Chicken tenders are a classic feast that can be enjoyed by all ages. Whether cooking for your family or hosting a large party, easy, kid-friendly dinner chicken tenders are always a hit.
But when you’re serving them as part of a meal, what are the perfect side dishes that will pair perfectly with your chicken tenders and make your meal complete. ?
Here are 13 ideas that will take your chicken tender dinner from bland to delicious!
In a Hurry and want to know What to serve with Chicken Tenders, then try any of these- Coleslaw, Mashed potatoes, veggie platter, Fried Plantains, Baked Beans, Fried Pickles, Potato Salad, Cornbread Muffins, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Grilled Asparagus, Roasted Potatoes, and Garlic Green Beans.
13 Easy side dishes for chicken tenders
1. Coleslaw
Crisp, creamy mayonnaise-based slaw is always a great addition to any meal, and it’s especially delicious when served alongside chicken tenders.
It is an excellent way to cool off the heat of chicken tenders while adding a bit of crunch. Its creamy dressing and mix of cabbage and carrots will give you the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
For a unique twist, try adding pineapple to the mix or swapping out the mayonnaise in the dressing for Greek yogurt.
You can even customize your coleslaw by adding diced bell peppers or jalapenos for an extra kick of flavor! Also, add diced apples or celery, julienned carrots, or even a bit of hot sauce.
Store in a refrigerator for at least two hours before serving; thus, the flavors can meld together nicely.
2. Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic choice when it comes to serving poultry dishes like chicken tenders. Not only do they add an extra layer of flavor, but they also help absorb some of the excess grease from the fried chicken.
To make mashed potatoes even more flavorful, add garlic cloves, chives, sour cream, cheddar cheese, or any other ingredients you can think of!
3. My Choice- Veggie Platter
A veggie platter is great for those looking for something light and healthy to enjoy with their meal. Broccoli and carrots go well with any poultry dish, while celery sticks provide an extra crunchy texture.
If you want something more exciting than plain vegetables, try whipping up some vegetable dip or making roasted vegetables instead!
4. Fried Plantains
Fried plantains are a popular side dish in many Latin-American countries. Still, they’re also incredibly easy and delicious when served alongside chicken tenders.
All you need is some ripe plantains, vegetable oil for frying, and a pinch of salt to bring out the innate sweetness of the fruit. The result is a crispy yet sweet treat that pairs perfectly with fried chicken.
5. Baked Beans
Baked beans can be made from scratch or purchased pre-made from your local grocery store. They make an excellent side dish when served alongside chicken tenders due to their sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Baked beans are also packed full of protein, making them great for healthy alternatives to traditional sides like potatoes or fries. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare!
6. Fried Pickles
Fried pickles are an unexpected but delicious way to enjoy chicken tenders. All you need is some jarred dill pickle chips and some seasoned flour for coating. Fry them up in a pan until they’re golden brown and crispy—you won’t be able to resist!
7. Potato Salad
Potato salad is always a hit at family gatherings and potlucks. For this recipe, mash cooked potatoes with mayonnaise, mustard, diced onions, eggs, celery, and fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a flavorful side dish that goes great with chicken tenders.
8. Cornbread Muffins
Cornbread muffins are another classic side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders.
Make mini muffins for individual portions, or bake one big batch for everyone to share! Serve them warm in the oven with butter or honey butter for extra flavor.
9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts make a surprisingly tasty side dish for fried chicken tenders. Tossed halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder before roasting at high heat until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outer side but still tender on the inner side.
10. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is another great way to get your veggies while enjoying some fried chicken tenders!
Marinate spears of asparagus in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper before grilling over medium-high heat until they’re nice and charred but still slightly crisp outside.
11. Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes make a great accompaniment to chicken tenders. Simply cube your potatoes, toss them in oil and seasonings and then bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes or until golden brown.
For an extra flavor kick, try adding garlic powder, paprika, or herbs like rosemary or thyme. The roasted potatoes can also be cooked ahead of time and served cold if desired.
12. Garlic Green Beans
This is an easy side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken tenders. Start by sautéing some garlic in butter until it’s lightly browned.
Then add your green beans and cook until they reach desired tenderness. Feel free to add any other seasonings you like, such as salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, or dried herbs like oregano or basil.
This side dish can also be prepared earlier and reheated before serving if needed.
Best way to serve Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are a delicious dish that can be served in numerous ways. If you’re looking for a traditional method of serving, definitely opt for a classic lightly fried version paired with your favorite dipping sauce – pretty much everyone loves this classic combination!
If you’re looking for an original spin, try baking them instead and use spices such as garlic powder and Italian seasonings to spice things up.
The bake time is usually shorter than the fry time too! Another delicious option is to throw them on the grill – they will still be nice and crispy while adding some additional smoky flavor.
The chances are endless when it comes to serving chicken tenders; get creative, invite some friends over, and enjoy!
Why are you considering having Side dishes to serve with Chicken Tenders?
When serving chicken tenders, it’s important to give guests a full experience rather than just a few strips of fried chicken. Having side dishes is a great way to do this.
Not only do side dishes provide texture and color against the grilled chicken, but they also add an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
From crunchy slaws to roasted vegetables, there’s no limit to the array of flavorful sides that can be served alongside chicken tenders.
Plus, having an option for vegetarian or vegan guests opens up additional meal possibilities! Adding side dishes is a great way to make your meal complete – and delicious!
FAQs
What vegetables go with fried chicken?
Fried chicken is a traditional dish that can be served with a variety of vegetables to make it an even heartier meal. One great choice to serve with fried chicken is carrots. Carrots provide a delicious crunch and sweetness that pairs well with the crispy, salty coating and juicy chicken.
Roasted Brussels sprouts are another great choice, as they are full of flavor and texture, especially when roasted with garlic and a touch of butter.
Also, steamed green beans or asparagus, corn on the cob, potatoes, or macaroni and cheese can make for a comforting meal when served with fried chicken.
Why are chicken tenders so good?
Chicken tenders are so good because they are juicy, succulent, and easy to make. The texture of the chicken is tender and delicious with its lightly breaded coating. You can pair it with a variety of sauces or dips for added flavor and crunch.
Additionally, they make for easy-to-eat finger food that can be eaten on the go or as part of any meal. They also pair perfectly with a variety of flavor profiles and sauces which makes them very versatile.
Chicken tenders are also versatile since you can use them to whip up many different dishes, such as tacos, wraps, salads, and sandwiches. They are a great snack or main dish option that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Chicken tenders make an excellent finger food that is sure to please everyone at your next gathering. They’re definitely a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re in the mindset of a quick snack or a full meal, chicken tenders are always a good choice. Try them out and see for yourself why they’re so popular!