Pan Seared Chicken with Cilantro Pesto

By | ,

pan seared chicken with cilantro pesto, mountain mama cooks

This is a lazy mans dinner. Or a frazzled moms dinner. And some nights, a little bit of both. When I’m feeling frazzled or short on time, a dinner similar to this is my go to. I always have chicken breasts in either my fridge or freezer and pan searing them takes less than 10 minutes. This version is light, summery and bursting with fresh flavor.

Cilantro Pesto Recipe from Mountain Mama Cooks

This cilantro pesto is so good. I’ve think I’ve made it 3 or 4 times in the last month. To say I’m digging it is an understatement. I like to top my scrambled eggs, slather it on a grilled cheese, or top on some seared chicken to make a quick dinner when I’m short on time.

quick seared chicken with cilantro pesto, mountain mama cooks

I have a feeling this up coming week is going to be one of those when I’m feeling the crunch. School is winding down, I’m catering twice, and we’ve got t-ball, soccer or hockey every night. It’s nice to have dinners like this in the arsenal.

Hope you all had a great Memorial Day weekend and have an even better week ahead!

Yield 2 servings:

Pan Seared Chicken with Cilantro Pesto

For the Pesto:

  • 1 large bunch cilantro leaves, (trim lower stalks)
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (1 large lemon)
  • 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup grapeseed oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)

    • Directions:

    Place the cilantro leaves, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice and parmesan in the base of a food processor. Pulse until ingredients are roughly incorporated. With the food processor on, slowly add grapeseed oil until the pesto is smooth. Season with salt and adjust if necessary.

    For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4-inch
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 3-4 handfuls mixed greens
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1-2 teaspoons olive oil

    • Directions:

    In a large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Liberally season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. When pan is hot, place chicken in pan and cook chicken about 4-5 minutes per side. You want to get a nice sear on both sides of the chicken but take care not to burn it. Turn heat down if necessary. When chicken is cooked, remove from pan and allow to cool a bit. Place the greens in a large bowl and toss with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Divide the greens between two plates and place a chicken breast on top of each plate of greens. Spread 2-3 (or desired amount) of cilantro pesto on each chicken breast.