Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Kakadu Plum Glaze
Juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy macadamia nut crust and finished with a tangy, sweet Kakadu plum glaze inspired by Australian native fruits. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs macadamia nuts (chopped), panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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, skinless (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 1 cup macadamia nuts (chopped)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup Kakadu plum jam
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season 4 chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Set up three shallow dishes: one with 1/2 cup flour, one with 2 beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts and 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs.
- Step 2: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally press into the macadamia-panko mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 4: While chicken browns, combine 1/3 cup Kakadu plum jam, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake chicken for 12-15 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 6: Remove chicken and brush generously with the Kakadu plum glaze before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Kakadu Plum Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Kakadu Plum Glaze?
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 macadamia nuts (chopped) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Kakadu Plum Glaze?
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 Kakadu Plum Glaze 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 Kakadu Plum Glaze?
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.
Equipment for this recipe
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