Quick Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders You’ll Love

If you’re looking for a vibrant, quick, and utterly delicious dish, these Quick Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders are exactly what your dinner table needs. Combining fresh cilantro pesto with tender, juicy chicken, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a flavorful meal that comes together in minutes. Easy to prepare yet packed with bold, herby goodness, this dish brings a fresh twist to classic chicken tenders, making it a new family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Time-Saving Wonder: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The cilantro pesto adds a bright, zesty flavor that elevates simple chicken.
• Kid-Friendly Appeal: Crispy, tender chicken tenders that both kids and adults adore.
• Versatile Meal: Easily paired with salads, grains, or veggies for a balanced dinner.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome, fresh ingredients, it’s a great way to eat clean without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Quick Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders lies in a simple combination of fresh, quality ingredients that create layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a vital role, from the tender chicken base to the vibrant pesto that brings it all together.

• Chicken Tenders: Choose fresh, boneless, skinless strips for the best tenderness and quick cooking time.
• Fresh Cilantro: This herb provides the signature bold and bright flavor of the pesto.
• Pine Nuts or Walnuts: Adds a creamy texture and subtle nutty richness to the pesto.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a savory, salty punch that balances the herbal notes.
• Garlic Cloves: Infuses the pesto with depth and aromatic warmth.
• Olive Oil: Binds the pesto ingredients and gives it a smooth, luscious finish.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a hint of brightness that enhances all the flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring the dish to life.
• Optional Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat, perfectly balancing the freshness of cilantro.

Variations for Quick Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your tastes or dietary needs. Mix and match or tweak ingredients to make it uniquely yours every time.

• Swap Nuts: Use almonds or cashews if you want a different nutty flavor or need a more budget-friendly option.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Spice It Up: Add fresh jalapeños or more red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Herb Switch-Up: Substitute parsley or basil for cilantro if preferred or for a combo of herbs.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or cauliflower florets for a tasty plant-based alternative.

How to Make Quick Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Cilantro Pesto

Start by blending fresh cilantro, nuts, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until smooth but with a bit of texture remaining, making sure all ingredients are well combined and fragrant.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Pat the chicken tenders dry, then toss them gently with the prepared cilantro pesto to coat evenly. Make sure every piece is covered with that bright, flavorful green sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Carefully add the pesto-coated chicken tenders and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The pesto will caramelize slightly on the outside, locking in moisture and taste.

Step 4: Serve Warm

Transfer cooked chicken tenders to a plate and serve immediately to experience the full burst of fresh pesto flavor paired with juicy chicken.

Pro Tips for Making Quick Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and freshly grated Parmesan make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Don’t Overblend the Pesto: Keep a little texture for the best pesto consistency.
• Pat Chicken Dry: Helps the pesto stick better and ensures beautiful browning.
• Cook on Medium Heat: Prevents burning the pesto while thoroughly cooking the chicken.
• Make Extra Pesto: Saves time for future meals or as a dip with fresh veggies and bread.

How to Serve Quick Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

Sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro or a light dusting of Parmesan over the chicken tenders to brighten each bite and add a little extra pop of color and texture.

Side Dishes

Crisp green salads, garlic roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or grilled vegetables pair wonderfully with these tenders, creating a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the tenders over a bed of quinoa or pasta tossed in a complementary lime or lemon dressing, or offer them as finger foods with a side of avocado crema for casual entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place remaining chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through to keep the tenders crispy and flavorful—avoid the microwave to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use cilantro pesto from the store?

Yes, store-bought cilantro pesto works well and saves time, but homemade pesto offers a fresher, more vibrant flavor that really makes the dish stand out.

What if I don’t have pine nuts?

Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds are excellent substitutes that still provide a satisfying nuttiness to the pesto.

Are Quick Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, making it suitable for gluten-free diets without any modification.

Can I bake instead of pan-frying the chicken?

Yes! Baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes will cook the tenders through nicely—just brush them with a little olive oil to maintain crispness.

How spicy is this recipe?

The base Quick Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders recipe is mild, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño to increase the heat to your liking.

Final Thoughts

You’ve just discovered an easy, flavorful way to brighten up your dinner routine with Quick Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or family meals, this dish brings freshness, fun, and incredible taste to your table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite chicken recipe!

Related Posts

• Irresistible Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

Print