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+ servings
Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders

Juicy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Ready in 30 Minutes

This Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders recipe transforms mundane chicken into a vibrant and flavorful dish, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 tenders
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pesto
  • 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro Fresh is key to flavor
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced, use fresh for best taste
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts Toasted
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Extra virgin recommended
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice Can substitute with lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper Freshly ground preferred
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Tenders Boneless skinless chicken breasts can also be used

Equipment

  • food processor
  • skillet
  • Paper Towel

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine fresh cilantro, minced garlic, toasted pine nuts, grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth yet slightly textured.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat skillet over medium heat.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Brush half of the cilantro pesto over each chicken tender until fully coated.
  4. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in skillet. Add chicken tenders and cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden. Flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until safe internal temperature is reached.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove tenders from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve garnished with extra cilantro, lime wedges, and toasted pine nuts.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tenderCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 30gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Letting the chicken rest ensures juiciness. Fresh ingredients enhance flavor, and cooking in batches avoids overcrowding the pan.

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