Cilantro Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipes

CILANTRO PESTO CHICKEN TENDERS

Steps:

• In a food processor, finely chop the walnuts and garlic.
• Add cilantro, parsley, salt and pepper and process until finely chopped.
• With processor running, slowly add the oil to create a smoothe puree.
• Place chicken in large, resealable bag plastic bag, add the marinade and seal tightly.
• Make sure marinade is evenly distributed on all the chicken tenders.
• Refrigerate for 2 hours.
• Remove chicken from bag and thread on skewers.
• Grill over direct high heat for about 6 to 8 mins, turning over once.
• Serve warm with lime wedges.

BAKED PESTO CHICKEN TENDERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Whisk pesto and mayonnaise together in a bowl. Dredge both sides of each chicken tender in the pesto mixture and coat with bread crumbs. Arrange tenders on a baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Turn chicken pieces and continue baking until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 15 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centers should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

PAN-SEARED CHICKEN WITH CILANTRO PESTO

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the hot pan and cook until golden brown and just cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.
• Meanwhile, place the pine nuts in a small dry skillet and set over medium heat. Toast the nuts until golden brown, about 3 minutes, shaking the pan frequently to prevent burning. Transfer the pine nuts to a blender or food processor and add cilantro, sour cream, the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, the garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Process until smooth, adding water, as necessary, to create a thick paste. Serve the chicken with the pesto spooned over the top.