Description
A quick and easy Creamy Pesto Chicken Tenders recipe featuring juicy chicken in a rich, flavorful pesto-infused cream sauce. Perfect for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken tenders with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining butter.
- Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, pesto, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Combine & Serve
- Return the cooked chicken tenders to the skillet, coating them in the creamy pesto sauce.
- Simmer for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Dairy-Free: Swap out heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free pesto.
- Extra Protein: Add sautéed shrimp or crispy bacon for extra flavor.
- More Veggies: Stir in cherry tomatoes or spinach before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy pesto chicken, low-carb chicken recipe, keto chicken tenders, pesto cream sauce, quick chicken dinner