• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Collaborate
  • Contact
Facebook
Pinterest
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube
BlogLovin'
RSS

Valerie's Kitchen

Simple, seasonal home cooking

  • Recipe Box
  • Videos
  • The Cookbook
  • Beyond the Kitchen
Home » Main Dish » Poultry » Malibu Chicken (Sizzler Copycat)

Malibu Chicken (Sizzler Copycat)

By Valerie · January 11, 2015 · Updated March 26, 2020 25 Comments

OP One Pot MD Main Dish
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Panko breaded chicken topped with deli ham and Swiss cheese and served with a honey dijon dipping sauce. A copycat version of Sizzler’s classic Malibu Chicken.

Malibu Chicken (Copycat Sizzler Recipe)

The first time I tried Malibu Chicken was at my mother-in-law’s house waaaayyy back in time when I was dating my husband. That sounded weird. I wasn’t dating my husband – I was dating the young guy who would one day become my husband. There, that’s better.

It was the early 80’s and this tasty chicken dish from Sizzler was quite the rage. It’s a bit ironic that I’ve never had the Sizzler version. In fact, I’ve never dined at Sizzler – ever. My great big family of eight was not having fancy dinner’s out at Sizzler. Ha! So, needless to say, I was pretty pleased when Paul’s mom whipped this up for dinner one night. I promptly pulled out my trusty recipe cards and wrote the recipe down.

Malibu Chicken (Sizzler Copycat)

It is that very recipe that I’m sharing with you all today. I have no idea why it has taken me over three years of blogging to get around to sharing this one with you. It’s been cooked and consumed countless times since my boys were young and it remains a favorite.

Malibu Chicken (Copycat Sizzler Recipe)

Funny thing is, for all these years I had assumed that Paul’s family was livin’ it up at Sizzler, ordering appetizers and Malibu Chicken while I was at home eating pot roast. When I was putting this post together I asked him to tell me about his glory days at Sizzler only to find out that they weren’t eating there either! I have to assume that she got the recipe from a magazine, a TV show, or it was one of those recipes that was circulating like crazy through the suburbs in those days.

And, just when you think you really know someone – you find out it was all an illusion.

Go grab your apron and let’s make some Malibu Chicken!

Malibu Chicken (Sizzler Copycat)

You’ll need 3 wide, shallow dishes for the breading ingredients – pie plates work perfectly. Dish one contains all-purpose flour. Dish two contains an egg whisked with a little vegetable oil. And, dish three contains Italian style panko bread crumbs. You’ll also need four thin cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you are feeding more than four, don’t fret. I’ve included instructions for making enough for a bigger group on the printable recipe below.

Dredge a piece of chicken in the flour, coating both sides. Shake off any excess.

Malibu Chicken (Sizzler Copycat)

Place the flour coated chicken in the egg mixture and flip it over to coat both sides with egg. The flour will really help that egg adhere to the chicken.

Malibu Chicken (Sizzler Copycat)

Lastly, a dip in the seasoned panko bread crumbs.

Malibu Chicken (Sizzler Copycat)

Transfer the breaded chicken to an oven-proof skillet that has been generously coated with olive oil. When I say generous, I mean it. Use at least 3 tablespoons for a 12″ skillet. You don’t want any of that wonderful breading to be left behind because it’s sticking to the bottom of the pan. Season the chicken with a little salt and fresh ground pepper.

Malibu Chicken (Sizzler Copycat)

After a few minutes, flip the chicken over. We are just browning it here – not cooking it through. It only needs 3 or 4 minutes per side to get nicely browned.

Malibu Chicken (Sizzler Copycat)

Layer each piece of chicken with a slice of deli ham, folded to fit the chicken, and a slice of Swiss cheese. Pop the oven-proof skillet in a pre-heated 350 degree oven and that’s it my friends. Let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through to the center. If you are using thicker pieces of chicken, it’s going to take longer to cook through. I HIGHLY recommend using thinner pieces since they cook faster and will be more tender with less cooking time.

Malibu Chicken (Sizzler Copycat)

While the chicken is in the oven you can mix together the sweet, creamy Dijon dipping sauce. It consists of mayonnaise, both Dijon and yellow mustard, honey, and onion powder. I used coarse ground Dijon but the regular type is just fine.

Malibu Chicken (Sizzler Copycat)While it bakes, the edges of the ham get all nice and crispy and the cheese gets all melty and gooey. It’s a beautiful thing. Try it!

Breaded chicken topped with sauce and cheese.

Malibu Chicken

Panko breaded chicken topped with deli ham and Swiss cheese and served with a honey dijon dipping sauce. A copycat version of Sizzler's classic Malibu Chicken.
0 from 0 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Valerie Brunmeier

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Italian style Panko bread crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4 thin sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Olive oil, about 3 tablespoons or enough to generously coat skillet
  • Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices deli ham
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese

Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, coarse ground or regular
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Grab 3 pie plates or similar wide, shallow dishes. Place flour in one, bread crumbs in another, and whisk egg with vegetable oil in the 3rd dish. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. One by one, dip the pieces into flour, then into the egg/oil mixture, then lastly into the Panko bread crumbs.
  • Coat an oven-proof skillet with a generous amount of olive oil and place over medium heat. As you bread each piece of chicken, transfer it to the pan. Allow to cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Season it with a little salt and fresh ground black pepper while it cooks. You don't want to cook the chicken through at this point. Once browned, layer the chicken with a piece of ham and then top with the Swiss cheese.
  • Transfer pan to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, till chicken is thoroughly cooked through to the center. Serve with dipping sauce.
  • For the Dipping Sauce:While the chicken is baking, combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Serving more than four? No problem! Double the recipe and brown the chicken in batches. Line a large baking sheet with foil and generously coat the foil with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking sheet and proceed with recipe as directed.
LOVE MY RECIPES? GET THE COOKBOOK!
The Foolproof Family Slow Cooker and Other One-Pot Solutions

Categories: Main Dish, One Pot, Poultry, Recipe

< Previous
Next >

You May Also Like...

A close up of kitchen utensils. Crisp Cooking Tools for Healthy Eating Giveaway!
Easy Cherry Cheesecake Pie with a Chocolate Crust Easy Cherry Cheesecake Pie
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cheesy Vegetable Rice Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cheesy Vegetable Rice
Butterscotch Caramel Frappuchinos in mason jars. Homemade Butterscotch Caramel Blended Iced Coffee

Reader Interactions

Latest Comments
Skip to Comment Form
  1. Caffeine Clicks says

    September 17, 2019 at 3:32 pm

    I’m definitely going to try this recipe. I have a friend who still waxes nostalgic about the Sizzler. Nice post!

    Reply
  2. Jan says

    July 15, 2019 at 4:24 pm

    Love this. Went to Sizzler and mine came with a grilled pineapple ring on top…Yum.

    Also, have several recipes from my husband who was a chef for many years and I still remember a few if you would like to try a few.

    Reply
  3. Kerrie says

    November 11, 2017 at 5:06 pm

    When I was young, sizzler didn’t bread their Malibu chicken. It was grilled & topped with ham & melted Swiss.

    Reply
  4. Lori says

    February 17, 2017 at 6:43 am

    I would love to try this recipe. We still have a few Sizzler Restaurants in Salt Lake City and whenever I go I always order the malibu chicken, in face that’s what prompted me to search for a recipe because I’ve been trying to duplicate their dipping sauce but I think it has more than just mayo and mustard in it, I’ve tried that and it ISN’T the same as Sizzlers. I think I might try the dijon instead, that might just be it. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  5. Jessica says

    December 1, 2015 at 8:06 am

    I have fond memories of Sizzler (we used coupons) AND of Malibu Chicken. Yum! I’m thrilled to be able to make this at home. I always wondered what was in the sauce!

    Reply
    • Valerie says

      December 2, 2015 at 12:51 pm

      You gotta love a family that dined at Sizzler with coupons 🙂 Be sure to let me know how it turns out for you if you try it.

      Reply
  6. dax says

    July 9, 2015 at 8:35 am

    I went to Sizzler about once a week for years back in the day and Malibu Chicken with salad bar was what I always ordered. When the chain closed I went into mourning. This recipe for chicken and honey mustard sauce is good. However, the original Malibu Chicken was a high quality all white meat breaded chicken fritter deep fried and topped with ham and swiss cheese and the sauce was just mayo and yellow mustard. It was so good. It is similar to Cordon Bleu, like deconstructed. I tried buying chicken fritters from the grocery but they were nasty so using real chicken breast is the only way to go when trying to make these. Store bought fritters are not the same as what the restaurant served. Specially made for them? I found this recipe pleasing but I did change the sauce to mayo and mustard only.

    Reply
    • Valerie says

      July 9, 2015 at 12:08 pm

      I’m so happy to hear from someone who not only ate at Sizzler but remembers this specific dish! Sadly, I never experienced the original. My recipe is based on my husband’s mom’s version of the dish. From the sound of it, this recipe may be a bit more wholesome than the breaded, deep-fried version, although, I’m sure it was tasty. I’m glad you enjoyed the dish and thanks so much for your comment! I totally appreciate the feedback 🙂

      Reply
  7. Michele @ Flavor Mosaic says

    January 13, 2015 at 3:17 pm

    I love the story and love the recipe! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  8. Rachael says

    January 13, 2015 at 10:09 am

    I love this recipe! I can see why you wrote it down back in the 80’s! And I can see why it was a favorite at your house. Yum.

    Reply
« Older Comments

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Recipe Rating




Stay Connected with Valerie’s Kitchen

Facebook
Pinterest
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube
BlogLovin'
RSS

Stay updated!

Subscribe by Email

Get the latest straight from my kitchen to your email inbox. You can choose to receive an email every time a new recipe is published or a weekly summary.

Click to Subscribe

Primary Sidebar

Browse the Recipes

by Category
CP Slow Cooker OP One Pot 30 30 Minute Meals SD Side Dish S Dessert H Holidays A Appetizers MD Main Dish
Valerie Brunmeier, founder and author of Valerie's Kitchen

MeetValerie Brunmeier

Hello and welcome to my online kitchen! My focus here is to provide simple, seasonal meal solutions for busy households. I hope you find some inspiration while you’re here and visit again soon!

...
More About Me

Looking for something?

Archives

Categories

Soups and Stews

A ladle scoops up beef stew from a pot.
Broccoli Cheese Soup in a round bread bowl topped with shredded cheddar cheese.
A close up, over the top image of Hamburger Stew in a Dutch oven.
A ladle scoops some beef stew from an Instant Pot.
A mug filled with ham and bean soup.

St. Patrick’s Day!

Slices of corned beef, carrots, and cabbage in a bowl with a bottle of Guinness.
A ladle scoops up some stew from a pot.
The Snakebite (Guinness and Pear Cider Cocktail)
Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
Corned beef with sauteed cabbage on a black plate.
A close up of Colcannon Potatoes topped with bacon and green onions.
Corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots on a white plate.
A bowl of soup with cabbage and corned beef on top of a white plate with a spoon.

Reader Favorites

A white serving dish filled with shredded beef, carrots, and potatoes.
A white bowl filed with crab dip with a spoon.
A spatula scoops up a zucchini boat from a casserole dish.
Blackened Mahi Mahi
A close up of a cheesesteak sandwich with peppers and onions.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravey
As Featured On
Back to Top
  • Home
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Collaborate
  • Contact
Facebook
Pinterest
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube
BlogLovin'
RSS
Valerie's Kitchen
Copyright © 2011–2021 · Valerie's Kitchen

Valerie's Kitchen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.