Malibu Chicken
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This baked Malibu Chicken recipe is the ultimate throwback to the Sizzler classic—crispy, cheesy, and smothered in honey mustard sauce. Even my picky eater gave it a thumbs up (and that’s saying something!). It’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Want other delicious easy dinner recipes to try? Check out my Oven Roasted Chicken Breast, Ultimate Chicken Pot Pie, KFC Chicken Bowls and my Asian Zing Sauce Recipe– Buffalo Wild Wings Copycat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters love it—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Easy weeknight dinner: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make it perfect for busy evenings.
- Sizzler vibes at home: Save money and skip the trip; this tastes just like the restaurant classic.
- Kid-friendly: The combination of crispy chicken, melty cheese, and honey mustard sauce is a winner.
This baked Malibu Chicken recipe has been tested over a dozen times to guarantee delicious results with minimal effort. Crispy breaded chicken, melty Swiss cheese, and tangy honey mustard sauce come together for a meal that’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights. Trust me, it’s a family favorite for a reason!
Inspired by one of our favorite Sizzler dishes, this recipe brings nostalgic vibes with a healthier baked twist. The chicken stays tender and juicy with that golden crunch we all love. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just craving a cozy dinner, this Malibu Chicken is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this baked Sizzler Malibu Chicken is easy with just a few simple ingredients. Each one adds its own special touch to create a dish that’s crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. Tip: Pound them to an even thickness for quicker, more even cooking.
- Butter: Melted butter helps the breadcrumbs stick and adds richness to the coating. Tip: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Dijon mustard: This adds a tangy kick to the honey mustard sauce. Tip: Swap with spicy brown mustard if you want a bolder flavor.
- Breadcrumbs (Italian): Pre-seasoned breadcrumbs make the coating flavorful and crispy. Tip: For extra crunch, mix in a tablespoon of panko breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty depth to the breadcrumb coating. Tip: Grate it fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham layers perfectly over the chicken. Tip: Black Forest or honey ham adds a subtle sweetness.
- Swiss cheese: The creamy, melty star of the dish. Tip: Use baby Swiss for a milder taste if you’re cooking for picky eaters.
Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish a standout, so be sure to follow the tips for the best results. With these staples, you’re just a few steps away from a family-favorite dinner that’s better than takeout!
Variations and Substitutions
This Malibu Chicken recipe from sizzler is versatile and easy to adapt to your taste or dietary needs. Here are some simple swaps and creative ideas to make it your own:
- Chicken: If you don’t have chicken breasts, try chicken thighs for a juicier option, or use turkey cutlets for a twist. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Breadcrumbs: Swap Italian breadcrumbs for plain and mix in your own spices, or use panko for an ultra-crispy coating. For a gluten-free option, substitute with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Cheese: Not a fan of Swiss? Mozzarella, provolone, or even sharp cheddar work beautifully for melty goodness.
- Ham: Use turkey slices or crispy bacon for a fun variation. You can also skip the ham entirely for a simpler cheesy chicken dish.
- Dijon mustard: If you’re out of Dijon, spicy brown mustard or even yellow mustard can work in a pinch.
- Butter: Olive oil or a non-dairy butter substitute can be used if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.
- Parmesan: If Parmesan isn’t your thing, try Pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper flavor.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to fit your preferences. Whether you’re accommodating picky eaters or just looking to shake things up, these variations make it easy to keep this recipe exciting and delicious every time!
How To Make Sizzler’s Malibu Chicken Recipe
Making baked Malibu Chicken is easier than you think! Here’s a quick overview of the steps:
- Preheat and prepare your pan: Heat the oven to 425°F, line a
- Baking Tray: Not all baking trays are made equal. Using a quality baking tray (affiliate) is going to help give you a more even bake. Thinner trays will cook the outside too quickly leaving you with dry chicken.
- with foil, and place an oven safe rack (affiliate) on top.
- Prepare your coatings: Whisk butter and Dijon in one shallow bowl (affiliate), and mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan in another.
- Coat the chicken: Dip chicken into the butter mixture, then coat evenly in breadcrumbs. Double dip for extra crunch!
- Bake the chicken: Place on the rack, mist with cooking spray, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Add the toppings: Top each piece with ham and Swiss cheese, and bake for 3-5 more minutes until melty.
That’s it! Serve this crispy, cheesy chicken with your favorite sides for a dinner everyone will rave about.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This chicken stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:
Storage: Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating:
- In the oven: Preheat to 350°F, place the chicken on a baking sheet, and cover loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- In the microwave: Place a piece of chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- For frozen chicken: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the methods above.
Pro Tip: To keep the breading crispy, avoid reheating in the microwave if possible. The oven method gives you the best texture!
Tips for Success:
Pound the chicken evenly: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Double-dip for extra crunch: For a crispier coating, dip the chicken twice in the butter and breadcrumb mixture. It’s worth the extra step!
Use a rack for baking: Placing the chicken on a wire rack keeps the coating crispy all around by allowing air to circulate underneath.
Mist with cooking spray: A light spray of avocado oil or olive oil helps the coating turn golden and crunchy without frying.
Monitor internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F. Overcooking can dry it out.
Freshly grate the Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a stronger, nuttier flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
Choose high-quality ham and Swiss: Thinly sliced deli ham and creamy Swiss cheese elevate the dish. For a milder flavor, opt for baby Swiss.
Malibu Chicken Sauce
No Malibu Chicken is complete without the perfect dipping sauce! This sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce is quick to whip up and takes the dish to the next level.
Pro Tip: Adjust the honey to suit your sweetness preference, or add a pinch of garlic powder for a savory twist. This sauce isn’t just great for dipping—it’s also delicious drizzled over the chicken or used as a sandwich spread!
Tips and FAQs
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well and tend to be juicier, but they may need a few extra minutes in the oven to cook through.
Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the butter and mustard mixture before dipping it into the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken gently to ensure they adhere.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should read 165°F. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked without being dry.
Using a rack helps the chicken stay crispy on all sides, but if you don’t have one, you can bake directly on a foil-lined sheet. Just flip the chicken halfway through and mist the underside with cooking spray.
Yes! The honey mustard sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.
Yes! Let the chicken cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
More Must Try Chicken Dinners
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Malibu Chicken Recipe (Sizzler Copycat)
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 large chicken breasts (sliced lengthwise or pounded to an even thickness)
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3/4 cups Italian bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 pieces of sliced ham
- 6 pieces of Swiss cheese
For the dipping sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
For the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place an oven-safe rack on top of the foil. This helps the chicken stay crispy on all sides. Set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard until combined. In a separate shallow dish, mix the Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the butter mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, covering it evenly. For an extra-crispy finish, dip it back into the butter and breadcrumbs for a second coating.
- Place the coated chicken pieces directly on the prepared rack. Mist them lightly with cooking spray, such as avocado oil, to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the pan from the oven and top each piece with a slice of ham followed by a slice of Swiss cheese. Return to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with your favorite sides for a restaurant-worthy meal at home!
For the Sauce
- Mix all of the sauce ingredients together and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
wanting to try this, just curious can these be reheated for lunches the next day?
Absolutely! These Malibu Chicken pieces reheat really well and make great lunches for the next day. You can pop them in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Let me know how it goes!
This was such an easy recipe, both my parents & hubby loved it. I think it tastes better than sizzler. Will make this again after the summer is over! Great recipe!
Thank you so much, Ruth!
While some of the ingredients are similar, this has very little resemblance to Sizzler’s version.
Thanks for the feedback, Todd.
I think this is better than Sizzler’s! This is definitely a family favorite! My young kiddos and hubby all love it! Thanks for sharing!
a great find for our family! thank you for having this recipe available!
can’t you get a recipe app that allows for printing in a more compact form? this recipe should not take 6-8 pages to print
I’m always open to suggestions, however please consider requesting in a more positive way. It was printing in 4 pages due to the images in the recipe instructions, not 6. I removed the images to make it 2 pages. However, I get many many requests for the step by step photos in instructions. I cannot please everyone and appreciate any patience and kindness you have to offer.
I always copy and paste into a document file, editing to my personal shortcut phrases as I go. Then I can print.
Your recipe is so easy, I LOVE the sauce.
Smart idea to create your own doc to help you read through a recipe quickly. So glad you loved the sauce, it’s one of my favorites.
Delicious! Made exactly as indicated in the recipe. The breading on the chicken still came out a bit soggy for me, but still better than other chicken I’ve baked…so the tip to use the baking rack will definitely be my new go-to method. All came together very easy and quick. Had to limit myself on the dipping sauce because I could drown everything in that…so good! Thank you!
Thanks for taking the tie to comment, Allison! I’m glad you liked it.
Try using an oven safe cooling rack on your baking sheet with some foil under it so it doesn’t come out soggy. Spray the rack with cooking spray or lightly oil it first. Applies to Shake n Bake or any baked breaded meats as well.
What kind of mustard do I use along with Dijon?
classic yellow mustard.
Easy and tasty dinner. We doulbed the dipping sauce and cooked the chicken stovetop because it was easier.
Cooking stove top is a good substitution. I’m guessing you got a nice crisp chicken breast!