Description
Quick Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders deliver tender, juicy chicken coated in a fresh and vibrant cilantro-based pesto. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients like fresh herbs, nuts, and parmesan for a flavorful, healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 lb fresh boneless chicken tenders
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Cilantro Pesto
- 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves, packed
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cilantro Pesto: Combine fresh cilantro, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Pulse until smooth but still slightly textured, scraping down the sides as needed to create a bright, flavorful pesto.
- Season the Chicken Tenders: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then lightly season with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Coat Chicken with Pesto: Generously brush the cilantro pesto all over the chicken tenders, making sure each piece is well coated to maximize flavor in every bite.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Cook the chicken tenders for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Occasionally baste with any leftover pesto to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes to lock in the juices. Serve immediately with your choice of garnishes and side dishes.
Notes
- Use fresh cilantro to achieve the best flavor and avoid dried herbs.
- Do not overblend the pesto; leaving some texture enhances the mouthfeel.
- Pound chicken tenders slightly for even thickness and uniform cooking.
- Reserve some pesto to drizzle over the chicken when serving for added flavor.
- Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure a proper sear.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz chicken tenders with pesto
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg