Baked Pesto Chicken Tenders: A Quick, Flavorful, and Healthy Dinner

Are you looking for a simple, delicious, and healthy weeknight dinner that even the pickiest eaters will love? Look no further than these baked pesto chicken tenders! This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. The combination of juicy chicken, fragrant pesto, and a crispy breadcrumb coating is simply irresistible. Plus, baking them instead of frying makes them a healthier option.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to table, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes.
* **Flavorful:** The pesto infuses the chicken with a vibrant, herby, and cheesy flavor.
* **Healthy:** Baking minimizes added fat compared to frying.
* **Versatile:** Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or even in salads or wraps.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even the most discerning palates will enjoy these tender and flavorful chicken strips.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe with different types of pesto, breadcrumbs, or seasonings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken Tenders:** 1.5 pounds, fresh or thawed. Chicken breasts can also be used, cut into tender-sized strips.
* **Pesto:** 1/2 cup, store-bought or homemade. Basil pesto is classic, but sun-dried tomato pesto or kale pesto would also be delicious.
* **Breadcrumbs:** 1 cup, plain or Italian seasoned. Panko breadcrumbs will give the tenders a particularly crispy coating.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup, grated. Adds a salty and savory flavor to the breadcrumb mixture.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the savory flavor.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon, for drizzling.

## Equipment

* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper or aluminum foil
* Shallow dishes or bowls for dredging
* Whisk or fork

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfect baked pesto chicken tenders:

### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. If using chicken breasts, cut them into strips that are approximately 1 inch wide and 3-4 inches long, resembling chicken tenders.
2. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This will help the pesto and breadcrumbs adhere better.

### Step 2: Prepare the Pesto Coating

1. In a shallow dish or bowl, spread the pesto evenly.

### Step 3: Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture

1. In a separate shallow dish or bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with a whisk or fork to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

### Step 4: Coat the Chicken

1. Take one chicken tender at a time and dredge it thoroughly in the pesto, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides.
2. Next, transfer the pesto-coated chicken tender to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumbs to ensure a good coating. Turn the chicken over and repeat, pressing to adhere the breadcrumbs to both sides.
3. Place the breaded chicken tender onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 with the remaining chicken tenders until all are coated.

### Step 5: Bake the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each tender.
4. Drizzle the chicken tenders lightly with olive oil. This will help them brown and crisp up in the oven.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a simple aioli.

## Tips for the Best Baked Pesto Chicken Tenders

* **Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet:** Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of baking it, resulting in soggy tenders. If necessary, bake in batches.
* **Use high-quality pesto:** The flavor of the pesto is key to this recipe, so choose a good quality store-bought pesto or make your own.
* **Pat the chicken dry:** Removing excess moisture will help the pesto and breadcrumbs adhere better.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking will dry out the chicken. Check for doneness around 15 minutes.
* **Use a meat thermometer:** For accurate results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Add a little spice:** For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
* **Try different cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese in the breadcrumb mixture, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago.
* **Use different breadcrumbs:** Instead of plain or Italian breadcrumbs, try using seasoned breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers.
* **Make it gluten-free:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your pesto is gluten-free.

## Serving Suggestions

These baked pesto chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **As an appetizer:** Serve them with dipping sauces for a party or gathering.
* **As a main course:** Serve them with a side of pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a salad.
* **In salads:** Slice the chicken tenders and add them to your favorite salad for a protein boost.
* **In wraps or sandwiches:** Use the chicken tenders as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.
* **With pasta:** Toss the chicken tenders with cooked pasta and pesto for a quick and easy meal.

## Variations

* **Sun-dried tomato pesto chicken tenders:** Use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil pesto for a tangy and savory twist.
* **Lemon pesto chicken tenders:** Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the pesto for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Spicy pesto chicken tenders:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto or breadcrumb mixture for a touch of heat.
* **Parmesan-crusted chicken tenders:** Omit the pesto and coat the chicken tenders directly in a mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
* **Herb-crusted chicken tenders:** Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, oregano, or thyme, to the breadcrumb mixture.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time and bake them later. Simply follow these steps:

1. Coat the chicken tenders with pesto and breadcrumbs as directed in the recipe.
2. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
4. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken tenders as directed in the recipe, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover baked pesto chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** Freeze baked pesto chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 250-300 per serving (depending on the ingredients used)
* Protein: 25-30 grams
* Fat: 10-15 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams

## Recipe Card

**Baked Pesto Chicken Tenders**

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
* 1/2 cup pesto
* 1 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pat chicken tenders dry.
3. In a shallow dish, spread pesto.
4. In another shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Dredge each chicken tender in pesto, then in breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
6. Place breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Drizzle with olive oil.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and breadcrumbs are golden brown.
9. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

## Enjoy Your Delicious and Healthy Baked Pesto Chicken Tenders!

These baked pesto chicken tenders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their ease of preparation, delightful flavor, and health-conscious baking method, they are sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Experiment with different variations and serving suggestions to find your perfect combination. Happy cooking!