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.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:27 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 4

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).

Step 5

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).

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Serve the cilantro pesto chicken tenders warm with your choice of accompaniments, such as rice, pasta, or a fresh side salad. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1563.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4053.4

Total Fat 316.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 67.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.6g
Cholesterol 435.4mg	0%
Sodium 7226.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 122.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.1g	0%
Total Sugars 6.0g
Protein 194.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1822.3mg	0%
Iron 21.8mg	0%
Potassium 3817.1mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 69.2%

Protein: 18.9%

Carbs: 11.9%