Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Davidson’s Plum Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared chicken breasts coated in crushed macadamia nuts, served with a tangy and sweet Davidson’s plum sauce native to Australia’s rainforests. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends finely chopped macadamia nuts, all-purpose flour, beaten egg into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in a shallow dish. In a second dish, beat 1 egg. In a third dish, spread 1 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts.
  2. Step 2: Season 4 skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Dredge each breast first in flour, then dip into beaten egg, and finally press into macadamia nuts to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup Davidson’s plum jam, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 cup water. Heat over low heat until the sauce is warm and slightly thickened, then stir in 1 tbsp butter until glossy.
  5. Step 5: Serve the macadamia-crusted chicken breasts drizzled with Davidson’s plum sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Davidson’s Plum Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Davidson’s Plum Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Davidson’s Plum Sauce?

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 Davidson’s Plum Sauce 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 Davidson’s Plum Sauce?

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.

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