Description

This Easy Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders recipe features tender chicken baked to perfection and topped with a vibrant, homemade cilantro pesto. The dish combines fresh cilantro, Parmesan, nuts, and lime juice to create a zesty and flavorful pesto that complements the smoky seasoning on the chicken. Quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy, gluten-free, and low-carb meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

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
⅓ cup olive oil
Salt to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat 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 Cilantro Pesto: In a small food processor or blender, combine the fresh cilantro leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, walnuts or almonds, a garlic clove, lime juice, and ⅓ cup of olive oil. Blend until smooth, then season the pesto with salt to taste and set aside.
Prepare Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to evenly coat and season the meat.
Bake Chicken Tenders: Arrange the seasoned chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and spoon the fresh cilantro pesto over the hot chicken, or serve the pesto on the side as a flavorful dipping sauce. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves or lime wedges if desired.

Notes

You can use store-bought pesto if you prefer, but fresh cilantro pesto adds a unique and bright flavor to the dish.
This chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, or inside wraps for a complete meal.
For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan alternative.