Description

This crispy breaded chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts wrapped with slices of savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, creating a deliciously rich and satisfying meal. The chicken is coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture for a perfect golden crust, and served with a tangy and creamy Malibu sauce made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and optional Worcestershire sauce. Ideal for a comforting dinner that balances crispy texture with creamy, flavorful layers.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
1 cup All-Purpose Flour
2 Large Eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups Panko Breadcrumbs (or regular dried breadcrumbs)
½ teaspoon Salt
¼ teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional)
¼ teaspoon Paprika (optional)
4 slices Cooked Ham (e.g., Black Forest, Virginia, or Honey Ham)
4–8 slices Swiss Cheese (or Gruyère, Provolone)
3 tablespoons Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil (for pan-frying)

Creamy Malibu Sauce

½ cup Mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
3 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
1 tablespoon Honey (or to taste)
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (optional)
Pinch of Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
1–2 tablespoons Milk or Cream (optional, to thin sauce)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about ½ inch thick and even in thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and helps tenderize it.
Season and Set up Breading Station: In one shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a second dish, beat the eggs thoroughly. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, and finally coat well with the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to adhere fully.
Assemble the Chicken Rolls: Lay the breaded chicken breasts flat. Place a slice of cooked ham on each breast, then top with 1-2 slices of Swiss cheese, enough to cover the surface comfortably.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the chicken breasts, cheese side up, and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the second side is golden and the chicken is cooked through. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the Creamy Malibu Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Adjust the consistency with milk or cream if needed to achieve a smooth, pourable sauce.
Serve: Plate the cooked chicken breasts and generously drizzle or serve alongside the creamy Malibu sauce. Enjoy immediately while warm and melty.

Notes

You can substitute the ham with prosciutto or smoked turkey slices for different flavor profiles.
For extra crispy chicken, use panko breadcrumbs and pan-fry with a combination of oil and butter.
The Malibu sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
If baking instead of frying, give the chicken a light spray of oil before baking to promote browning.
Adjust honey in the sauce to your preferred sweetness level.
This recipe is not gluten-free due to flour and breadcrumbs; substitute with gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs if needed.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-frying (optional baking)
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 750
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 28g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1.5g
Protein: 55g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: breaded chicken, chicken breast recipe, crispy chicken, creamy sauce chicken, Malibu sauce, chicken with ham and cheese