Cilantro Chicken Tenders

This chicken tenders recipe is really good for lazy days, as you don't need a lot of preparation time. I love cilantro, and I even cooked this for people who don't and they loved it.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 310 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 4 cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• ½ tablespoon canola oil
• 7 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 bay leaf, or more to taste
• 2 bunches cilantro
• 1 medium jalapeno pepper, or more to taste
• 2 ½ pounds chicken tenders, cut into small pieces
• ½ tablespoon cumin powder
• ½ tablespoon cumin seeds

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine cilantro, garlic, jalapeno pepper, and lemon juice in a blender and process well. Set aside.

Step 2

Warm 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and fry until brown, about 1 minute. Add chicken and fry until no longer pink in the middle and juices run clear, 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 3

Pour in cilantro mixture and increase heat to medium-high. Add cumin powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook until juices evaporate and sauce thickens slightly, 3 to 5 minutes, making sure to stir frequently to prevent burning. Add bell peppers and cook for 10 minutes more.

Step 4

Meanwhile, heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and cumin seeds. Add water, rice, and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer until water is absorbed and rice is tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 5

Serve chicken over cooked rice.