Chicken tenders are a versatile and tasty protein that are easy to prepare and loved by many. Whether baked, fried, or grilled, chicken tenders can be served with a wide variety of side dishes to create a delicious and satisfying meal. From classic options like French fries and coleslaw to more unique options like garlic roasted potatoes and grilled asparagus, there’s a side dish to suit every taste and occasion.
In this list, I’ve compiled 30 side dishes that pair perfectly with chicken tenders. Whether you’re looking for something classic and comforting or something new and exciting to try, these side dishes are sure to add flavor and variety to your meal.
1. French Fries
Crispy and golden on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, French fries are a classic and beloved side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken tenders. Whether you prefer shoestring, crinkle-cut, or steak fries, these fried potatoes provide a satisfying and comforting accompaniment to your meal.
2. Coleslaw
Crunchy and tangy, coleslaw is a refreshing and healthy side dish that complements the rich and savory flavors of chicken tenders. This classic salad features shredded cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables dressed in a creamy, tangy dressing that provides a refreshing contrast to the crispy texture of the chicken.
3. Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, mac and cheese is a crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. Whether you prefer it baked with a crunchy breadcrumb topping or stovetop-style with a creamy cheese sauce, mac and cheese offers a satisfying and indulgent addition to any plate.
4. Baked Beans
Sweet and savory, baked beans offer a deliciously rich and flavorful side dish to accompany chicken tenders. This classic Southern dish features slow-cooked beans in a sweet and smoky sauce, making it a perfect pairing for the savory and crispy chicken.
5. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy and garlicky, mashed potatoes offer a satisfying and comforting side dish to accompany chicken tenders. Whether you prefer them smooth or chunky, these mashed potatoes are a perfect vehicle for soaking up the flavors of the chicken and any accompanying sauces.
Read also: 23 Delicious Side Dishes for Chicken Wings
6. Grilled Vegetables
Healthy and flavorful, grilled vegetables are a nutritious and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken tenders. Whether you choose zucchini, peppers, onions, or any other veggies, grilling them brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their smoky flavor.
7. Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy and slightly sweet, sweet potato fries offer a healthier alternative to traditional French fries that pairs well with chicken tenders. These oven-baked fries are a great source of vitamins and fiber, making them a perfect side dish for anyone looking to add a healthier element to their meal.
8. Green Beans Almondine
Light and flavorful, green beans almondine is a simple and elegant side dish that complements the flavors of chicken tenders. The tender green beans are tossed in butter and toasted almonds, providing a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the savory chicken.
9. Roasted Root Vegetables
Hearty and flavorful, roasted root vegetables are a healthy and delicious side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. Whether you choose carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, or any other root veggies, roasting them in the oven brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their earthy flavors.
10. Corn on the Cob
Sweet and juicy, corn on the cob is a classic and satisfying side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. Whether you grill it, boil it, or roast it in the oven, corn on the cob provides a simple and tasty accompaniment to your meal.
11. Baked Potato
Hearty and filling, a baked potato is a classic side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. Whether you load it up with butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon bits or keep it simple with just a sprinkle of salt and pepper, a baked potato provides a satisfying and comforting addition to any plate.
12. Caprese Salad
Fresh and flavorful, Caprese salad is a simple and elegant side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. Made with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, this classic Italian salad offers a refreshing and light accompaniment to the rich and savory chicken.
13. Garlic Bread
Buttery and garlicky, garlic bread is a classic and delicious side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. Whether you prefer it toasted or baked, this warm and comforting bread provides a perfect vehicle for soaking up the flavors of the chicken and any accompanying sauces.
14. Cornbread
Moist and slightly sweet, cornbread is a classic and beloved side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. Whether you like it baked in a cast-iron skillet or muffin tin, cornbread offers a satisfying and comforting addition to any plate.
15. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy and savory, roasted Brussels sprouts are a healthy and delicious side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. Roasting them in the oven brings out their nutty and slightly sweet flavor, making them a perfect complement to the savory and crispy chicken.
16. Caesar Salad
Creamy and tangy, Caesar salad is a classic and flavorful side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. Featuring crisp romaine lettuce, garlicky croutons, and a tangy dressing made with anchovies and Parmesan cheese, this salad offers a refreshing and satisfying contrast to the rich and savory chicken.
17. Potato Salad
Creamy and tangy, potato salad is a classic and comforting side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. Whether you prefer it with a mayo-based dressing or a tangy vinaigrette, this salad offers a satisfying and flavorful accompaniment to your meal.
18. Roasted Asparagus
Tender and flavorful, roasted asparagus is a healthy and delicious side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. Roasting them in the oven with garlic and Parmesan cheese brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their savory flavor, making them a perfect complement to the crispy and savory chicken.
19. Rice Pilaf
Fluffy and fragrant, rice pilaf is a classic and versatile side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. Whether you choose a traditional Middle Eastern-style pilaf or a more modern version with added veggies and herbs, this rice dish provides a satisfying and flavorful accompaniment to your meal.
Read also: 30 Side Dishes for Chicken Parmesan
20. Fried Okra
Crispy and slightly spicy, fried okra is a classic Southern side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. Whether you like it coated in cornmeal or breadcrumbs, fried okra offers a satisfying and flavorful addition to any plate.
21. Cucumber Salad
Thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion dressed in a tangy vinaigrette make for a refreshing and healthy side dish to accompany chicken tenders. Cucumber salad is a light and refreshing side dish that complements the crispy and savory flavors of chicken tenders. The thin slices of cucumber and red onion provide a crisp texture and refreshing flavor, while the tangy vinaigrette adds a flavorful and zesty kick.
22. Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Crispy and garlicky, garlic roasted potatoes are a simple and flavorful side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. Roasting them in the oven with garlic and herbs enhances their natural sweetness and provides a deliciously savory and crispy texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
23. Steamed Broccoli
Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli is a healthy and delicious side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. Steaming helps to retain its crisp texture and natural flavor while preserving its valuable nutrients, such as vitamin C and potassium. Whether you enjoy it plain or lightly seasoned with lemon juice and garlic, steamed broccoli provides a satisfying and flavorful complement to the savory and crispy chicken.
24. Grilled Zucchini
Light and flavorful, grilled zucchini is a healthy and delicious side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. Grilling them with olive oil and herbs enhances their natural sweetness and provides a deliciously smoky and charred flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
25. Baked Apples
Warm and comforting, baked apples are a healthy and delicious side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. Whether you like them stuffed with nuts and cinnamon or baked with brown sugar and butter, baked apples provide a satisfying and flavorful complement to the savory and crispy chicken.
5 Great Sauces for Chicken Tenders
26. Ranch Dressing
Creamy and tangy, ranch dressing is a classic dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken tenders. Made with a blend of sour cream, buttermilk, and herbs, this sauce provides a cool and refreshing contrast to the hot and crispy chicken. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can also be used as a dressing for salads or a topping for burgers.
27. Honey Mustard
Sweet and tangy, honey mustard is another popular dipping sauce for chicken tenders. Made with a blend of honey, mustard, and vinegar, this sauce provides a deliciously complex flavor that complements the savory and crispy chicken. Whether you prefer a thinner or thicker consistency, honey mustard is easy to customize and can also be used as a marinade for grilled chicken or a dressing for sandwiches.
28. BBQ Sauce
Rich and smoky, BBQ sauce is a flavorful and delicious dipping sauce for chicken tenders. Whether you like it sweet and tangy or spicy and bold, BBQ sauce provides a deliciously complex flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory and crispy chicken. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can also be used as a marinade for grilled chicken or a topping for burgers.
Read also: 15 Chicken Breast Recipes
29. Hot Sauce
Fiery and flavorful, hot sauce is a popular dipping sauce for those who like a little heat with their chicken tenders. Whether you prefer a milder or spicier variety, hot sauce provides a deliciously complex flavor that complements the savory and crispy chicken. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can also be used as a marinade for grilled chicken or a topping for tacos.
30. Garlic Aioli
Creamy and garlicky, garlic aioli is a flavorful and delicious dipping sauce for chicken tenders. Made with a blend of mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon juice, this sauce provides a tangy and zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory and crispy chicken. Whether you like it with a hint of spice or a touch of sweetness, garlic aioli is easy to customize and can also be used as a topping for sandwiches or a dip for vegetables.
Conclusion
Chicken tenders are a delicious and versatile protein that can be paired with a variety of sides to create a satisfying and flavorful meal. From classic options like French fries and coleslaw to healthier choices like roasted vegetables and Caprese salad, there’s a side dish to suit every taste and preference. These 30 side dish options are sure to add variety and flavor to your chicken tender meals and make them even more enjoyable.
