Native Pepperberry and Macadamia Crusted Chicken Breast
Pan-seared chicken breasts coated in a crunchy native pepperberry and macadamia nut crust, served with a light lemon myrtle cream sauce. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs finely chopped macadamia nuts, native pepperberries (ground), panko breadcrumbs 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
- 3/4 cup, finely chopped macadamia nuts
- 2 tsp native pepperberries (ground)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large, beaten eggs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp lemon myrtle powder
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1/4 cup all-purpose flour in a shallow dish, 2 beaten eggs in another, and combine 3/4 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts, 2 tsp ground native pepperberries, and 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs in a third. Season 4 chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the macadamia-pepperberry-panko mixture to evenly coat both sides.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter 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).
- Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm. To the same skillet, add 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp lemon myrtle powder, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Pour the sauce over the chicken before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Native Pepperberry and Macadamia Crusted Chicken Breast take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Native Pepperberry and Macadamia Crusted Chicken Breast?
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 finely chopped macadamia nuts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Native Pepperberry and Macadamia Crusted Chicken Breast?
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 Native Pepperberry and Macadamia Crusted Chicken Breast 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 Native Pepperberry and Macadamia Crusted Chicken Breast?
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.