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Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders

Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders

  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 23 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 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.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

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

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