Whenever you're out of ideas about what goes with chicken tenders, take a look at these 15 best side dishes!
You may have already tried a few familiar side dishes like French fries, mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn, but this list of recipes will give you more ideas on how to fully enjoy chicken tenders. Of course, a salad will never be absent in every meal! And the Asian side of me will always, always recommend rice!
Never forget the dipping sauces! They are usually the very firsts that come to mind of what goes with chicken tenders. Ketchup is everyone's favorite but honey mustard, bbq sauce or ranch will make you see these irresistible finger foods in a different light.
No matter how you cook your chicken tenders, it is best to eat them by adding something extra on the side. You can grill them, bake them, or fry them but whichever you prefer, choose sides that will deliciously complement them, giving you a balance of flavors.
What to serve with chicken tenders? When selecting chicken tenders side dishes, consider both the flavor and texture of the chicken. If you season them with bold flavor, choose a side dish that is more subtle in taste. On the other hand, if you want them plain, you can get away with choosing a side dish with a more bold flavor.
In terms of texture, you may want to avoid choosing a side dish that is also fried if you have fried chicken tenders. Instead, opt for a roasted vegetable or a salad. But we are all kids at heart so we will likely pair them with something greasy too like chips!
So, get ready and make these 15 easy side dishes and serve them with your favorite chicken recipe!
5 Minute Honey Mustard Sauce
You can easily grab any bottled dipping sauces you have in your pantry but this homemade honey mustard sauce is a must-try! Try them with your breaded chicken plus a cup of salad greens on the side!
What to love about this recipe: You only need 5 minutes to make it!
Crisp Onion Rings
Maybe a favorite side with burgers, but these crunchy rings of deep-fried onions also go well with chicken tenders!
What to love about this recipe: Homemade with restaurant quality!
Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This garlic parmesan pasta will go well with grilled chicken tenders. It's so delicious and you can make it in one pot. Creamy, garlicky and you can add more cheese to your heart's content.
What I love about this recipe: Straight forward you can directly cook everything in one pot!
Best Simple Tossed Green Salad
A healthy choice that works great with any protein-rich meal. They are rich in fiber and low in calories and fat. Serve these leafy greens on the side with your baked or grilled chicken strips. Add nuts and cheese, and drizzle with your favorite dressing.
What to love about this recipe: You can never go wrong with any seasonal greens to include in this healthy dish!
Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges
Once you make this recipe, you will never go back to buying them pre-made from stores ever again. These potato wedges are easy to do and taste way much better!
What I love about this recipe: It's non-greasy: Non-greasy and really well-seasoned.
Grilled Vegetable Platter
A really good option for when you have lots of vegetable leftovers. You can never go wrong with grilling any vegetables alongside any meats. Grilling brings out the natural flavors of vegetables and adds a smoky flavor that is unique and delicious.
Why I love this recipe: A great dish to bring to potlucks or cookouts!
Oven Baked Potato Chips
When choosing sides for chicken tenders, the number one option is to pair them with fries. And any kind of fries works well from french fries, sweet potatoes, onion rings, carrots, and zucchini to cucumbers!
But why not try potato chips this time? Not the ones from the bag, but homemade and oven-baked!
What to love about this recipe: No oil is needed and they always come out crispy and loaded with flavor.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
This dish is a snack itself but paired with chicken tenders, it is a delicious treat! Brussels sprouts fried in an air fryer that has the same flavor and texture as deep-fried ones but without the oil!
Why I love this recipe: Crispy and crunchy exterior while the inside is soft and flavorful.
Easy Low Carb Hamburger Buns
This idea is more of a pairing than a side dish. Take your breaded chicken tenders to a whole new level and add them to a bun. This bun is a good choice as it only requires 5 ingredients to make.
Fill this bun with strips of deep-fried chicken tenders, and add some lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and cucumbers. Dress it up with ketchup, mayo, and mustard! Now you have your very own chicken burger.
What to love about this recipe: No yeast is required and you only need 5 ingredients!
Creamy Mushroom Sauce
A delicious, rich sauce of sliced mushrooms and cream. It's perfect for topping steak, chicken, or fish, or for spooning over pasta or rice. This sauce is easy to make and can be made ahead of time.
Simply saute mushrooms in butter until they're soft, then add cream and a touch of garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then simmer until the sauce is thick and creamy. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme leaves.
What to love about this recipe: An all-around creamy sauce that goes well with any meat or pasta. Only takes 20 minutes to cook.
Cheesy Asparagus With Tomatoes
Perfectly roasted asparagus, with a slight char and a bit of crunch! A simple and healthy side dish topped with cherry tomatoes (making it sweet) and parmesan cheese (adding some gooeyness to it). So tasty that even kids will love it!
What to love about this recipe: Quick and easy recipe that you'd want to eat on repeat.
Mexican Street Corn Salad + Video (Esquites)
This Mexican Street Corn Salad is a delicious and easy way to enjoy all of the flavors of elotes in a healthy, salad form! It is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish to your favorite grilled chicken tenderloins.
The salad has fresh corn, diced tomatoes, diced red onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of mayo. It is best if served chilled or at room temperature.
What I love about this recipe: You can eat them hot or cold.
Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake
Cheese, tomatoes, and white beans + bake = Yummy goodness!
What to love about this recipe: It's cheesy and who does not love cheese?
How to Make Fried Rice with Egg
Rice and gravy are my personal choice of sides for chicken tenders. But pairing it with fried rice is a must!
What to love about this recipe: So flexible that you can add any protein and leftover vegetables in it.
Quick Easy Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a popular dish that can be made in a variety of ways. It typically includes pasta, vegetables, and a dressing, and can be served either cold or hot. Pasta salad is a great option for a quick and easy meal or a side dish and can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining.
What to love about this recipe: Light and refreshing, packed with crisp veggies that are in season, and you only need 20 minutes to make from start to finish.
There are many delicious chicken tender side dishes to choose from. Whether you're looking for something healthy or something with a little more flavor, there's a side dish that you can easily make. No matter what you're in the mood for, be sure to eat a healthy and balanced meal!
Leave a Comment