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Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders

Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders
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Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders are a quick, easy, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken tenders coated in a vibrant cilantro pesto made with fresh herbs, nuts, Parmesan, and a zesty lemon kick. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe offers a refreshing twist on classic chicken tenders that’s both family-friendly and nutritious.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Tenders

  • 1 lb fresh or thawed chicken tenders
  • Olive oil (for cooking and pesto)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cilantro Pesto

  • 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves, packed
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cilantro Pesto: In a food processor, combine fresh cilantro, garlic cloves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil. Pulse until mostly smooth but still slightly textured. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Set aside and let flavors meld for about 10 minutes.
  2. Coat the Chicken Tenders: Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Generously slather each tender with the cilantro pesto, ensuring full coverage to infuse flavor.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place pesto-coated chicken tenders in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached and they develop a golden crust.
  4. Rest and Serve: Remove the cooked tenders from the skillet, let rest for a few minutes to retain juiciness. Serve warm, garnished with extra cilantro leaves or Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh cilantro to ensure vibrant flavor—avoid dried herbs.
  • Toast nuts before blending to enhance nuttiness.
  • Do not overcook chicken tenders as they cook quickly and can dry out.
  • Allow pesto to rest for about 10 minutes before coating chicken to deepen flavors.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.

Nutrition

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

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