Macadamia Nut Chicken Breasts with Tropical Marmalade

Recipe by: Sam Choy | from Sam Choy's Island Flavors: Cook Your Way to Paradise with More Than 200 Delicious Recipes from Hawaii's Master Chef

Cookstr

Course: Main Course

Total Time: Under 2 Hours

Skill Level: Easy

Cost: Moderate

macadamia-nut-chicken-breasts-with-tropical-marmalade

Photo by: Joseph DeLeo

Macadamia nuts are not indigenous to Hawai’i. Mr. E. W. Purvis introduced macadamia trees to the Islands from Australia in 1885. Macadamia nut production increased as the sugar cane industry waned, and today macadamia nuts bolster the Big Island economy. I like to encase chicken in a macadamia nut crust. You can’t beat it. The crust keeps all the moisture in and adds a rich, nutty flavor to the meat. This dish is a very popular menu item in my restaurants.

Yield: Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 cup macadamia nuts, finely chopped
¾ cup fine dry bread crumbs
½ cup all-purpose flour
3 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoon butter
Tropical Marmalade

Chicken barbecue marinade
(makes about ¾ cup)

½ cup soy sauce
1½ tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
1 teaspoon peeled and minced fresh ginger

Directions

For Chicken Barbecue Marinade:

Combine all ingredients.

Marinate the chicken in Chicken Barbecue Marinade for 1 hour, turning occasionally.

Remove the chicken, and allow to drain.

For the Chicken:

Combine the macadamia nuts and bread crumbs. Dredge the chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with the macadamia nut mixture.

In a heavy skillet, heat the oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once. Add a little oil if necessary, since macadamia nuts may absorb oil. Serve with tropical marmalade.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Nutritional information does not include Tropical Marmalade. For nutritional information on Tropical Marmalade, please follow the link above.

Calories 566kcal (28%)

Sodium 582mg (24%)

Total Carbohydrate 14g

Fiber 3g

Fat 32g (49%)

Trans Fat 0g

Saturated Fat 9g (47%)

Monounsaturated Fat 17g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g