Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Bush Tomato Relish
Juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy macadamia nut crust, paired with a tangy bush tomato relish bursting with native Australian flavors. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs finely chopped macadamia nuts, panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4, boneless and skinless, about 6 oz each chicken breasts
- 1 cup, finely chopped macadamia nuts
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large, beaten egg
- 1/2 cup flour
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped bush tomatoes
- 1 small, deseeded and finely chopped red chili
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix 1 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl.
- Step 2: Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Lightly dredge each breast in 1/2 cup flour, then dip into 1 beaten large egg, and finally press firmly into the macadamia mixture to coat completely.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Sear the crusted chicken breasts for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Step 4: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the chicken for 12-15 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare the bush tomato relish by combining 1/2 cup finely chopped bush tomatoes, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 small deseeded finely chopped red chili, 1 tsp honey, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander in a bowl. Stir well and season with 1/4 tsp salt if needed.
- Step 6: Serve the macadamia-crusted chicken breasts topped with the tangy bush tomato relish alongside steamed greens or a fresh salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Bush Tomato Relish take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Bush Tomato Relish?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep finely chopped macadamia nuts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Bush Tomato Relish?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Bush Tomato Relish for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Bush Tomato Relish?
Australian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.