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- 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 large eggs - ½ cup milk - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 ripe pineapple, sliced into rounds - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a vital role in making Malibu Chicken tasty. The chicken breasts form the base of the dish. They are lean and cook well. Shredded coconut adds a sweet, tropical flavor. Panko breadcrumbs give a light, crispy texture. Garlic and onion powders add depth. Paprika brings a warm color and slight smokiness. Salt and black pepper enhance all flavors. Eggs and milk create a binding mixture for the coating. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, adding creaminess. Pineapple rounds bring a juicy, sweet contrast. Olive oil helps with cooking and flavor. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness at the end. You can easily swap some ingredients if needed. For chicken, use turkey breasts for a leaner option. Almond flour or crushed nuts can replace panko for a gluten-free version. If you dislike coconut, try using crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs. You can skip the cheese for a dairy-free meal. Instead of pineapple, mango slices offer a similar taste. For the garnish, parsley can replace cilantro if you prefer a milder flavor. These swaps keep the dish simple and delightful while suiting different tastes. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. Take two large eggs and crack them into a shallow bowl. Add ½ cup of milk. Whisk them together until smooth. 3. In another shallow bowl, combine these dry ingredients: 1 cup shredded coconut, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix them well. 4. Grab each chicken breast. First, dip it into the egg mixture, letting any extra egg drip off. 5. Then, coat the chicken with the coconut-panko mix. Press down gently so it sticks well. 1. Place the coated chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet. Make sure to space them out well. 2. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken piece. This adds a nice melty layer. 3. Arrange sliced pineapple rounds around the chicken. Brush them lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This helps enhance flavor and keeps them from sticking. 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The coating should look golden brown. 5. Once done, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep the juices inside. - Make sure to press the coconut-panko mix onto the chicken. This helps it stay on during baking. - Use fresh, ripe pineapples for best flavor. They add sweetness and moisture. - For extra crunch, bake until the coating is a deep golden brown. This will give it a nice crisp texture. - Letting the chicken rest before serving keeps it juicy. Enjoy the flavors! One common mistake is not coating the chicken well. Make sure you press the coconut-panko mix onto the chicken firmly. This helps it stick and get that nice crunch. Also, don’t skip preheating the oven. A hot oven cooks the chicken evenly. Lastly, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Keep space between the chicken pieces for better air flow. To make this dish milder, reduce the garlic and onion powder. If you want a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper to the coating. For a fruity twist, try different fruits like mango or peaches instead of pineapple. You can also switch the mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for a bit of heat. Baking is the easiest way to cook this Malibu Chicken. It keeps the chicken moist and the coating crispy. If you want to try frying, use a deep skillet with oil at 350°F. Fry until golden brown, then drain on paper towels. Grilling can add a smoky flavor. Just make sure to monitor the heat so the chicken cooks through. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and ripe pineapple for the best flavor and texture in your dish. Perfect the Coating: For an extra crispy texture, allow the coated chicken to sit for a few minutes before baking. This helps the coating adhere better. Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella adds a nice stretch, consider trying other cheeses like provolone or pepper jack for a unique twist. Garnish with Citrus: Adding a squeeze of lime or lemon juice over the finished chicken enhances the tropical flavors beautifully. {{image_4}} You can spice up your Malibu Chicken with various fruits. Try adding mango or kiwi for a sweet twist. You can also use peaches or strawberries, which pair well with coconut. These fruits not only add flavor but also brighten your dish. Slice the fruits and arrange them around the chicken before baking. This makes your meal look fresh and inviting. If you want a lighter option, bake instead of fry. Baking cuts down on oil and calories. You can still get a crispy texture by using panko breadcrumbs. Just remember to watch the cooking time closely. You can also use chicken thighs for more flavor while keeping it healthy. Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating mix. This gives your dish a nice kick without overpowering the coconut flavor. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley. These herbs add depth and freshness to the meal. Don't be afraid to play with flavors and find what you love! To store Malibu Chicken, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate the chicken from the pineapple. This will keep everything fresh and tasty. If you want to save Malibu Chicken for later, freezing works well. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This will help keep the chicken moist. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date. When you’re ready to eat, reheating is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. The cheese will melt, and the chicken will stay juicy. Enjoy your flavorful meal! Malibu Chicken started in the 1970s in California. It became popular due to its tasty flavors. The dish combines chicken with tropical ingredients like coconut and pineapple. This fun blend reflects California's vibrant food scene. Many love it for its crunch and sweetness. Yes, you can make Malibu Chicken ahead of time. Prepare the chicken and coat it, then store it in the fridge. You can bake it later when you’re ready. This way, you save time and still enjoy a fresh meal. Just remember to check the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge. Many casual dining places serve Malibu Chicken. You can find it in restaurants that focus on American cuisine. Look for places that offer tropical or beach-themed menus. Some chain restaurants also have this dish, so keep an eye out for it! Malibu Chicken pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options to try: - Coconut rice - Grilled vegetables - Coleslaw - Fresh fruit salad - Mashed potatoes These sides complement the dish's tropical flavors and add a nice touch to your meal. Enjoy mixing and matching! This blog post covered all the key details for making Malibu Chicken. We talked about ingredients, their uses, and how to swap them out. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for the best texture. We explored variations for different tastes and storage methods to keep it fresh. Finally, I answered common questions to guide you. With these insights, you can create a tasty Malibu Chicken meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Tropical Paradise Malibu Chicken

A delicious and tropical twist on chicken, coated with coconut and panko, served with pineapple and mozzarella.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Tropical
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

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 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 ripe pineapple, sliced into rounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a shallow bowl, crack the eggs and pour in the milk. Whisk them together until fully blended and set aside.
  • In a separate shallow bowl, combine the shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the coating mixture.
  • Take each chicken breast and first dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Next, coat the chicken with the coconut-panko mixture, pressing down gently to ensure it adheres well.
  • Lay the coated chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced apart for even cooking.
  • Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each piece of chicken, allowing it to melt during baking.
  • Arranging the sliced pineapple rounds around the chicken on the baking sheet, lightly brush them with olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the coating has achieved a golden brown color.
  • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices.
  • Before serving, garnish each chicken breast with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve each chicken breast on a colorful plate with a pineapple round for a vibrant look.
Keyword baked, chicken, coconut, panko, tropical