What can you serve with chicken tenders?
Chicken tenders are a popular choice for both kids and adults alike. They’re typically served with dipping sauces or alongside other dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw.
Pairing chicken tenders with complementary flavors is key to enhancing their deliciousness.
To make your meal planning easier, I’ve curated a list of side dishes that will elevate your chicken tender experience, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and satisfaction.
Dive in and discover the perfect pairings when looking for what to serve with chicken tenders!
What are chicken tenders?
Chicken tenders, also known as chicken strips or chicken fingers, are succulent and boneless cuts of chicken breast meat. These tender pieces are prized for their versatility and convenience.
Typically, chicken tenders are sliced from the underside of the chicken breast, where the meat is exceptionally tender. To prepare chicken tenders, they are often coated in a seasoned flour or breadcrumb mixture, providing a delightful crunch when fried or baked.
This coating helps lock in moisture, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful. While frying is a popular cooking method, chicken tenders can also be baked or grilled for a healthier option.
These delicious morsels are a favorite among diners of all ages and are commonly served as a main dish, appetizer, or even as part of a salad.
Their mild flavor profile makes them perfect for pairing with a variety of sauces and seasonings, allowing for endless customization to suit any taste preference.
Whether enjoyed on their own or incorporated into a meal, chicken tenders are a beloved classic that never fails to satisfy cravings for a hearty and satisfying bite.
What to serve with chicken tenders
1. Potato side dishes
Mashed potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes complement chicken tenders perfectly, offering a comforting and classic side. The smooth texture of mashed potatoes contrasts with the crispy exterior of the tenders, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Potato wedges
Crispy potato wedges make a satisfying accompaniment to chicken tenders. Their crunchy exterior and soft interior provide a satisfying contrast to the tender chicken, while the seasoned seasoning adds a flavorful kick to every bite.
Potato salad
Refreshing potato salad offers a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of chicken tenders. With a creamy dressing and flavorful herbs, it adds a burst of flavor and texture to the meal, making it a delightful pairing.
Baked potato
A baked potato is a classic choice to serve with chicken tenders. Its fluffy interior and crispy skin provide a satisfying contrast to the tender chicken, while toppings like sour cream, cheese, and bacon enhance the overall flavor experience.
Potato skins with cheese and bacon
Loaded potato skins are a decadent choice to serve with chicken tenders. The crispy potato skins are filled with melted cheese and crispy bacon, adding indulgent flavors and textures that complement the tenders perfectly.
Potato croquettes
Potato croquettes are a delightful side dish for chicken tenders. These crispy and flavorful croquettes are made with mashed potatoes, breaded, and fried to perfection. They offer a satisfying crunch and creamy interior that pairs beautifully with the tenders.
2. Sweet potato side dishes
Sweet potato fries
Crispy sweet potato fries are a delicious alternative to regular fries and pair wonderfully with chicken tenders. Their natural sweetness and crunchy texture complement the savory flavor of the tenders for a satisfying meal.
Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows
Sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows is a delightful side dish to serve alongside chicken tenders.
The creamy sweet potatoes and gooey marshmallows create a comforting and indulgent combination that contrasts beautifully with the savory tenders.
Roasted sweet potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are a simple and flavorful side dish that enhances the taste of chicken tenders. The caramelized exterior and tender interior of the roasted sweet potatoes offer a delicious contrast to the crispy texture of the tenders.
Sweet potato mash with cinnamon
Sweet potato mash seasoned with cinnamon is a comforting and aromatic side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken tenders. The warm spices in the mash complement the savory flavor of the tenders, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Sweet potato salad with pecans and cranberries
Sweet potato salad with pecans and cranberries is a refreshing and nutritious side dish to serve with chicken tenders.
The sweet potatoes add a hearty base, while the crunchy pecans and tart cranberries provide texture and flavor contrast to the tender chicken.
Sweet potato pancakes
Sweet potato pancakes are a unique and flavorful side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to chicken tenders. The fluffy pancakes made with grated sweet potatoes offer a satisfying alternative to traditional sides and create a memorable dining experience.
3. Pasta dishes
Classic macaroni and cheese
Creamy macaroni and cheese is a comforting and classic side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken tenders. The cheesy pasta provides a satisfying contrast to the crispy texture of the tenders, creating a delicious and indulgent meal.
Baked penne pasta with cheese
Baked penne pasta with cheese is a hearty and flavorful side dish that complements chicken tenders beautifully. The baked pasta is coated in a rich cheese sauce and baked until golden and bubbly, offering a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
Creamy garlic pasta
Creamy garlic pasta is a simple yet flavorful side dish that enhances the taste of chicken tenders. The creamy sauce infused with garlic adds depth of flavor to the meal, while the pasta provides a comforting and satisfying base for the tender chicken.
Three-cheese pasta bake
Three-cheese pasta bake is a decadent and indulgent side dish that pairs wonderfully with chicken tenders. The combination of three cheeses creates a rich and gooey sauce that coats the pasta, providing a luxurious accompaniment to the crispy tenders.
Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells
Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a delicious and satisfying side dish to serve with chicken tenders.
The pasta shells are filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture and then baked with marinara sauce for a flavorful and comforting meal.
Creamy four-cheese macaroni
Creamy four-cheese macaroni is a rich and creamy side dish that complements chicken tenders perfectly. The combination of four cheeses creates a decadent sauce that coats the pasta, providing a satisfying contrast to the crispy exterior of the tenders.
4. Green beans
Garlic butter green beans
Sautéed green beans in garlic butter add a savory and aromatic touch to chicken tenders. The crisp-tender beans are infused with garlic flavor, providing a flavorful and nutritious accompaniment to the meal.
Green bean almondine
Steamed green beans tossed with toasted almonds offer a crunchy and nutty contrast to chicken tenders. The toasted almonds add texture and flavor, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Sesame ginger green beans
Blanched green beans tossed in a tangy sesame ginger dressing provide a refreshing and zesty complement to chicken tenders. The vibrant flavors of sesame and ginger add depth to the dish, creating a delightful flavor combination.
Lemon parmesan green beans
Steamed green beans drizzled with lemon juice and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese offer a bright and savory accompaniment to chicken tenders. The citrusy lemon and salty Parmesan elevate the flavor profile of the dish, making it a satisfying side.
Green bean casserole
Classic green bean casserole made with creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions is a comforting and hearty side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. The creamy sauce and crispy topping add richness and texture to the meal.
Honey mustard glazed green beans
Roasted green beans coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze provide a flavorful and vibrant side dish for chicken tenders. The glaze adds a sticky sweetness to the beans, enhancing their natural flavor and creating a delicious contrast.
Green bean and tomato salad
Fresh green beans mixed with cherry tomatoes and tossed in a light vinaigrette offer a refreshing and colorful side dish for chicken tenders. The crisp-tender beans and juicy tomatoes provide a burst of freshness and flavor to the meal.
5. Corn dishes
Grilled corn on the cob
Grilled corn on the cob offers a smoky and sweet accompaniment to chicken tenders. The charred kernels add depth of flavor, while the juicy texture of the corn provides a satisfying contrast to the crispy tenders.
Creamed corn
Creamed corn is a creamy and comforting side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. The smooth texture of the corn complements the crispy exterior of the tenders, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
Cornbread muffins
Moist and tender cornbread muffins add a touch of sweetness to chicken tenders. The fluffy texture of the muffins and the subtle corn flavor enhance the overall dining experience, making it a delightful combination.
Corn salad with black beans and avocado
Fresh corn salad with black beans and avocado offers a vibrant and nutritious side dish for chicken tenders.
The combination of sweet corn, creamy avocado, and hearty black beans creates a flavorful and satisfying accompaniment to the meal.
Mexican street corn (Elote)
Mexican street corn, or elote, is a flavorful and indulgent side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders.
The grilled corn is slathered with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, creating a bold and tangy flavor profile that complements the tenders perfectly.
Corn pudding casserole
Corn pudding casserole is a rich and creamy side dish that adds a touch of comfort to chicken tenders. The creamy corn mixture is baked until golden and bubbly, offering a satisfying contrast to the crispy exterior of the tenders.
6. Vegetable dishes
Honey glazed carrots
Tender carrots coated in a sweet honey glaze offer a flavorful and nutritious side dish for chicken tenders. The sticky glaze adds a touch of sweetness to the carrots, enhancing their natural flavor and creating a delightful contrast to the savory tenders.
Roasted carrots with thyme
Roasted carrots seasoned with fresh thyme provide a fragrant and savory accompaniment to chicken tenders. The caramelized edges of the carrots and the aromatic thyme flavor add depth to the dish, making it a delicious and satisfying option.
Steamed broccoli with cheese sauce
Steamed broccoli drizzled with creamy cheese sauce offers a comforting and indulgent side dish for chicken tenders.
The tender broccoli florets and rich cheese sauce create a satisfying combination of flavors and textures that complement the tenders perfectly.
Grilled asparagus
Grilled asparagus spears offer a smoky and flavorful side dish for chicken tenders. The charred exterior and tender interior of the asparagus provides a satisfying contrast to the crispy tenders, while the earthy flavor of the asparagus enhances the overall dining experience.
Glazed Brussels sprouts
Glazed Brussels sprouts are a sweet and savory side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders.
The tender Brussels sprouts are coated in a sticky glaze, adding a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish, making it a delicious and satisfying accompaniment.
Roasted garlic cauliflower
Roasted garlic cauliflower offers a flavorful and aromatic side dish for chicken tenders. The roasted cauliflower florets are infused with garlic flavor, creating a deliciously savory complement to the tenders.
The caramelized edges of the cauliflower add depth and richness to the dish.
Maple glazed acorn squash
Maple-glazed acorn squash is a sweet and hearty side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. The tender squash slices are coated in a sticky maple glaze, offering a deliciously sweet and savory flavor profile that enhances the overall dining experience.
7. Coleslaw dishes
Classic creamy coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw offers a cool and refreshing contrast to crispy chicken tenders. The crunchy cabbage and creamy dressing provide a satisfying texture and flavor combination that complements the tenders perfectly.
Vinegar-based coleslaw
Vinegar-based coleslaw offers a tangy and refreshing side dish for chicken tenders. The crisp cabbage and tangy dressing add brightness and acidity to the meal, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Asian-inspired coleslaw with sesame dressing
Asian-inspired coleslaw with sesame dressing offers a flavorful and aromatic side dish for chicken tenders. The crunchy cabbage and nutty sesame dressing create a deliciously savory combination that complements the tenders perfectly.
Pineapple coleslaw
Pineapple coleslaw offers a sweet and tropical twist on a classic side dish for chicken tenders. The juicy pineapple chunks and creamy dressing add a touch of sweetness and freshness to the meal, making it a delightful accompaniment.
Spicy jalapeño coleslaw
Spicy jalapeño coleslaw offers a fiery kick to chicken tenders. The crisp cabbage and spicy jalapeños add heat and flavor to the dish, creating a bold and satisfying accompaniment that pairs well with the tenders.
Creamy dill coleslaw
Creamy dill coleslaw offers a flavorful and herbaceous side dish for chicken tenders. The creamy dressing infused with dill adds a refreshing and aromatic flavor to the crunchy cabbage, creating a delicious and satisfying complement to the tenders.
8. Fruits
Fruit salad with honey lime dressing
Refreshing fruit salad with honey lime dressing offers a light and vibrant side dish for chicken tenders. The juicy fruits and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the savory tenders, creating a delightful and nutritious meal.
Grilled pineapple slices
Grilled pineapple slices offer a sweet and tropical twist to chicken tenders. The caramelized edges of the pineapple and the juicy interior create a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor profile that complements the savory tenders perfectly.
Berry medley with mint
A mixed berry medley with mint offers a refreshing and antioxidant-rich side dish for chicken tenders. The juicy berries and fresh mint leaves provide a burst of flavor and color, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Caramelized banana halves
Caramelized banana halves offer a sweet and indulgent side dish for chicken tenders. The caramelized bananas are tender and gooey, offering a satisfyingly sweet contrast to the savory tenders, creating a memorable and delicious meal.
Watermelon wedges with feta and mint
Watermelon wedges with feta and mint offer a refreshing and savory side dish for chicken tenders.
The juicy watermelon, creamy feta cheese, and fresh mint leaves create a deliciously vibrant flavor combination that complements the tenders perfectly.
FAQs
Are chicken tenders the same as chicken nuggets?
No, chicken tenders are typically made from strips of chicken breast meat, while chicken nuggets are made from ground chicken meat.
Can you bake chicken tenders instead of frying them?
Yes, chicken tenders can be baked in the oven for a healthier option. Simply coat them with breadcrumbs and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
How long should you marinate chicken tenders before cooking?
Chicken tenders can be marinated for as little as 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavor. Simply combine them with your favorite marinade ingredients and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Conclusion
Chicken tenders are a versatile and beloved dish that pairs well with a variety of delicious side dishes. Whether you prefer classic favorites like mashed potatoes or adventurous options like grilled pineapple, there’s something for everyone to enjoy alongside crispy chicken tenders.
However, it’s important to remember that consuming chicken tenders frequently, especially when fried, can contribute to unhealthy eating habits and weight gain.
For a healthier option, consider baking or grilling chicken tenders and pairing them with nutritious sides like steamed vegetables or fruit salad.
By making mindful choices and enjoying chicken tenders in moderation, you can create balanced and satisfying meals that are both delicious and nutritious.
But before you go ahead to eat more chicken tenders, find out if they are healthy and should be on your diet.
Thanks for reading.
