Go Back
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup shredded coconut - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 2 eggs - ½ cup milk - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 ripe pineapple, sliced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh cilantro for garnish To make Malibu Chicken, you need fresh chicken breasts. They will be the star of your dish. For the coating, you mix shredded coconut with panko breadcrumbs. This mix gives a crunchy texture. Garlic powder and onion powder add great flavor. Paprika, salt, and pepper enhance the taste. For the topping, mozzarella cheese melts beautifully on the chicken. Pineapple slices add a sweet touch. They balance the savory flavors. Olive oil helps the pineapple roast well. Lastly, fresh cilantro brightens the dish. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a tasty meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Next, grab a shallow bowl and whisk together 2 eggs and ½ cup of milk. Mix until it's smooth and well combined. 3. In another shallow bowl, mix 1 cup of shredded coconut, 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. This mix gives the chicken a great flavor. 4. Now, take a chicken breast and dip it into the egg mixture, letting the extra drip off. After that, coat it in the coconut-panko mix. Press lightly to make sure it sticks well. 5. Place the coated chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet. This helps prevent sticking. 6. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken piece. This will melt and add a nice touch. 7. Slice your ripe pineapple and arrange the slices around the chicken on the baking sheet. Brush them lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil for extra flavor. 8. It’s time to bake! Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating turns golden brown. 9. Once it's done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. 10. For a fresh finish, garnish the chicken with chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Malibu Chicken! - Achieving the perfect golden crust: To get that nice, golden crust, press the coating onto the chicken. This helps it stick well. Bake until the color is a rich, golden brown. - Ensuring chicken is cooked through: Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is safe and juicy. - Suggestions for garnish: Fresh cilantro adds a bright touch. You can also use thin lime slices for zest. This will enhance the dish's tropical feel. - Side dishes that complement Malibu Chicken: Serve Malibu Chicken with rice or a fresh salad. Grilled veggies also pair well and add color to your plate. - Best sauces to pair with the dish: A sweet chili sauce works great with the coconut flavor. You can also try a honey mustard or a tangy barbecue sauce for a tasty mix. Pro Tips Perfectly Breaded: For an extra crispy coating, let the coated chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps the breading adhere better. Flavor Boost: Marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of pineapple juice and soy sauce for a few hours before breading for added flavor. Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack or cheddar for a unique twist on the flavor profile. Garnishing Tips: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the chicken and pineapple before serving for a refreshing zing. {{image_2}} For a fun twist, you can change the breading. Instead of panko and coconut, try crushed cornflakes. They add a nice crunch. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need it. If you're dairy-free, swap the milk for almond or oat milk. They work well in the egg mix. For cheese, choose a dairy-free mozzarella. It melts nicely and keeps the dish creamy. Want to spice things up? Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can brighten the flavor too. They give a fresh taste that pairs well with chicken. For cheese, mix it up! Use cheddar for a sharper flavor or pepper jack for heat. You can also try using feta. It adds a nice salty kick that works great with the pineapple. After you enjoy your Malibu Chicken, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh for up to three days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure to cool the chicken to room temperature before sealing it up. When you’re ready to eat, reheating is simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it's warm throughout. You can also use a microwave, but it may not keep the crust crispy. If you want to save Malibu Chicken for later, freezing is a great option. After letting the chicken cool, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, defrost the chicken in the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe. After thawing, reheat it as mentioned before. For better results, bake it in the oven to restore the crispiness. Use glass or plastic containers that are safe for freezing. This helps keep your Malibu Chicken fresh and tasty. What is Malibu Chicken? Malibu Chicken is a tasty dish made with crispy chicken, coconut, and cheese. It has a tropical twist with fresh pineapple and a crunchy coating. This recipe brings flavors of the beach right to your table. Can I make Malibu Chicken ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the chicken and the coating ahead of time. Coat the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just bake it when you’re ready to enjoy a delicious meal. Is Malibu Chicken gluten-free? No, Malibu Chicken is not gluten-free because of the panko breadcrumbs. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it safe for those with gluten sensitivities. This swap keeps the dish tasty while avoiding gluten. What can I substitute for chicken? You can use turkey breasts or tofu if you want a different protein. Both options work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time if you use tofu, as it requires less time to cook. This blog post covered all you need to make Malibu Chicken. We discussed the specific ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best results. You learned how to make it crispy and delicious. I shared storage tips and answered common questions, too. Don’t be afraid to get creative with flavors or try different toppings. Enjoy this tasty dish with your favorite sides. Now, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking!

Tropical Paradise Malibu Chicken

A deliciously tropical chicken dish coated in coconut and panko, served with pineapple.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Tropical
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 pieces eggs
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 piece ripe pineapple, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
  • In another shallow bowl, mix the shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Dip each chicken breast first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then coat the chicken in the coconut-panko mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
  • Place the coated chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet.
  • Top each piece of chicken with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Arrange pineapple slices on the baking sheet around the chicken, brushing them lightly with olive oil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C) and the coating is golden brown.
  • Once done, remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
  • Garnish the chicken with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Keyword chicken, coconut, panko, pineapple, tropical