
1. Ingredients for Chicken
- Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 ounces each)
- Two tablespoons olive oil
- One teaspoon garlic powder
- One teaspoon paprika
- Half teaspoon salt
- Half teaspoon black pepper
- Eight slices deli ham (about 4 ounces total)
- Eight slices Swiss cheese (about 6 ounces total)
2. Ingredients for Honey Mustard Sauce
- Half cup mayonnaise
- Three tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Three tablespoons honey
- One tablespoon yellow mustard
- One teaspoon lemon juice
- Quarter teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt and pepper
3. Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Start by preparing your chicken breasts so they cook evenly. Place each breast on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part, butterflying it open like a book but not cutting all the way through. Open it up and use a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about three-quarters of an inch throughout. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly without the thin parts drying out before the thick parts are done.
4. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of each chicken breast and rub it in with your hands to coat evenly. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of each chicken breast, pressing it in gently so it adheres to the meat. The oil helps the seasonings stick and also promotes browning during cooking.
5. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, yellow mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix vigorously for about 1 minute until the sauce is completely smooth and uniform in color with no streaks of mayo or mustard remaining. The sauce should be creamy, pourable, and a beautiful golden yellow color. Taste and adjust the seasoning. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. For more tang, add extra mustard or lemon juice. Set aside.
6. Preheat Your Cooking Method
You have several options for cooking the chicken. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. For baking, preheat your oven to 400 degrees and prepare a baking sheet. For pan-searing followed by baking, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Each method works well, so choose based on your equipment and preference. The key is having your cooking surface hot and ready before you add the chicken.
7. Cook the Chicken
If grilling, place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until grill marks form and the chicken is cooked through to 165 degrees internally. If baking, place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. If pan-searing, sear the chicken in the hot skillet for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer the whole skillet to the oven to finish cooking for 10 to 12 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the thickest part reaches 165 degrees.
8. Prepare the Toppings
While the chicken is cooking, prepare your ham and cheese. If using thick deli ham, you might want to warm it slightly in a dry skillet for about 1 minute per side until it just starts to caramelize at the edges. This adds extra flavor. Separate your cheese slices so they’re ready to place on the chicken quickly. Having everything prepared means you can assemble the dish quickly once the chicken is cooked.
9. Layer the Ham
Once your chicken breasts are cooked through and have reached 165 degrees, remove them from the heat but keep your oven or grill on. If you pan-seared your chicken, keep it in the oven-safe skillet. If you grilled or baked it, transfer the chicken to a clean baking sheet. Place two slices of ham on top of each chicken breast, folding or arranging them to cover the surface. The ham adds a salty, slightly sweet element that contrasts beautifully with the honey mustard sauce.
10. Add the Cheese
Place two slices of Swiss cheese on top of the ham on each chicken breast. The cheese should cover most of the surface. Swiss cheese melts beautifully and has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. If you prefer, you can use provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar, though Swiss is traditional and most authentic. Make sure the cheese overlaps slightly so there are no gaps where it can slide off.
11. Melt the Cheese
Return the topped chicken to the heat to melt the cheese. If baking or if you used an oven-safe skillet, place it in the 400-degree oven for 3 to 5 minutes. If grilling, close the grill lid and let the residual heat melt the cheese for 2 to 3 minutes. If you have a broiler, you can broil for 1 to 2 minutes for faster melting and slight browning on top. Watch carefully during this step to prevent burning. The cheese should be completely melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden in spots.
12. Plate and Sauce
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the chicken from the heat. Use a spatula to carefully transfer each topped chicken breast to an individual dinner plate. The cheese should be gooey and might stretch slightly as you move it. Drizzle or spoon the honey mustard sauce generously over the top of each chicken breast, letting it cascade down the sides and pool slightly on the plate. The warm chicken will slightly thin the sauce, making it even more pourable and delicious.
13. Garnish and Serve
For a restaurant-quality presentation, garnish each plate with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for color. You can also add a lemon wedge on the side for people who want extra brightness. A light dusting of paprika over the sauce adds visual appeal. Serve immediately while the chicken is hot, the cheese is melted, and the sauce is at the perfect consistency. The combination of flavors and textures is best enjoyed right away.
14. Serving Suggestions
Malibu chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it with seasoned rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or roasted baby potatoes to soak up that incredible honey mustard sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or glazed carrots provide color and nutrition. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish. For a tropical vibe, serve with grilled pineapple slices or a mango salsa on the side. Crusty bread is perfect for mopping up extra sauce.
15. Make It Your Own
This basic Malibu chicken recipe is wonderfully versatile. Try using turkey bacon instead of ham for a different flavor. Add sliced mushrooms sautéed in butter under the ham layer. Include thin tomato slices or roasted red peppers for extra vegetables. Use pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss for a spicy kick. Add crumbled bacon on top of the cheese before melting for extra indulgence. Marinate the chicken in pineapple juice before cooking for more tropical flavor. The possibilities are endless.
16. Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Malibu chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the extra honey mustard sauce in a separate container. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350-degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1 to 2 minutes, though the texture won’t be quite as good. The cheese may not be as melty upon reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.
17. Nutrition Information Per Serving
- Calories: 565
- Total fat: 32 grams
- Saturated fat: 11 grams
- Cholesterol: 165 milligrams
- Sodium: 980 milligrams
- Total carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Dietary fiber: 0 grams
- Sugars: 13 grams
- Protein: 54 grams
18. Helpful Tips for Perfect Malibu Chicken
- Pound the chicken to even thickness so it cooks uniformly without dry edges or undercooked centers.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165 degrees for perfect doneness without drying out.
- Don’t skip seasoning the chicken itself before adding toppings, as this builds essential flavor throughout the dish.
- Make the honey mustard sauce ahead and refrigerate it for up to a week for quick assembly on busy nights.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes before adding toppings so it retains its juices when sliced.
- Use good quality deli ham rather than processed lunch meat for better flavor and texture.
- Warm the ham slightly before layering to help it meld with the chicken and cheese more effectively.
- Watch the cheese carefully while melting to catch it at the perfect bubbly, gooey stage before it browns too much.
- Make extra honey mustard sauce for dipping bread, vegetables, or drizzling over the side dishes.
- Try grilling fresh pineapple rings and placing them under the ham for an extra tropical, restaurant-style presentation.
