This Indian spiced chicken is mixed with a creamy, flavorful cilantro pesto for an easy, healthy weeknight dinner that is low carb and has big flavor!
PIN Indian Spiced Chicken with Cilantro Pesto
Bright, zingy, zippy and nutty. That is what this cilantro pesto is all about.
It has this base of salty, roasty cashews that are blended with a HECK of a lot of cilantro, fresh mint, vibrant lemon and this underlying pop of jalapeno spice that will make you wonder why you have been making pesto out of basil for your whole life.
Not that there is anything wrong with basil pesto. In my book, ALL pesto is a good pesto.
But cilantro pesto with tender, juicy chunks of tomato simmered Indian chicken? It is the BEST decision.
To be honest, I think I could make Indian recipes for every single recipe that I make for you forever, and be totally happy. Give me Indian paleo chicken kebabs, chicken curry, or lentil coconut curry and I would be one well-fed, excited-about-life kinda girl. Just like cilantro is my spirit herb, I am pretty sure that Indian food is my spirit, well, FOOD.
It’s creamy and spicy with a naturally sweet tomato base, and sometimes even has this underlying rich, smooth coconut flavor that makes it a FEAST for the senses. Which makes your hungry mouth want to FEAST for the belly.
This Indian chicken is sautéed to golden brown bliss and then kissed with golden-hued, sunny and spicy turmeric, garam masala and cumin to give it this BIG flavor that pretty much just explodes all over your taste buds. Then a little bit of sweet tomato swoops onto the scene to tone the excitement down just a little bit.
Let’s not get too crazy here friends.
Just when you thought you were already on board the bus to flavor town, population Y-O-U, you are going to add most of the creamy, herby, nutty cilantro pesto that you did not even know you needed in your life until now and be forever changed.
Not even an exaggeration.
You will try it and you will make it over and over to put on Indian Spiced Chicken, but you will also put it on everything else that even comes near your mouth. My current non-chicken go-to? Roasted vegetables or salmon. <– You will not be mad if you try either option. Pinky swear.
But, back to Indian Spiced Chicken with Cashew Cilantro Pesto.
You will then put the rest of the cashew pesto on TOP of the chicken but do not mix it in. The flavor of the un-mingled mint and cilantro add this cooling swirl of freshness to the underlying base of spiced chicken and tangy tomato sauce that is pretty much just perfect.
Daaaang my internet friend. You just made a delicious, nutritious dinner that is loaded with protein, vegetables (forgot to mention the cauliflower rice situation you will need to make happen in your life) and heart-healthy, good-for-you kind of fats. Also anti-inflammatory kind of spices that are gonna taste good and do your body GOOD.
So yea. Your dinner-eating life this week?
It is looking spicy. It is looking fresh. And it is looking so DANG delicious.
I also shared this Indian Spiced Chicken with Cashew Cilantro Pesto recipe on Food Fanatic, so be sure to check it out there!
Other Recipes You Might Like:
Crockpot Thai Peanut Butter Chicken Curry
Slow Cooker Mango Chicken Curry
FOR THIS RECIPE, I RECOMMEND:
WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTS PER SERVING: FREESTYLE POINTS: 5 POINTS+: 8. OLD POINTS: 7
(per 1/4 of the recipe, no rice)
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Noelle says
This was such a great dinner, amazing flavors and everyone loved it!
Taylor Kiser says
Yay! So happy to hear this!
Danielle Wolter says
you had me at indian spiced. and that cilantro pesto sounds incredible. what an awesome combo of flavors 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks so much!
Kelly Anthony says
This indian spiced chicken looks like it is full of yummy flavors. This will make a perfect weeknight meal for my family!
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you Kelly!
Adrianne says
I love the idea of serving this with cauliflower rice and the cilantro pesto sounds like it would be the best with the roasted cashews. I was looking for a new chicken dish so I will have to try this. Cheers!
Taylor Kiser says
I hope that you try it Adrianne!
Anita @ Daily Cooking Quest says
The chicken looks so mouthwatering. Is it bad that I am drooling even when I just finish my lunch? Will definitely be making this since we love Indian food at home. 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
I hope that you love it!
Ann from Sumptuous Spoonfuls says
Cilantro is my spirit herb too! And Indian food … swoon. Thanks for another fabulous recipe.
Taylor Kiser says
You totally have to try these then Ann!
Holly says
Taylor- my husband can’t eat tomatoes but he loves Indian food so I would love to make this for him. Have you ever had success swapping any other vegetable out for tomatoes? I’ve tried carrots and beets in other recipes and they really weren’t the best sub because they’re just too sweet. even though I added extra spice the extra sweetness did not complement the savory dishes. Thanks in advance for any ideas!
Taylor Kiser says
I haven’t. I’m sorry! Recipes are only tested as written so I can’t tell you how to sub! I really do think this needs tomato as it’s the heart of indian food. I’m sorry!
Scarlet says
This sounds so good. I haven’t tried to cook too much Indian food but I have to try this for that cashew cilantro pesto. It sounds amazing!
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you, Scarlet! Hope you get to make it!
Kasey Goins says
We made this a couple weeks ago and just loved it! Thanks for the amazing eats!!
Taylor Kiser says
So glad you loved it!!
Charlotte says
Amazing!
Absolutely love all your recipes.
I just can’t find the cashew nuts anywhere 🙁
Would it be ok to substitute with almonds or raw cashews?
Taylor Kiser says
Totally!!! I hope you love!