Crusted Sage and Macadamia Nut Chicken Breasts are a great low carb and gluten-free crunchy fried chicken, without the use of any breadcrumbs. Serve alongside a simple salad or stuff into a lettuce leaf with some sliced bell peppers for a meal the whole family will devour.
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Crusted Sage and Macadamia Nut Chicken Breasts come together in no time at all and really pack a flavor punch, especially with the use of beautifully fragrant fresh sage in the herb mix.
Fresh v Dried Herbs?
I always use fresh herbs as I have them growing in the garden or on the kitchen bench pretty much year round, but dried herbs will work in a pinch as well.
Because dried herbs are generally more potent and concentrated than fresh herbs, you'll need less -- typically three times the amount of fresh herbs as dry. So sub away, just reduce the amount by around a third and you will be good to go.
If you are interested in using the best ingredients then I would suggest checking out Butcher Box for your chicken. I made the switch a few months back and the quality is so good I can really tell the difference when I have to buy chicken breasts from the store. Sadly, my little foodie kids can tell the difference as well and always ask for the fancy chicken! It does cost a little bit more BUT in my honest opinion, it is completely worth it. We have simply reduced our chicken and meat consumption a little bit and upped the veggie component of every meal to make the budget work. Check them out here:
Are Macadamia Nuts Good For You?
The crushed macadamia used in the coating not only gives you a healthy dose of good fats and antioxidants, but they are also a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, iron, B vitamins, and folate.
Plus they add a nice little crunchy coating to the chicken tenders without the need for any breadcrumbs, making it truly a low carb gluten-free dish.
And really, who doesn’t love a decadent macadamia?
Got Leftover Macadamia Nut Chicken Breasts?
This macadamia nut chicken is great sliced on top of a salad or stuffed into a wrap or lettuce leaf and loaded with fresh veggies for lunch the next day.
How Can I Get The Kids Involved?
This dish has fast become a family favorite in the Whole Food Bellies house, and the fact that it comes together so easily and the kids gobble it up every time makes it a sure addition to the meal plan every month. If you want to get the kids involved with this one, have them:
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- pick the herbs from the garden or pull the herbs off the stems of store-bought herbs
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- mix together the coating in a medium-sized bowl
- put the macadamias into a Ziploc bag and crush them by hitting them with a rolling pin (this activity is particularly popular around here).
I keep the kids away from the raw chicken side of things simply because they are little and can't help but touch everything in sight. If yours are older then let them use some tongs to dip the chicken in the mixture.
Getting the kids involved with making dinners like macadamia nut chicken always makes for a little bit of fun during the witching hour, giving you more time to get everything else sorted and prepared. Plus they will be more excited to eat something they have helped to make, so less complaining!
Serve it up with some:
Happy Eating!
Sage and Macadamia Nut Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 cup macadamia nuts crushed
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a plastic bag (or a ziplock bag) and pound firmly with a meat cleaver or a rolling pin to flatten slightly.
- Mix the herbs, salt and pepper along with the crushed nuts in a small bowl and place the mixture on a flat plate. Brush each breast with a thin layer of dijon mustard and coat each side with the herb mixture.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Saute the breasts with the smooth rounded side down for about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and turn over the breasts, cooking for another 3 minutes, until cooked through. Remove from the pan and serve.
Natalie says
I absolutely LOVE that you used fresh herbs here. I bet this taste absolutely amazing. I can't wait to try this recipe. My family will love it, I'm sure. Looks delicious.
Donna says
We have so many herbs growing in the garden and I hate to see them go to waste. Plus they amp up the flavor of dishes so much I have no now 🙂
Sharon says
The flavor on this chicken sounds out of this world! I really love the addition of macadamia nuts to it.
Donna says
I am a little bit obsessed with macadamias lately 🙂
Veronika's Kitchen says
What a great idea to use macadamia nuts for the chicken crust! Saving the recipe for later!
Donna says
It works so well and gives it such a great flavor!
Daniela says
Yum! Have crusted fish with macadamia nuts but never chicken. Sounds so yummy. Thanks for sharing :).
Donna says
Ooh I am going to have to try using this crust on some fish now, sounds delish!
Amanda M Mason says
Yum! These chicken breasts look amazing! I love a good leftover seasoned chicken breast for lunch the next day! Printing this recipe out because I'm so making this!
Donna says
Oh yay, hope you enjoy! These work great for lunch the next day, I usually stuff in a wrap with some salad!
Nicole says
I love a good crust on chicken. This looks fresh and crunchy! I love the flavor combo.
Jenni LeBaron says
I think nuts make an awesome crust for chicken. This combination is such a fun way to shake up dinner and makes a great flavor year round!
Anne Lawton says
I love this recipe! All of those fresh herbs, mustard and macadamias it sounds like a bite of heaven!
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli says
Fresh herbs add such a great flavor, plus the nuts add some nutrition too. This is a great dish, tasty and wholesome.
Veena Azmanov says
I love adding nuts to my meat dishes too. My daughter is a huge macadamia nut kinda person. I need to make this for her - she will love it.
Krista Price says
I absolutely love that you used macadamia nuts. I've used walnuts and almonds similarly, but never thought to use macadamia! Just pinned this to my Whole30 Chicken board! I can't wait to make it! 🙂
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen says
What a great idea to add nuts to the chicken breast to get that crunch! Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
Donna says
It makes for the perfect crunch! Plus macadamia's are delicious 🙂