Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders
Elevate your weeknight dinner with these vibrant and zesty Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders! Succulent chicken tenders are pan-seared to golden perfection and dressed in a fresh, homemade cilantro pesto bursting with bold flavors of cilantro, parsley, garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of lime. Whether you’re looking for a quick 30-minute recipe or a versatile dish to pair with rice, pasta, or a crisp side salad, this recipe combines simplicity with gourmet flair. Perfect for busy nights yet impressive enough for entertaining, these pesto-coated tenders are a delightful twist on classic chicken that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Chicken tenders
- 2 cups Fresh cilantro leaves
- 0.5 cups Fresh parsley leaves
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.25 cups Pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 0.5 cups Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
Begin by preparing the cilantro pesto. In a food processor, combine cilantro leaves, parsley leaves, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Pulse until roughly chopped.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, and pulse to combine. Set aside.
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary).
Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the skillet from heat and spoon generous amounts of cilantro pesto over the cooked chicken tenders, tossing gently to ensure the tenders are evenly coated.
Serve the cilantro pesto chicken tenders warm with your choice of accompaniments, such as rice, pasta, or a fresh side salad. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
820 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 64.1 g | 82% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.9 g | 70% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 86 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 1383 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.1 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.5 g | ||
| Protein | 38.3 g | 77% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 373 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 505 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
