Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Wattleseed and Kakadu Plum Sauce

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

Pan-fried chicken breasts encrusted with crushed macadamia nuts paired with a tangy and vibrant Kakadu plum sauce, showcasing Australian native flavors. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends finely chopped macadamia nuts, ground wattleseed, all-purpose flour 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: 20 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place 4 chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to even thickness about 1/2 inch.
  2. Step 2: In one shallow bowl, place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; in a second bowl, beat 1 large egg; in a third bowl, combine 1 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts and 1 tsp ground wattleseed.
  3. Step 3: Season chicken with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten egg, and finally press into the macadamia-wattleseed mixture to coat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crusted.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake chicken for 10 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/3 cup Kakadu plum puree, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp water in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Step 7: Serve the macadamia-crusted chicken breasts drizzled with the tangy Kakadu plum sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Wattleseed and Kakadu Plum Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Wattleseed and Kakadu 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 Wattleseed and Kakadu 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 Wattleseed and Kakadu 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 Wattleseed and Kakadu 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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