If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that’s fresh, bold, and bursting with herby goodness, look no further than this Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe. Juicy chicken tenders are coated in a vibrant cilantro pesto, then pan-seared to golden perfection for a meal that’s as colorful as it is crave-worthy. The best part? It all comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a definite go-to for busy evenings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients, each one working overtime to deliver punchy flavor, juicy texture, and amazing color. Gather these pantry and fridge staples and get ready to create something truly special!
- Chicken tenders (1 ½ pounds): These quick-cooking strips stay tender and soak up all the pesto’s flavor.
- Fresh cilantro leaves (1 cup, packed): The secret to that vibrant, herby green pesto—make sure they’re fresh!
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Lends savory depth and a salty, nutty edge to the pesto.
- Roasted unsalted cashews (¼ cup): Give the sauce a creamy body and rich, mellow nuttiness; almonds work beautifully too!
- Garlic cloves (2): A classic pesto building block for sharpness and aroma.
- Olive oil (½ cup + 1 tablespoon): Brings everything together, making the pesto smooth and perfect for cooking.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Freshens and brightens the pesto, balancing the richness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Draws out the flavors in every ingredient.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just a bit of mild heat that wakes up the dish.
How to Make Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Blitz Up the Cilantro Pesto
Gather your food processor and toss in the fresh cilantro leaves, Parmesan, cashews, garlic, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a few hearty pulses until you see a finely chopped, fragrant mixture. Now, while the blades spin, slowly drizzle in the ½ cup of olive oil—watch the pesto transform into a gorgeously creamy, emerald-green sauce that smells like heaven. Scoop some aside for serving later, and breathe in all that freshness!
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Pat those chicken tenders dry so they brown up beautifully in the pan. Transfer them to a bowl and pour over half the cilantro pesto (save the rest for drizzling over the cooked chicken). Tumble the tenders around with a spoon or clean hands until every piece is glossy and coated in the good stuff—the aroma is irresistible already!
Step 3: Sear to Perfection
Grab your largest skillet and get it nice and hot over medium heat. Add that extra tablespoon of olive oil, swirling it around. Lay the pesto-covered chicken tenders in a single layer (work in batches if your skillet’s crowded). Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the outsides are golden brown and there’s no pink left in the centers. Let them rest for a couple minutes—patience pays off for juicy chicken!
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Arrange your Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders on a platter or plates, and don’t forget to bring that remaining cilantro pesto to the table. Drizzle it over or offer it as a dip—either way, this final flourish packs all the punch. The color is stunning, and every bite is a burst of bright, herby, savory flavor!
How to Serve Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
There’s nothing like a bright, juicy garnish to make your plate pop! Try a sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro leaves, a few shards of Parmesan, or even a wedge of lime for squeezing over the top right before serving. A handful of chopped toasted nuts adds crunch, and a swirl of pesto sauce brings restaurant-level vibes home.
Side Dishes
Keep it fresh and light with a salad of baby greens and cherry tomatoes, add crusty bread for sopping up extra sauce, or dish up a mound of fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty finish. Roasted or steamed seasonal veggies work perfectly too—the chicken loves to cozy up to just about anything!
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready twist, serve the chicken tenders skewered with toothpicks as appetizers, nestled into soft pita for wraps, or sliced over a bright grain bowl. They also shine tucked inside tacos with a crisp slaw. However you plate them, this Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe is impressively versatile and guaranteed to wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover chicken tenders (and extra pesto) in an airtight container and they’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making lunch the next day extra delicious.
Freezing
Once fully cooled, wrap the chicken tenders tightly or store in freezer bags for a quick meal down the line. You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to two months. For best results, freeze the cilantro pesto separately in small containers or ice cube trays so it’s ready to brighten up future dishes!
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness. Avoid the microwave if you can—it can make the chicken rubbery. Drizzle any remaining pesto over the chicken after reheating for a fresh boost of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?
Absolutely! This Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe works beautifully with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs—just be sure to slice them into strips for even cooking.
Is there a nut-free option for the pesto?
Yes—you can substitute sunflower seeds for the nuts in your pesto. It still adds great body and an earthy flavor, with zero nuts involved.
Can I make the cilantro pesto ahead of time?
Definitely! The pesto keeps well in the fridge for up to five days. Simply store it in a jar with a thin layer of olive oil on top to keep it extra green and vibrant.
What if I don’t love cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your favorite herb, swap it for a blend of fresh basil and parsley. The result is a different but just as tasty take on this Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe.
How spicy is the pesto?
The base version isn’t spicy, but if you like a little kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the food processor. That extra zing is fantastic!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s quick, wholesome, and seriously flavorful, you’ll want to add this Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe to your regular rotation. It’s gorgeous, it’s versatile, and it never fails to impress. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to cook chicken!
Print
Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and quick meal option for busy weeknights. Tender chicken tenders are coated in a vibrant cilantro pesto, packed with fresh herbs and nuts, then pan-seared to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Cilantro Pesto:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup roasted unsalted cashews (or almonds)
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cilantro Pesto: In a food processor, combine cilantro, Parmesan, cashews, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while processing until smooth.
- Coat the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and toss with half of the cilantro pesto until well coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken tenders in a single layer for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Rest chicken for 2 minutes before serving with remaining pesto.
Notes
- You can use almonds, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds instead of cashews.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- This recipe is also delicious with boneless chicken thighs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
