Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and comes together in a flash, you are going to love this Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders recipe. It combines tender, juicy chicken with a zesty cilantro pesto that offers just the right balance of herbaceous depth and bright citrus notes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these chicken tenders are not only incredibly tasty but also impressively easy to make, making them an absolute favorite in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days when time is tight.
  • Fresh and Flavorful: The cilantro pesto adds a bright, zesty kick that elevates simple chicken tenders.
  • Versatile: Great as a snack, main dish, or party appetizer, adjustable to suit many tastes.
  • Healthy Ingredients: Made with fresh herbs, nuts, and lean protein for a nutritious meal option.
  • Kid-Friendly: Mild yet flavorful enough to please picky eaters and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders are straightforward and essential for achieving that vibrant taste and satisfying texture. Each element plays a role—from the fresh cilantro that carries the pesto’s brightness to the pine nuts adding a subtle crunch, creating a balanced and irresistible dish.

  • Chicken Tenders: Use fresh, boneless strips for juiciness and quick cooking.
  • Fresh Cilantro: The star herb that gives the pesto its unique, refreshing flavor.
  • Pine Nuts or Walnuts: Adds richness and a pleasing crunch within the pesto.
  • Garlic: For that classic depth and a little kick in the pesto sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, savory essence that perfectly complements the herbs.
  • Olive Oil: Helps emulsify the pesto and keeps the chicken moist while cooking.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds zing and brightens the overall flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the dish.

Variations for Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders

This recipe is delightfully flexible. Feel free to switch up certain ingredients or tweak the process depending on what you have in your pantry or your dietary needs. Here are a few ways to make it your own.

  • Nut-Free Version: Substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely for allergy-friendly pesto.
  • Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or fresh jalapeño to give the pesto a lively heat.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
  • Grilled Instead of Pan-Seared: Try grilling the chicken tenders for a smoky finish.
  • Extra Creamy Pesto: Blend in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt for a smooth, tangy texture.

How to Make Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Cilantro Pesto

Start by combining fresh cilantro, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor. Blend until smooth but still a little textured, then season with salt and pepper to taste. This pesto will be your flavor-packed coating for the chicken.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Place the chicken tenders in a bowl or shallow dish and toss them in about half of the cilantro pesto until each piece is well coated. Let them marinate for 10-15 minutes if you have extra time to boost flavor penetration.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Tenders

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a small drizzle of olive oil. Cook the chicken tenders for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through. The pesto coating will lightly caramelize, adding a beautiful color and taste.

Step 4: Serve with Extra Pesto

Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a serving plate and drizzle with the remaining fresh cilantro pesto or use it as a dipping sauce on the side for extra burst of flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders

  • Fresh Cilantro Matters: Use bright, vibrant cilantro rather than wilted bunches to get the best flavor in your pesto.
  • Don’t Overcook Chicken: Chicken tenders cook quickly—watch closely to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Balance Your Pesto: Taste before adding salt since Parmesan already adds saltiness.
  • Use Quality Olive Oil: A good extra virgin olive oil elevates the pesto’s richness noticeably.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the cilantro pesto a day in advance to deepen flavors.

How to Serve Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro leaves, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts make beautiful and tasty garnishes that enhance the dish’s natural bright flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair these chicken tenders with something light and complementary like a crisp mixed green salad, garlic roasted potatoes, or fluffy quinoa to round out your meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, serve the tenders skewered with extra cilantro pesto drizzled on top, or turn them into sliders with fresh avocado and a slice of tomato for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep their moisture and flavor intact.

Freezing

These chicken tenders freeze well when wrapped tightly in foil or placed in freezer bags; freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispness without drying out the tender chicken.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, but thaw them completely before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

Is cilantro pesto different from regular pesto?

Absolutely! Traditional pesto uses basil, but cilantro pesto offers a brighter, slightly citrusy flavor that pairs uniquely with chicken.

Can I make the pesto without a food processor?

You can finely chop the ingredients by hand and mix them thoroughly, though a processor yields a smoother and more consistent pesto.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! It reheats well and keeps fresh for several days, making it a fantastic option for pre-planned lunches or dinners.

What can I substitute for pine nuts?

Walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes and provide a similar texture and flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up dinner with something fresh, flavorful, and quick, give Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders a try. This recipe balances simple ingredients with bold herbal goodness, offering a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. I can’t wait for you to make it a regular in your meal rotation!

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Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders

Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders


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  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders is a quick, fresh, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a vibrant cilantro pesto with zesty citrus notes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This easy-to-make recipe balances herbaceous depth with bright flavors, offering a healthy and versatile meal option that’s enjoyable for the whole family.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb fresh boneless chicken tenders

Cilantro Pesto

  • 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves, packed
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cilantro Pesto: Combine fresh cilantro, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor. Blend until smooth but still slightly textured, then season with salt and pepper to taste. This pesto will be your flavorful coating for the chicken.
  2. Coat the Chicken Tenders: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl or shallow dish and toss them with about half of the cilantro pesto until each piece is well coated. Allow to marinate for 10-15 minutes if time permits to enhance flavor.
  3. Cook the Chicken Tenders: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a small drizzle of olive oil. Cook the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The pesto will caramelize slightly, adding color and taste.
  4. Serve with Extra Pesto: Transfer the cooked tenders to a serving plate and drizzle with the remaining cilantro pesto or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Use bright, fresh cilantro for best pesto flavor.
  • Watch the chicken closely to avoid overcooking and ensure tenderness.
  • Taste the pesto before adding salt since Parmesan adds saltiness.
  • Use good quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the pesto’s richness.
  • Prepare the cilantro pesto a day ahead to deepen the flavors.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Pan-Seared
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 chicken tenders with pesto)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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