Chicken fingers are a favorite dish for many households, especially if you have kids.
They are extremely super easy to prepare and cook, making them an excellent go-to option for an ideal quick and easy lunch, snack or dinner.
However, the most critical question remains: what to serve with chicken fingers?
Here we present some unique and creative ideas for side dishes you can serve with your chicken fingers to take your meal to the next level.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends or just yourself, these dishes are sure to please!
What are chicken fingers? What do chicken fingers taste like?
Chicken fingers, ideally known as chicken tenders or chicken strips, are a popular appetizer and snack.
They are typically made from boneless, skinless strips of chicken breast that have been dipped in batter and fried until golden brown and crispy.
The exterior of the chicken finger is usually crunchy, while the interior is juicy and tender.
When it comes to flavor, chicken fingers tend to be quite mild. Depending on how they are seasoned or what kind of sauce they are served with, you can get anything from a slightly salty taste to a savory or even sweet flavor.
Most commonly, though, they are served with some sort of dipping sauce such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or honey mustard.
There really is no wrong way to enjoy chicken fingers – everyone has their own preferred method!
What else serve with chicken fingers
1. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables are one of the simplest and healthiest ways to prepare a side dish, and it pairs perfectly with chicken fingers.
You can roast any vegetables that you have on hand, like carrots, broccoli, zucchini, and asparagus.
The roasting process brings out the innate sweetness in the vegetables and adds a delicious caramelized flavor.
2. Sweet Potato Fries
Another perfect side dish to pair with chicken fingers is sweet potato fries. They are just as easy to make as regular French fries but with a slight sweetness that accompanies the savory flavor of the chicken.
Plus, they’re packed with vitamins and minerals, so you can feel good about serving them to your family.
3. Coleslaw
An ideal classic side dish to serve with chicken fingers is coleslaw. This dish is particularly refreshing and compliments the flavors of the crispy chicken.
There are thousands of recipes to choose from, and you can choose from creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw, depending on your preference.
4. Corn on the Cob
Grilling or roasting corn on the cob brings out its innate sweetness and adds flavor to the dish.
You can easily prepare this dish by simply boiling it or grilling it with a little oil and salt. Corn is a great source of fiber, so it’s a healthy option too.
5. Baked Beans
Baked beans are the ideal balance of sweet and savory, and they pair well with chicken fingers.
You can opt to make your baked beans from scratch or get canned ones from the store.
But beware of high sugar content, so consider looking for lower sugar or even sugar-free options.
6. Mac & Cheese
Mac and cheese is an excellent comfort food that’s quick and easy to prepare. Kids and adults alike love this perfect dish, and it pairs perfectly with chicken fingers.
You can use any pasta shape and add various kinds of cheese to elevate the flavor profile.
Discover More: 23 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Lobster Mac and Cheese
7. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes work well together with any meat dishes, and chicken fingers are no exception.
It provides a rich creaminess to the dish and absorbs the chicken’s flavors, making it even more delicious.
8. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is an ideal classic side dish that goes with almost anything. Not only that, but it’s also super easy to make since you only need bread, garlic, and butter.
The aromatic garlic flavor and the crispy texture of the bread make it an excellent complement to chicken fingers.
9. Salad
A simple salad can brighten up any meal and balance the chicken finger’s richness.
You can make a Caesar salad, Greek salad or even a simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing hit of flavor.
10. Fruit Salad
Finally, fruit salad is a light and healthy side dish that’s perfect for summer or warm weather.
You can mix in your favorite fruits, like berries, melons, and citrus, for a refreshing burst of flavor.
11. French Fries
Baked or fried, french fries are an all-time favorite that goes perfectly with chicken fingers.
12. Potato Salad
Potato Salad is an absolute classic potato salad recipe that adds a little bit of mustard and celery seed to the mix for a flavorful accompaniment to your chicken fingers.
13. Green Beans
Green beans cooked with garlic and bacon make for an amazing side to complement the crunchy chicken fingers.
14. Biscuits
Fluffy, buttery biscuits make a great side dish to serve with chicken fingers. Serve them warm, and let your diners slather them in honey or jam for an extra special treat.
Explore More: 19 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Biscuits and Gravy
Main course to eat with chicken fingers
A great main course to accompany chicken fingers is roasted potatoes with a variety of fresh vegetables.
By roasting the potatoes, their natural sweetness and flavor come out, creating a delicious side that pairs nicely with the savory chicken fingers.
You could enhance this dish even further by adding some herbs for extra aroma and flavor, such as thyme, oregano, and rosemary.
To make it a complete meal, add a light and flavorful salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and an olive oil vinaigrette dressing.
This combination of ingredients will bring together both the savory flavors of the chicken fingers and the sweet taste of the potatoes.
Appetizers to serve with chicken fingers
1. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
These spicy, flavorful bites are a healthy alternative to chicken fingers and are sure to be a hit with guests.
Made with roasted cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce, they’re perfect for dipping into blue cheese or ranch dressing.
2. Sweet Potato Fries
Offering a more sophisticated version of chicken fingers, sweet potato fries are the absolute side dish for any gathering.
They’re easy to make and can be served with your favorite dipping sauce. (Recipe)
3. Cheese Quesadillas
A great appetizer that everyone loves, cheese quesadillas can be made quickly and served hot.
You can customize them however you like by adding your favorite veggies or protein to the mix.
4. Zucchini Sticks
For a lighter option, try zucchini sticks! Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these little guys will surely be a hit at your next party!
Serve them with your favorite dip for an extra flavor punch!
Find Out More: What to Serve with Sausage Stuffed Zucchini | Mouthwatering Side Dishes
5. Hummus Platter
For those looking for something light yet full of flavor, hummus is always a great option!
Serve it alongside pita chips or crunchy vegetables for added texture and taste. Add some olives as well for extra color and flavor contrast—your friends will love it!
what sauce to eat with chicken fingers
Chicken fingers are a staple in many households, and they can be served with a variety of sauces to kick up the flavor.
Here are seven of the best sauces to try with your chicken fingers:
1. Sweet Chili Sauce
Sweet Chili Sauce is a versatile sauce that combines sweet and spicy flavors for an unforgettable combination.
Plus, its smooth texture makes it easy to dip your chicken fingers!
2. Honey Mustard
Honey mustard is a classic pairing with chicken fingers that adds a tangy sweetness to the meal.
It’s also great for dipping fries or veggies!
3. Barbecue Sauce
For a smoky flavor, try barbecue sauce on your chicken fingers. It’s rich and savory and pairs perfectly with the crunchy exterior of the chicken.
4. Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing has become a popular condiment choice for chicken fingers because of its creamy texture and mild taste.
Plus, it contains herbs and spices that complement poultry dishes well.
5. Buffalo Sauce
If you like your food spicy, then buffalo sauce is perfect for you! Its signature blend of vinegar and cayenne pepper gives it an unmistakable kick that pairs well with deep-fried foods like chicken fingers.
6. Ketchup
Ketchup may be simple, but it still packs plenty of flavor when paired with fried foods like chicken fingers! Its mild sweetness makes it great for kids too!
7. Garlic Aioli
Garlic aioli is a fan favorite among adults because of its robust flavor and creamy texture that complements fried finger foods nicely.
Learn More: 11 Creative Sauce Pairings for Your Potato Dumplings- Must Try
low-carb sides for chicken tenders
Chicken tenders are a popular dish for any occasion. As delicious as they are, they can be a bit carb-heavy when served with starchy sides like french fries or mashed potatoes.
To add variety and cut down on the carbohydrates in your meal, try some of these delicious low-carb sides for chicken tenders:
1. Sautéed Green Beans
A colorful combination of fresh green beans, garlic, and red pepper flakes makes this sautéed side dish an excellent accompaniment to chicken tenders.
Plus, green beans are a great source of fiber and vitamins A and C!
2. Grilled Zucchini
Grilled Zucchini is a high-fiber veggie that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken tenders for a light yet satisfying meal.
For added flavor, try brushing the zucchini slices with olive oil before grilling them to caramelize them slightly. Serve over a bed of freshly chopped herbs for extra flavor.
3. Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is not only low in carbs but also packed with vitamins and minerals that will help keep you feeling full longer than other traditional sides like rice or potatoes would.
To enhance its flavor even more, sprinkle it with Parmesan cheese or herbs before baking it in the oven to golden perfection.
4. Kale Salad
With its slightly bitter taste and crunchy texture, kale makes a great addition to any meal – especially when served alongside chicken tenders!
To make your own kale salad at home, combine raw kale leaves with your favorite toppings, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, nuts and seeds, before drizzling it all with olive oil or balsamic vinegar for a tasty and nutritious side dish.
These tasty low-carb sides are sure to liven up your next dinner featuring chicken tenders without sacrificing flavor or nutrition!
Try them out today and enjoy an evening free from guilt – knowing that you’re consuming fewer carbohydrates than usual while still getting all the benefits of eating healthy foods!
Drinks to pair with chicken fingers
A great drink to pair with chicken fingers is beer. The light, crisp carbonation of beer helps to cut through the savory and slightly greasy texture of fried chicken.
Additionally, the bitterness of some styles of beer can work as a nice counterpoint to the salty, crunchy flavors of the chicken.
If you’re looking for something other than beer, try a light white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
These wines offer up bright acidity and herbal notes that meld nicely with the crunch and flavor of the chicken.
For those who prefer something different, an ice-cold soda or iced tea can make for a refreshing accompaniment to your meal.
Explore More: Best Wine Pairings with Country Ham| An Ultimate Guide
Desserts to go with chicken fingers
1. Apple Crisp
Apple Crisp is a classic dessert that is perfect with chicken fingers, as it pairs the sweetness of apples with a crunchy topping.
The combination of tart apples and a buttery crisp makes for an irresistible flavor combination that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
It’s also easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it an ideal option for busy nights or when you want something quick and delicious.
2. Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate mousse can be an unexpected delight when served alongside chicken fingers.
The creamy texture of the mousse is balanced out by the crunchiness of the chicken, while the rich chocolate flavor provides a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the chicken. Plus, it looks as impressive as its flavors!
3. Banana Pudding
If you’re looking for a more traditional dessert to pair with your chicken fingers, banana pudding might just be your best bet.
This classic Southern dish combines creamy pudding with sweet bananas and crunchy vanilla wafers for a nostalgic feel that’s sure to bring back some happy memories for your guests.
It’s also incredibly easy to put together before dinner and makes use of ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen! (Recipe)
What are the best flavors to go with chicken fingers?
The best flavors to go with chicken fingers are those that add a bit of sweetness and crunch.
A honey mustard dip is a classic favorite, or you could try something more adventurous like BBQ dip, ranch dip, or even an Asian-inspired sweet chili sauce.
For a unique combination, try serving the chicken fingers alongside some Greek tzatziki dip. This cool and creamy dip offers a hint of garlic and cucumber that pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken.
If you’re looking to add some heat, opt for a buffalo sauce dip or make your own spicy mayonnaise blend.
For an even bolder flavor, pair the fried chicken with blue cheese dressing or a dollop of sour cream and onion dip.
How do you jazz up chicken fingers?
There are plenty of ways to jazz up chicken fingers! To start, you could try giving them a crunchy coating by dredging in a combination of breadcrumbs and spices.
You could also marinate the chicken before coating it to include an extra layer of flavor.
Additionally, dipping sauces like BBQ sauce or honey mustard can add some zing to your chicken fingers.
Finally, you could pair your chicken with other side dishes such as french fries or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How do you display chicken fingers on a platter?
To display chicken fingers on a platter, start by arranging the pieces in a circular pattern. Place the larger finger pieces around the outside of the circle, and layer the smaller pieces closer to the center.
To add color variation, alternate between different types of chicken fingers such as classic, spicy, or garlic Parmesan.
Add additional garnishes like fresh herbs or slices of lemon to give more character to the presentation. Finally, don’t forget condiments like BBQ sauce or honey mustard for dipping!
Learn More: 14 Perfect and Mouthwatering Dishes to Serve with Chicken Taquitos
Tips on How to Choose the Most Suitable side dishes for chicken fingers
1. Consider the flavors of the chicken fingers – if they are spicy, choose side dishes that will balance out the heat
2. Think about textures – crunchy sides like french fries or potato chips can add great contrast to soft chicken fingers
3. Look for complementary flavors – sweet and sour sauces, honey mustard dip, or even coleslaw can all pair nicely with chicken fingers
4. Consider adding some freshness to your plate by including a salad or vegetable dish on the side
5. Don’t forget about starch-based sides such as mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, rice pilafs, etc., which can provide an excellent base for your meal
6. Pick a variety of colors in order to make it visually appealing; think green beans, carrots and corn on the cob!
7. Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different types of accompaniments, such as fruit salsa or grilled vegetables!
Wrap Up on what to serve with chicken fingers
Mix and match these delicious side dishes to make an absolute meal that everyone will love.
The possibilities are limitless, and you can customize each dish based on your personal preference.
Serving your chicken fingers with a few of these side dishes will liven up your mealtime and ensure that everyone leaves the table satisfied. Try them all and see which ones are your favorites!
FAQs
How many chicken fingers per person?
At our restaurant, we recommend that each person consumes 2-3 chicken fingers per meal.
This amount provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates while not being overly filling.
Our chicken fingers are also cooked in a light batter and fried to perfection, ensuring maximum flavor.
The size of the chicken finger portions is generous, so if you’re feeling particularly hungry, then you could choose to have 3 chicken fingers per person.
what to eat with grilled chicken strips
Grilled chicken strips can be paired with a variety of sides in order to create a delicious, balanced meal.
Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini and eggplant, are a great option for those looking for an easy side dish.
You could also opt for a crisp green salad or even some roasted potatoes and other root vegetables.
If you’re in the mood for something more hearty, try adding grilled corn on the cob or some hearty grains such as quinoa or wild rice to your plate.
Whatever combination you choose, make sure it includes vegetables to provide vitamins and minerals essential for good health.
What goes with chicken tenders and mac and cheese?
To complement chicken tenders and mac and cheese, some flavorful side dishes can give the meal a more complete and tasty experience.
Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes provide a contrast in texture and flavor compared to creamy macaroni and cheese.
A light salad with crisp greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and an oil-based dressing adds a healthy touch to the meal.
For a more indulgent option, try serving garlic bread or cheesy garlic biscuits for an extra cheesy bite!
Finally, don’t forget about dessert: brownies or cookies are always a hit with kids and adults alike.
With these additions to the menu, your guests will be sure to enjoy chicken tenders and macaroni and cheese beyond simply being comfort food!
What are good side dishes to serve with chicken and dumplings?
Chicken and dumplings are classic comfort food that comes together to make for a delicious, filling meal.
To complete the meal, two great side dishes to serve with this hearty dish are roasted vegetables and a light salad.
Roasting is a simple way to bring out the natural flavor of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Cut the vegetables into cubes or slices before tossing them with oil, salt, herbs, and spices.
Place the vegetables on an oven-safe tray in one even layer and roast at 375°F until golden brown and crisp.
For a fresh side dish to complement this savory entree, try serving a light salad. Start off with mixed greens such as romaine lettuce or kale, and add tomatoes or cucumbers for crunch.
To give the salad more depth of flavor, top it off with nuts such as almonds or walnuts or fruits like apples or pears. Finally, add some feta cheese or croutons for texture.
These two sides will perfectly complement chicken and dumplings to create an amazing meal that all your family members will love!
What to do with chicken tenders for dinner?
Chicken tenders make a great dinner option for those looking for something quick and easy. They can be made in a variety of ways, depending on your tastes and preferences.
Baked chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions, as they require less oil and fat.
To make baked chicken tenders, first, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place chicken tenderloins on a greased baking sheet and lightly season with salt and pepper.
Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the outside, flipping halfway through cooking time.
For extra flavor, you could also brush some melted butter or olive oil over the chicken before baking or sprinkle with various herbs like thyme or oregano.
Serve with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a delicious meal.
