Welcome to my kitchen! Growing up, I loved experimenting with flavors that brought a little sunshine to every meal. Inspired by my culinary journey and passion for family-friendly dishes, I discovered Malibu Chicken—a dish that’s creamy, tangy, and just a little tropical. This recipe combines juicy chicken with ham, pineapple, and a luscious sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Here’s how you can bring a taste of Malibu into your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a busy weeknight, the aroma of sizzling chicken filling your kitchen, and a dish that’s ready in under an hour. Malibu Chicken is perfect for anyone who loves quick, easy, and family-friendly meals. Its creamy Malibu chicken sauce pairs perfectly with ham and pineapple, giving each bite a tropical twist. Whether you’re craving a Malibu chicken sizzler, a Malibu chicken sandwich, or the classic baked version, this recipe is versatile, balanced, and ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Keyword-rich versions, like Malibu chicken Indian-style or Malibu chicken vs chicken cordon bleu, show how adaptable this dish can be. From the classic Malibu chicken recipe to a Malibu chicken restaurant-style presentation, you’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create a crowd-pleasing main course.
Ingredients for This Recipe
To make the ultimate Malibu Chicken, you’ll need a few simple, flavorful ingredients. Chicken breasts form the tender base, while ham and pineapple add sweetness and texture. The creamy Malibu chicken sauce binds everything together, creating a rich, indulgent flavor. This combination makes Malibu Chicken easy to prepare yet impressive enough for guests. Using fresh or canned pineapple, good-quality cheese, and a well-balanced sauce ensures each bite delivers tropical comfort.

🛒 Ingredients (serves 4):
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For the Topping:
4 slices ham (optional, smoked or regular)
4 pineapple rings (fresh or canned, drained)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
For the Malibu Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream or cooking cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or cream cheese
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make This Recipe
Start by seasoning chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet and sear until golden brown. Next, layer the ham and pineapple over the chicken, then sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top. The creamy Malibu chicken sauce is made by whisking together cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the sauce over the chicken and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
🛒 Steps:
- Preheat oven and prepare chicken
- Sear chicken breasts for color and flavor
- Assemble ham, pineapple, and cheese topping
- Whisk Malibu chicken sauce ingredients until smooth
- Pour sauce over chicken and bake until cooked
- Serve hot with rice, pasta, or salad
This method ensures a tender, juicy chicken that’s coated in a flavorful, creamy Malibu chicken sauce—perfect for weeknight dinners, Malibu chicken sandwiches, or a restaurant-style Malibu chicken sizzler at home.

Expert Cooking Tips
💡 Expert Tips:
- Use fresh pineapple whenever possible for the juiciest Malibu chicken flavor.
- Pat chicken dry before searing to get a golden, caramelized crust.
- Customize your Malibu chicken sauce by adding a splash of coconut milk for extra tropical flavor.
- For a Malibu chicken sandwich, slice the cooked chicken and serve on toasted buns with a little extra sauce.
- Make a Malibu chicken sizzler by serving hot on a sizzling plate for that restaurant-style presentation.
- Try pairing with Malibu chicken Indian spices for a unique fusion dish.
- Don’t overbake—the chicken should remain juicy under the creamy sauce.
Following these tips helps you make a perfect Malibu chicken every time, whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or an elaborate meal for guests.

FAQs
What is Malibu Chicken?
Malibu Chicken is a baked or grilled chicken dish topped with ham, pineapple, and a creamy Malibu sauce, giving it a tropical flavor twist.
Why is it called Malibu Chicken?
The name reflects the dish’s sunny, tropical inspiration, reminiscent of Malibu, California, with sweet pineapple and creamy sauce.
Can I make Malibu Chicken Indian-style?
Yes! Add Indian spices to the chicken or sauce to create a flavorful fusion version of Malibu Chicken.
What’s the difference between Malibu Chicken and Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Chicken Cordon Bleu is breaded and deep-fried with ham and cheese, while Malibu Chicken is baked or grilled with pineapple and creamy sauce, offering a lighter, tropical twist.
Can I serve Malibu Chicken as a sandwich or sizzler?
Absolutely! Slice the cooked chicken for sandwiches or serve hot on a sizzling plate for a restaurant-style Malibu chicken sizzler experience.
Want more sweet and savory recipes like this? Follow us on Facebook for daily dinner ideas, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from Eminent Recipes.
See how others are plating this dish on Instagram! Tag your version with #Eminentrecipes and get featured.
Love collecting recipes? Don’t miss our latest pins on Pinterest—perfect for saving your favorite meals in one spot.
Easy Blueberry Bread Pudding – Perfect Comfort Dessert
Easy Bisquick Cinnamon Rolls – Bakery Style at Home
Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella – Easy Dinner
Baked Ranch Chicken – Juicy, Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Malibu Chicken is a versatile, flavorful dish that brings tropical flair to any meal. Quick, easy, and family-friendly, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or special occasions. Whether you enjoy it baked, grilled, as a sandwich, or a sizzler, the creamy Malibu chicken sauce, pineapple, and ham combine to create a meal that everyone will love. Try this Malibu Chicken recipe today and elevate your home cooking with a touch of sunshine.
Print
Malibu Chicken
- Total Time: ~40–45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A tropical-inspired chicken dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with ham, pineapple, and a creamy Malibu sauce. Perfect for dinner parties or a fun family meal, this dish can be baked or grilled and served with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (serves 4):
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For the Topping:
4 slices ham (optional, can use smoked or regular)
4 pineapple rings (fresh or canned, drained)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
For the Malibu Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream or cooking cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or cream cheese
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Chicken
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking.
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
Step 2: Assemble Topping
Place ham slice on each chicken breast, then top with a pineapple ring.
Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.
Step 3: Make Malibu Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, honey, salt, and pepper.
Cook on low heat, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
Place chicken in a baking dish, pour sauce over each piece.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C) and cheese is melted.
Serve hot with rice, pasta, or a side salad.
Notes
- Grill Option: Skip the oven; grill chicken with ham and pineapple for 6–8 minutes per side, then drizzle sauce on top.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine or coconut milk to the sauce for a tropical twist.
- Make Ahead: Prepare chicken and sauce separately; assemble and bake just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Chicken
- Method: Baked / Skillet / Grilled
- Cuisine: American / Tropical Fusion
