If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both simple to prepare and downright delicious, the Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe is an absolute winner. This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken kissed with a zesty, herby cilantro pesto that bursts with fresh lime and garlic notes. It’s an inviting twist on classic chicken tenders that manages to feel both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends on the weekend, this dish offers a fresh, Latin-inspired flair that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the vibrant combination of ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each element plays a star role in adding flavor, texture, and color that elevates the dish beyond your everyday chicken tenders.
- Chicken tenders (1 ½ pounds): These are tender and cook quickly, making them perfect for a juicy, quick meal.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons + 1/3 cup): Used both for coating the chicken and creating the pesto’s luscious base.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon + to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the vibrant flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a gentle kick to the chicken without overpowering the pesto.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the savory flavor of the chicken with a mild garlic warmth.
- Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a subtle smoky depth to the dish that perfectly complements the fresh cilantro.
- Fresh cilantro leaves (1 cup, packed): The star herb in the pesto, lending a vibrant green color and fresh, citrusy brightness.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Adds a salty, umami richness that makes the pesto irresistibly creamy.
- Walnuts or almonds (1/4 cup): These nuts add a delightful crunch and depth to the pesto’s texture.
- Garlic clove (1): Fresh garlic sharpens the pesto’s flavor, balancing the herbal notes.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Provides a fresh tang that brightens every bite and ties the flavors together.
How to Make Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Parchment
Start by preheating the oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your chicken cooks evenly while the parchment keeps cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Blend the Cilantro Pesto
In a small food processor or blender, combine the fresh cilantro leaves, grated Parmesan, your choice of walnuts or almonds, the garlic clove, lime juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Taste and season with salt to balance the bright, herby flavors perfectly. This homemade pesto is what makes this recipe truly sing!
Step 3: Season the Chicken Tenders
In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This seasoning blend adds a subtle smoky and savory backbone that supports the fresh pesto beautifully.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Juicy
Arrange the seasoned chicken tenders evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and develop a lightly golden crust. The result is tender, juicy chicken with just the right amount of crispness on the outside.
Step 5: Serve with Cilantro Pesto
Once out of the oven, spoon the cilantro pesto generously over the warm chicken tenders, or serve it on the side for dipping fun. If you want to go the extra mile, garnish with extra cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime for an extra pop of flavor.
How to Serve Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your presentation with fresh cilantro sprigs or thin slices of lime wedges. These simple garnishes add a fresh aroma and make your dish look vibrant and inviting right off the bat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, roasted seasonal veggies, or even tucked inside warm wraps for a quick, handheld meal. The lightness of the sides balances the rich, herbal pesto perfectly, creating a well-rounded plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken tenders over a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a fresh salad, or arrange them alongside grilled corn for a summer-inspired feast. You could even turn this into a fun appetizer by cutting tenders into bite-sized pieces and serving with pesto for dipping at your next party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Keep the cilantro pesto separate if possible to maintain its fresh flavor and vibrant color.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. For best results, freeze the pesto on its own in a small airtight container, then thaw and freshen it with a squeeze of lime before serving.
Reheating
Reheat chicken tenders gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain their juiciness and texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may dry out the chicken. Spoon fresh or reheated cilantro pesto over the tenders just before serving for maximum flavor.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fresh cilantro pesto gives the dish a unique and vibrant flavor, using store-bought pesto is a great shortcut if you’re pressed for time. Just look for a good quality pesto for the best taste.
What nuts can I use if I don’t have walnuts or almonds?
Feel free to experiment with pine nuts, cashews, or pecans as alternatives. Each nut will slightly change the flavor and texture, but all will add delicious richness to your cilantro pesto.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make the cilantro pesto dairy-free?
Definitely! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or swap it out for a vegan cheese alternative. The pesto will still have a wonderful creamy texture thanks to the nuts and olive oil.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink in the center. They should be golden on the outside and juicy inside. Flipping halfway through helps ensure even cooking and a lovely crust.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to beat the fresh, bright flavors and tender texture that come together in this Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe. It’s quick, vibrant, and totally satisfying — a recipe that feels special but comes together effortlessly on any night of the week. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders recipe features tender chicken baked to golden perfection and topped with a vibrant, fresh cilantro pesto. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it makes a perfect healthy weeknight main dish with Latin-inspired flair.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Cilantro Pesto
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup walnuts or almonds
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- â…“ cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Make the cilantro pesto: In a small food processor or blender, combine the fresh cilantro leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, nuts (walnuts or almonds), garlic clove, lime juice, and olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika until evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and a golden brown color. The chicken should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve with pesto: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and spoon the fresh cilantro pesto over the hot chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves or lime wedges if desired for a fresh presentation.
Notes
- You can use store-bought pesto if short on time, but fresh cilantro pesto gives a vibrant and unique flavor twist.
- Serve this dish with rice, roasted vegetables, or wrapped inside tortillas for easy meals.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Toast the nuts lightly before blending for an extra depth of flavor in the pesto.
