Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Wattleseed Pepper Sauce

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

Pan-seared chicken breast crusted with crunchy macadamia nuts, served with a creamy wattleseed pepper sauce that adds a distinctly Australian twist. 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 520 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 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Set up a breading station with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in one bowl, 2 beaten large eggs in a second, and 1 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts in a third.
  2. Step 2: Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Dredge each breast first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the chopped macadamia nuts until fully coated.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat until foaming. Add the crusted chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken and keep warm. Lower the heat to medium-low and pour 1 cup heavy cream into the skillet, whisking to deglaze the pan.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp ground wattleseed and simmer the sauce for 3 minutes until thickened and fragrant. Spoon the wattleseed pepper sauce over the chicken before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Macadamia-Crusted Chicken with Wattleseed Pepper 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 Wattleseed Pepper 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 Wattleseed Pepper 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 Pepper 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 Pepper 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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