Chicken Breasts with Coconut and Cilantro Pesto

Pesto with cilantro and coconut is the most delicious marinade to have flavorful tender chicken breast. The coconut imparts beautiful the nutty aroma and taste while cilantro turns from grass smell to sweet scent while mingling with the juices of chicken.

 My herd loves this pesto chicken than the basil one.This pesto is leaner too without the cheese which makes it perfect for a diet meal too. I have used coconut oil to enhance flavors but u may skip that.

PRINTABLE RECIPE
Pesto:
Cilantro/ Coriander leaves - chopped a fistful
Fresh coconut grated - 1 tbsp
Serrano green chili chopped- half (optional)
Garlic - 1 flake chopped
Salt to taste
Coconut oil - 1 tbsp
Method:
Blitz everything together first and grind to required consistency. Sprinkle very little water to get the blender blades running.(I have gone for slight dry paste consistency so it coats the chicken well.)
Note: Use pesto immediately to prevent blacking of green color.

For the chicken:
Chicken breast fillet pieces -9 pieces
Pesto - prepared above
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
Turmeric- a pinch
Chili powder / paprika - 1/2tsp
Method :
Apply all the powders on the fillet pieces and leave it to marinate for 20 minutes to an hour.
Heat a non stick pan add 2 tsps of coconut oil put the chicken pieces in an even layer when it slightly browns after 4-5 minutes turn to the other side now apply pesto liberally on each piece of chicken.Cover with a tight lid (preferable)and cook on low heat for 7 -8 minutes covered then turn and cook for another 10 minutes covered. Do not open the lid switch off stove and leave it on stove itself for another 10 minutes.
This allows the cilantro and coconut to brown evenly and caramelize to give chicken all the best flavors.

Serve with rice or,flat bread and cooked veggies or salad and some homemade pickled jalapenos.

Do let me know if u like it.
Meena

Here are some more pesto ideas from FOOD NETWORK friends:

The Lemon Bowl: Lemony Pistachio Basil Pesto
Dishin & Dishes: Kale Pesto and Mushroom Stuffed Porterhouse Chops
Creative Culinary: Pesto Potato Salad with Parmesan Walnuts
Weelicious: Kale Pesto
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Garden Salad With Basil-Pesto Vinaigrette
Red or Green: Corn On The Cob With Basil-Jalapeno Vinaigrette
Homemade Delish: Spinach and Kale Pesto
Domesticate Me: Ratatouille Quinoa Bake with Pesto and Buffalo Mozzarella
The Mom 100: Crusted Loin Lamb Chops with Mint Basil Pesto
Taste with the Eyes: Fresh, Fabulous, and Frugal - Carrot Top Pesto
Elephants and the Coconut Trees: Chicken Breasts with Coconut and Cilantro Pesto
Healthy Eats: Green Is the New Black: 5 Must-Try Pestos
FN Dish: 6 Non-Pasta Ways to Go Big with Pesto