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Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders

Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders
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Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders is a quick, fresh, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a bright cilantro-based pesto. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, this recipe combines fresh herbs, garlic, nuts, and parmesan cheese to create a unique twist on traditional pesto, delivering vibrant taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb fresh boneless chicken tenders

Cilantro Pesto

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
  • 2–3 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cilantro Pesto: Combine fresh cilantro, garlic, pine nuts or walnuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice in a food processor. Blend until smooth but still slightly textured, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure a well-mixed pesto.
  2. Marinate the Chicken Tenders: Place chicken tenders in a large bowl and spoon about two-thirds of the cilantro pesto over them. Toss well to coat evenly and let marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the herby flavors.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Arrange the marinated tenders in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender.
  4. Serve with Reserved Pesto: Plate the cooked chicken tenders and drizzle with the remaining pesto. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or grated parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use vibrant, fresh cilantro to maximize flavor and avoid wilted leaves.
  • Keep some texture in the pesto by not overblending.
  • Marinate at least 10 minutes for better flavor and juiciness.
  • Cook over medium heat to avoid burning garlic and ensure thorough cooking.
  • Reserve some pesto for drizzling over the finished dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: cilantro pesto, chicken tenders, quick chicken recipe, healthy chicken, gluten free, easy dinner, fresh pesto

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/cilantro-pesto-chicken-tenders/