Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Macadamia and Lemon Sauce

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a creamy macadamia nut and lemon sauce, served with steamed green vegetables for a bright Australian-inspired dish. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends divided salt, divided black pepper, olive oil 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 480 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add 1/2 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts to the skillet. Toast for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 small minced shallot and 1 minced garlic clove, sautéing for 1 minute until translucent.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken breasts to the pan, spooning the macadamia and lemon sauce over them to coat.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately with 12 oz steamed broccolini, garnished with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Macadamia and Lemon Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Macadamia and Lemon 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Macadamia and Lemon 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Macadamia and Lemon 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Macadamia and Lemon 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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