Description
Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders are a quick, fresh, and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken coated in a vibrant cilantro pesto. This recipe combines bright herbs, zesty lime, and savory Parmesan to create a satisfying dish perfect for weeknights or meal prep, delivering a healthy protein-packed option with bold taste and minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenders (fresh or thawed)
Cilantro Pesto
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts (lightly toasted)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cilantro Pesto: Combine fresh cilantro, garlic, pine nuts or walnuts, Parmesan cheese, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, then slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth and spreadable. Set aside.
- Season the Chicken Tenders: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then lightly season with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor before applying the pesto.
- Coat the Chicken with Pesto: Generously spread the cilantro pesto over each chicken tender, ensuring they are well coated on all sides for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken Tenders: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes or pan-sear over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. Serve hot with your favorite sides or garnishes.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro significantly enhances pesto brightness and flavor.
- Don’t overcook chicken: Cook tenders until just done to keep them tender and juicy.
- Toast the nuts: Lightly toasting pine nuts or walnuts intensifies their flavor.
- Adjust pesto thickness: Add olive oil gradually to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Rest your chicken: Allow resting after cooking to preserve moisture and tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking or Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (113g) cooked chicken with pesto
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cilantro pesto, chicken tenders, quick dinner, healthy recipe, gluten free, easy meal, fresh herbs, protein
