Description
This Malibu Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with creamy Swiss cheese and savory beef, all topped with a vibrant, tangy-sweet glaze. It’s a delightful dish that brings a taste of the tropics right to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 ounces each)
- Coconut cream or extract (non-alcoholic Malibu alternative)
- Pineapple juice (unsweetened)
- Soy sauce (low-sodium)
- Minced garlic (fresh)
- Grated ginger (fresh)
- Brown sugar (optional)
- Sliced cooked beef (thinly sliced roast beef or pastrami)
- Swiss cheese (or provolone, Monterey Jack, or mild white cheddar)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish, optional)
- Pineapple chunks (for garnish, optional)
- Olive oil (for searing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: First, if your chicken breasts are thick, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl or a large resealable bag, whisk together the non-alcoholic coconut cream/extract, pineapple juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional brown sugar until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the prepared chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. If using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Place the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours.
- Preheat Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sear the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Sear the chicken breasts in the hot skillet for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Add Toppings and Finish Baking: If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer it directly to the preheated oven. If not, arrange the seared chicken in a baking dish. Lay one slice of thinly sliced cooked beef over each chicken breast, then top with a slice of Swiss cheese.
- Bake Until Melted and Cooked Through: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Pound the chicken for even cooking, don't over-marinate due to pineapple juice enzymes, and consider grilling for a different flavor. Serve with fluffy rice or a fresh pineapple salsa for a tropical touch.