Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Quandong Sauce

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts crusted with crunchy Australian macadamia nuts, served with a tangy, fruity quandong berry sauce. This Australian-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, macadamia nuts, all-purpose flour 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: 15 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in a shallow dish, 1 large beaten egg in another, and 1 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts in a third.
  2. Step 2: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally press firmly into the macadamia nuts to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tablespoons 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 cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, combine 1 cup quandong berries, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 8 minutes until the berries break down and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3 minutes. Serve topped with the warm quandong sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Quandong Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Quandong Sauce?

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 Quandong 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 Quandong 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 Quandong 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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