Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Lemon and Thyme

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts coated with crunchy macadamia nuts and fresh thyme, roasted and finished with a bright lemon drizzle for a satisfying Australian-inspired meal. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs macadamia nuts, chopped, fresh thyme leaves, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts and 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves in a shallow bowl and mix thoroughly. In a separate bowl, add 1/2 cup all-purpose flour seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Crack 2 large eggs into a third bowl and whisk until smooth. Pat dry 4 chicken breasts (6 oz each). Dredge each breast first in the seasoned flour, then dip into the whisked eggs, and finally press firmly into the macadamia-thyme mixture to coat completely.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the coated chicken breasts for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the chicken for 15 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from oven, drizzle with 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with 1 tsp lemon zest before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Lemon and Thyme 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 Lemon and Thyme?

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 Lemon and Thyme?

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 Lemon and Thyme 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 Lemon and Thyme?

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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