Go Back
+ servings
Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders

Juicy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders for Quick Weeknight Wins

Quick Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders are a delicious dish ready in under 30 minutes, offering a healthy, gluten-free option with vibrant flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 tenders
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Cilantro Pesto
  • 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro Use fresh for best results
  • 3 cloves Garlic Adjust according to taste
  • ¼ cup Pine Nuts Can substitute with walnuts or sunflower seeds
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
  • ½ cup Olive Oil Extra virgin preferred
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice Freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper
Chicken Tenders
  • 1 lb Chicken Tenders About 4-6 tenders

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • skillet
  • Knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a food processor, combine fresh cilantro, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth yet slightly textured, about 30 seconds.
  2. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Coat each chicken tender with the freshly made cilantro pesto using a brush or spoon.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add coated chicken tenders and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  5. Transfer cooked chicken tenders to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tenderCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Serve garnished with extra chopped cilantro, lime wedges, or toasted pine nuts. Pair with salad or quinoa for a full meal.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!