Crispy Malibu Chicken
Golden breaded chicken breasts pan-fried to a crisp and finished with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese. A crowd-pleasing favorite chicken breast recipe ready in about 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet
- Meat mallet
- Shallow bowls for breading
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) pounded to even thickness
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs panko preferred
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 slices deli ham thin-cut
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard optional
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even 3/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Coat each chicken breast in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, then press firmly into the seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Transfer skillet to the oven. Top each breast with a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is fully melted and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pat chicken completely dry before breading for the crispiest crust.
- Do not move chicken while searing - let it release naturally before flipping.
- Spread Dijon mustard over the ham before adding cheese for extra flavor.
- Scales easily for groups - use a sheet pan for the oven step when making 8+ pieces.