If you’re craving something vibrant, quick, and absolutely irresistible, these Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders will be your new weeknight go-to! Juicy chicken, kissed with the herby brightness of homemade cilantro pesto, comes together in minutes for a dish that’s bursting with color and fresh flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Quick: Dinner is on the table in under 20 minutes, making these chicken tenders perfect for even the busiest nights.
- Big, Fresh Flavor: The zingy cilantro pesto infuses every bite with herby brightness and a pop of color you just can’t resist.
- So Versatile: Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders shine over salads, tucked in sandwiches, or as a main dish everyone will devour.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Leftovers reheat beautifully for easy lunches or dinners all week long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of simple ingredients can create such a bold, memorable meal. Each one plays a crucial role—so let’s peek behind the curtain and see what makes these Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders so irresistibly good!
- Chicken Tenders: Naturally tender and perfect for quick cooking—just remove the tendon for best texture.
- Morton Kosher Salt: A light sprinkle boosts the flavor and keeps the chicken juicy as it cooks.
- Cilantro Pesto (homemade or store-bought): This is the secret sauce—bright, herbaceous, and full of zesty flair. If you love extra green goodness, don’t be shy!
- Avocado Oil: It has a high smoke point, so your tenders brown beautifully in the skillet without burning.
Variations
One of the best things about Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders? They’re endlessly adaptable! Whether you want to swap flavors, change up the pesto, or meet a dietary need, this easy recipe is your blank canvas.
- Change Up the Pesto: Try basil pesto, arugula pesto, or even a spicy jalapeño pesto for a new twist!
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free pesto or make your own with nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
- Add a Crunchy Coating: Toss the tenders in panko before searing for a crispy finish.
- Grill Instead of Pan-Fry: Fire up the grill and cook these for a little smoky char—perfect for summer nights!
How to Make Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Season and Marinate
Begin by patting your chicken tenders dry and giving them a light sprinkle of Morton kosher salt. Toss them generously with your cilantro pesto in a large bowl, ensuring every piece gets coated in that gorgeous, fragrant sauce. If you have a few minutes, let them marinate—just 10–15 minutes draws out even more flavor!
Step 2: Preheat and Sear
Set a large, high-quality non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add your avocado oil. Give it a minute or two until it’s just shimmering—this is key for that delicious golden sear. Then, lay the chicken tenders in an even layer (spoon over any extra pesto left in the bowl!) and let them sizzle undisturbed for about 3 minutes per side.
Step 3: Check for Doneness
The secret to juicy chicken is cooking it just until done, so grab an instant-read thermometer if you have one! Insert it into the thickest part, and once it reads 165ºF (73ºC), you’re set. The tenders should be gorgeously browned with a little caramelized pesto clinging to their surface.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders to a plate and, if you like, drizzle with a little extra pesto thinned out with olive oil. Finish with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked pepper—then dive in while they’re hot and bursting with flavor!
Pro Tips for Making Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders
- Bring Chicken to Room Temp: Let your chicken sit out for 10–15 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give the tenders plenty of space in the skillet for perfect browning—work in batches if needed!
- Use Fresh Pesto When Possible: Homemade cilantro pesto packs maximum flavor and color, but even a great-quality store-bought version will make this recipe shine.
- Add Extra Pesto Before Serving: If you’re a sauce lover, stir a little olive oil into leftover pesto and spoon it over the tenders just before serving for even more herby goodness.
How to Serve Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked pepper works absolute wonders, but don’t stop there! Add extra chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a light dusting of grated parmesan for an enticing finish that will make your Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders pop on the plate.
Side Dishes
Pair these chicken tenders with a crisp green salad, warm quinoa pilaf, or simple roasted veggies for a meal that feels both comforting and bright. They also work beautifully tucked into wraps, alongside garlic rice, or with a chilled pasta salad for a picnic-perfect plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders for a protein-packed salad topper, layering them in fresh sandwich rolls, or serve them as festive appetizers on a platter with little skewers and a bowl of extra pesto for dipping—party hit, guaranteed!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders keep beautifully—just transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re fantastic straight from the fridge or gently rewarmed for instant meal happiness.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled chicken tenders on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll stay their best for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
Reheating
For best results, reheat your chicken tenders gently in a skillet over low heat or in a low oven (325ºF/162ºC) until just warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch, but go low and slow to keep the chicken as juicy as possible.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into strips of even thickness to mimic tenders. Keep an eye on cooking time—depending on size, they may take a little longer to cook through.
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How spicy is the cilantro pesto in this recipe?
The classic cilantro pesto flavor is bright and herby, not at all spicy unless you add jalapeños or hot peppers to your pesto mix. Dial up or down to suit your personal heat preference!
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Can I grill Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders instead of pan-frying?
You sure can! Just make sure your grill grates are well-oiled. Grill the marinated tenders over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through.
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What’s the best way to make the chicken extra juicy?
Marinating for even 10 minutes with the pesto really helps tenderize the chicken. Also, avoid overcooking—remove from heat as soon as the tenders reach 165ºF (73ºC) for perfect juiciness every time.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders yet, you’re in for a delightful surprise! They’re fresh, flavorful, and so easy—just the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Grab those ingredients, whip up a batch tonight, and let your tastebuds do a happy dance. Enjoy!
Print
Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
These Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken tenders are coated in a vibrant cilantro pesto and cooked to perfection in a skillet. Serve them over a salad, with pilaf, in a sandwich, or enjoy them on their own for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders, tendon removed
- Morton kosher salt
Cilantro Pesto:
- 1/2 cup Cilantro Pesto or pesto of choice
Others:
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Lightly season chicken tenders with salt. Coat chicken with pesto.
- Heat Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil.
- Cook Chicken: Cook chicken tenders in the skillet until browned and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve chicken over salad, pilaf, in a sandwich, or as a standalone dish.
Notes
- If you desire more pesto, mix it with a drizzle of olive oil and spoon over cooked tenders.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, oven, or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 378 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 304mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 106mg
