Experience the ultimate in comfort food with our incredible Malibu Chicken Casserole. This dish effortlessly combines the beloved flavors of classic Malibu Chicken into a simple, all-in-one casserole that’s ready to enjoy in just 45 minutes. It’s the perfect blend of savory and creamy, guaranteed to become a family favorite for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
Malibu Chicken Casserole: A Hearty & Flavorful Family Meal
If you’re a fan of the iconic flavors found in a traditional Malibu Chicken dish but are looking for a more convenient, hearty, and family-friendly approach, then this Malibu Chicken Casserole is precisely what you need for dinner tonight! This delightful casserole layers tender, succulent chicken with savory ham and rich, melted Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy sauce. To top it all off, it features a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust, reminiscent of the classic fried chicken exterior. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that’s incredibly simple to assemble, making it a guaranteed hit that everyone at the table will absolutely adore. Prepare to indulge in a truly satisfying comfort food experience!
“ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! Followed the recipe as it is written and it was a hit. Adding to my recipe rotation. Thank you for another awesome recipe.”
– Brenda
Frequently Asked Questions: Malibu Chicken Casserole
To truly capture the essence of Malibu Chicken in a casserole, we’ve carefully selected key elements from the original dish. The inclusion of Dijon mustard in the creamy sauce is crucial, as it provides that distinct tangy and slightly spicy flavor profile. Paired with diced ham, it perfectly mimics the ham and Swiss cheese stuffing often found within the breaded chicken. Finally, topping the casserole with golden breadcrumbs creates a crispy, satisfying texture similar to the outer coating of traditional fried Malibu Chicken pieces. These components work harmoniously to deliver that authentic and utterly delicious Malibu Chicken experience in every bite.
While penne pasta is our recommended choice for its ability to hold the creamy sauce wonderfully, you have plenty of flexibility! Feel free to substitute any small-to-medium-sized pasta you prefer. Excellent alternatives include cavatappi, which has lovely corkscrew shapes, or classic bow ties (farfalle) for a fun twist. Even rotini or medium shells would work beautifully. The key is to use a pasta shape that can really cradle that rich, flavorful sauce and shredded ingredients.
This Malibu Chicken Casserole is incredibly filling and satisfying on its own, making it a complete meal. However, if you’re looking to round out your dinner, it pairs beautifully with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For a truly indulgent experience, I highly recommend serving it alongside some crusty Garlic Bread or savory Homemade Garlic Breadsticks. The bread is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce! Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans would also provide a lovely freshness and balance to the rich flavors of the casserole.
Absolutely! While we’ve chosen ingredients to keep the flavor profile as close to classic Malibu Chicken as possible, feel free to make adjustments based on your preferences or what you have on hand. It’s important to note, however, that Dijon mustard is a signature component and should not be replaced with yellow mustard, as yellow mustard is far too vinegary and will alter the intended flavor significantly. For the cheese, if Swiss isn’t your favorite, mozzarella is an excellent substitute, offering a milder, melty texture. You could also experiment with Gruyere for a nuttier, more intense flavor. Don’t be afraid to customize, but remember that some swaps will inevitably change the original character of the dish.
For those looking to save a little time, using a high-quality premade Alfredo sauce is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe. It will provide a rich, creamy base without the need to create a homemade béchamel. If you opt for this, a garlic Alfredo sauce would be particularly complementary. To ensure you still get that signature Malibu Chicken flavor, you can absolutely stir in the Dijon mustard to the premade sauce. Start with a smaller amount and taste, adjusting as needed, to achieve your desired balance of tang and creaminess.
Leftovers of this Malibu Chicken Casserole are just as delicious the next day! To store, transfer any remaining casserole into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Then, you can warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until heated through, usually 20-30 minutes, covering with foil if the topping starts to brown too much.
Essential Ingredients for Your Malibu Chicken Casserole
Crafting this delightful Malibu Chicken Casserole requires a blend of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a rich and satisfying dish. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips and potential substitutions to ensure your casserole is perfect every time. (For precise measurements, please refer to the full recipe card further down.)
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation of our rich, creamy sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating a roux, which thickens our sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: This classic seasoning trio forms the aromatic base of our sauce. It’s my personal go-to for many savory dishes, offering a balanced and flavorful profile. Feel free to adjust these to your taste or use your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend. Many enjoy Mrs. Dash herb seasoning as a low-sodium alternative.
- Whole Milk: Contributes to the creamy richness of the sauce. For the best texture, whole milk is recommended.
- Chicken Stock: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce. You can opt for low-sodium or unsalted chicken stock to manage the sodium content, especially if your ham and cheese are already quite salty.
- Heavy Cream: This is the secret to an incredibly luscious and decadent sauce. While you can use all milk if heavy cream isn’t available, the cream truly elevates the texture, making it undeniably smooth and rich. If you have it, don’t skip it!
- Dijon Mustard: This ingredient is optional but highly recommended! Dijon mustard is a defining flavor in traditional Malibu Chicken, offering a distinctive tangy and subtly sharp note that ties everything together. If you’re not a fan of mustard, you can omit it, but be aware the flavor profile will be slightly different. Remember, yellow mustard is not a suitable substitute due to its strong vinegary taste.
- Shredded Swiss Cheese: Provides a nutty, buttery, and beautifully melted layer that is characteristic of Malibu Chicken. If Swiss cheese isn’t your preference, shredded mozzarella is an excellent, milder alternative that still melts wonderfully.
- Penne Pasta: Our choice for the pasta base, as its tubular shape holds the creamy sauce exceptionally well. Other similar-sized sturdy pastas like rotini, cavatappi, or even medium shells would work equally well. Ensure it’s cooked al dente before adding to the casserole.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: The star protein of our casserole. To save time and effort, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is an absolute lifesaver here, providing perfectly cooked and seasoned chicken. You can also cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs.
- Small Diced Ham: Adds a wonderful savory and slightly salty element that complements the chicken and cheese. This is a fantastic way to utilize leftover ham from holiday meals or previous recipes. If you don’t have leftovers, you can easily purchase pre-diced ham or a small smoked ham portion to dice yourself. Look for it in the deli section or near packaged meats at your grocery store.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are celebrated for their light, airy, and extra-crispy texture, providing a delightful crunch on top of the casserole. If panko isn’t available, regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers (like Ritz) can be used for a similar, though slightly different, topping.
Effortless Steps to Make Your Malibu Chicken Casserole
Creating this irresistible Malibu Chicken Casserole is a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal:
- **Prepare Your Workspace:** Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and spray it thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set it aside for later use.
- **Start the Creamy Sauce:** In a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- **Build the Roux:** Once the butter is fully melted and shimmering, whisk in the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Continue whisking constantly for about 1 minute. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and forms a flavorful roux, which is the base for thickening our sauce.
- **Introduce Liquids Gradually:** Begin slowly whisking in the whole milk, a little at a time, ensuring it’s continuously incorporated to prevent any lumps from forming. Once the milk is smooth, follow with the chicken stock, whisking until combined, then the heavy cream. This gradual addition ensures a silky-smooth sauce.
- **Add Dijon and Cheese:** Stir in the Dijon mustard (if using). Finally, add half of the shredded Swiss cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the sauce. Remove the pot from the heat to prevent overcooking the cheese.
- **Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Ham:** Add the cooked and well-drained penne pasta to the creamy sauce in the pot. Stir gently until all the pasta is thoroughly coated. Then, fold in the cooked shredded chicken and small diced ham, mixing until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- **Assemble the Casserole:** Pour the entire pasta, chicken, and ham mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- **Second Cheese Layer:** Sprinkle the remaining shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture. This layer will create a wonderfully cheesy crust.
- **Prepare the Crispy Topping:** In a medium-sized bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are uniformly coated.
- **Add the Topping:** Evenly sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb mixture all over the top of the casserole. This will create a golden, crunchy crust during baking.
- **Bake to Perfection:** Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the breadcrumbs on top are beautifully golden brown and crispy. If you notice the topping browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
- **Serve and Enjoy:** Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried parsley, if desired, for a touch of freshness. Serve immediately and savor every comforting bite!
Craving More Comforting Casserole Recipes?
If you loved this Malibu Chicken Casserole, you’re in for a treat! We have a treasure trove of hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make casserole recipes that are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck. Explore these other fantastic options to add more comforting meals to your rotation:
- Classic Malibu Chicken
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Chicken Divan
- Swiss Chicken Casserole
- Chicken and Biscuits Casserole
- Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
- Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole
- Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
- Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Malibu Chicken Casserole
All the familiar and comforting flavors of Malibu Chicken, conveniently wrapped up in an easy-to-make casserole form.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 Tablespoons dijon mustard (optional if you don’t like mustard)
- 8 ounces shredded swiss cheese (or mozzarella)
For Assembly:
- 16 ounces penne pasta, cooked and drained well
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (a store-bought rotisserie chicken works great here)
- 1 ½ cups small diced ham
- 8 ounces shredded swiss cheese (or mozzarella – see notes below)
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- dried parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray and set it aside.
- Make the sauce in a Dutch oven or large pot by first melting ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, whisk in ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 1 Tablespoon garlic powder, ½ Tablespoon onion powder and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Once it is whisked together, continue to cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
- Continuously whisk in 1 ½ cups whole milk to avoid any lumps. Continue with ½ cup chicken stock, followed by ½ cup heavy cream.
- Stir in 3 Tablespoons dijon mustard.
- Lastly, add 8 ounces shredded Swiss cheese and stir to combine and melt. Take off the heat.
- Stir in 16 ounces penne pasta, cooked and drained well, until coated in the sauce.
- Add 3 cups cooked shredded chicken and 1 ½ cups small diced ham, stir to combine.
- Add the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Top evenly with 8 ounces shredded Swiss cheese.
- In a medium-sized bowl, stir together 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs and 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
- Sprinkle this evenly all over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly along the edges and the breadcrumbs are browned. If the topping starts to get darker than you would like, cover with aluminum foil and continue baking.
- Serve immediately topped with dried parsley, if desired, and enjoy!
Video Tutorial
Notes
- Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) and detailed ingredient list above for other substitutions or answers to common inquiries.
- One 8-ounce package of shredded Swiss cheese is approximately equivalent to 2 cups when measured. Keep in mind that cheese is measured by weight, so 8 ounces of shredded cheese is not a liquid cup but rather about 2 cups by volume.
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Information (Estimated)
Calories: 583kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 33g | Sodium: 433mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a registered dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.
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