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
Scale
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
