From-Scratch Cilantro Pesto Chicken

Fresh cilantro, pistachios, and Cotija cheese reinvent the classic basil pesto and serve as a sauce on tender chunks of chicken. Make a double batch of this non-traditional pesto and reserve for use on sandwiches, in pasta dishes and on pizza.

By Heather Cheney

Yield:
4 Servings
Cuisine:
American

Ingredients

For the pesto:

1 bunch fresh cilantro
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder
1/3 cup shelled and roasted pistachios
1/2 cup olive oil

For the chicken:

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

In an electric food processor or blender, blend cilantro, garlic, lime juice, cheese, chili powder and pistachios. Add ¼ cup of the olive oil and blend the pesto. Add more olive oil until the pesto reaches the consistency you’d like.
Heat an Anolon Advanced Bronze 4 Qt. Square Sauté over medium high heat, season chicken with salt and cook until opaque throughout. Transfer to a bowl and return pan to heat. Spoon pesto into hot pan and bring to a simmer. Return chicken to the pan, stir to coat chicken in pesto and serve over rice, pasta, or tucked inside a tortilla.