Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Finger Lime Aioli

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

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Juicy pan-fried chicken breasts coated in a crunchy macadamia nut crust paired with a zesty finger lime aioli that adds a fresh citrus burst. This Australian-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, macadamia nuts, panko breadcrumbs 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pound 4 chicken breasts to an even 1/2 inch thickness. Season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Prepare three shallow dishes: one with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, one with 2 beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of 1 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts and 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Step 3: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the eggs, and finally press firmly into the macadamia-panko mixture to coat completely.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp finger lime pearls, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until combined.
  6. Step 6: Serve the macadamia-crusted chicken with a dollop of finger lime aioli on top for a refreshing citrus finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Finger Lime Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Finger Lime Aioli?

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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Finger Lime Aioli?

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 Finger Lime Aioli 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 Finger Lime Aioli?

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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