What to Serve with Chicken Tenders: 20 Best Easy & Healthy Sides for Chicken Tenders in 2023
What to eat with chicken tenders? Well, here is a complete list of the best easy side dishes for chicken tenders – your friendly list of the best healthy sides for chicken tenders – in 2023.
Publish date : February 21, 2023
Finding the best easy and healthy side for chicken tenders can be a challenge. Whether you’re a fan of fried, grilled, or baked chicken tenders, it can sometimes be difficult to decide what to serve alongside the delicious main dish. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll list out some of the best easy sides for chicken tenders, including healthy options and keto-friendly options.
From classic choices like crispy french fries and coleslaw to healthier options like roasted vegetables and side salads, this list of side dishes below is sure to make your chicken tenders meal complete. From low-carb sides to easy side dishes, we’ve got something for everyone. So if you’re wondering what to serve with chicken tenders at a party, or looking for good sides for fried chicken tenders, then read on!
We guarantee you’ll find something delicious here. Let’s get started.
What to Serve with Chicken Tenders: 20 Best Sides for Chicken Tenders in 2023
To answer your question about “what goes with chicken strips for dinner?” Here is a list of the best healthy and easy side dishes for chicken tenders in 2023, that you can cook tonight.
Let’s get started.
01. Homemade French Fries
A great side for chicken tenders. Frying them yourself is the first step to creating the ultimate at-home experience. You need to select your potatoes – fingerling potatoes are the most popular and will give you the crispiest results.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could customize the seasoning however you please. Garnish them with some tablespoons of parmesan and paprika. These delicious french fries are a side that pairs perfectly with chicken tenders.
02. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side for chicken tenders. It’s easy to make and pairs nicely with the crispiness of the tenders. All you need is four cups of cabbage, three tablespoons of mayo, one teaspoon of white vinegar, …
… a pinch of sugar, and a teaspoon of mustard for an irresistible and creamy zing. Add your own personal touch to the salad with some green peppers, carrots, red onions, and celery. This customizable, refreshing side salad is sure to elevate your chicken tenders’ experience.
03. Sweet Potato Fries
An excellent addition to chicken tenders. These fries have a unique sweetness that pairs nicely with the savoriness of the chicken. To prepare them, cut sweet potatoes into sticks and spread them on a baking sheet.
Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes, add salt and pepper and bake. If you want to add extra flavor to your fries, you can sprinkle some cinnamon on top. With the sweet and salty combination, this side will certainly make for a delicious meal.
04. Pea Salad
Pea Salad is an amazing side for chicken tenders and is very easy to put together. Start with frozen peas and add chopped onions, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. For the dressing, mix together …
… mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar and sugar. Pour the dressing over the salad and give it a good stir. Add some extra flavor and crunch with sunflower kernels and top off with some cracked pepper and salt. Enjoy this delightful side with your chicken tenders.
05. Panko Asparagus
Parmesan panko asparagus are the perfect side for chicken tenders. To make them, cut asparagus spears into sticks and dredge them in a mixture of parmesan cheese and panko bread crumbs.
Then, pop them in the oven and let them bake until they turn golden brown and crispy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and they’ll be sure to be a favorite side dish. Enjoy their unique crunchiness that compliments your tender chicken.
06. Corn Pudding Casserole
Corn Pudding Casserole is one of the best sides for chicken tenders, especially for those who are looking for something more savory. The casserole is made with corn, sour cream, cream cheese, eggs, and butter.
Mix everything together and pour it into a baking dish. Top it with shredded cheddar cheese and let it bake until it’s nice and bubbly. Enjoy the creamy, corn-filled casserole alongside your chicken tenders.
07. Basil Pesto Sauce
Basil pesto is a perfect side dish to complement your delicious chicken tenders. While the tenders are fried to perfection with a crunchy outer layer, the basil pesto provides a flavorful and creamy contrast in texture and flavor.
If you’re looking for something light and savory, the creamy basil pesto sauce is the way to go. The sauce is made from a combination of parmesan, garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice, and of course, the basil itself which helps bring out the zesty flavors in the chicken tenders. It’s a delicious and simple side that’ll go great with your chicken tenders.
08. Fried Apples
Fried apples bring a unique flavor to the table when served with chicken tenders. These apples are sliced and then coated in a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and butter before being fried. Not only do they make the perfect side dish for chicken tenders, but they …
… also add a touch of sweetness to the savory dish. Plus they’re easy to make and take almost no time at all. Serving fried apples with chicken tenders is a great way to switch up your typical sides, and your taste buds will thank you for it!
09. Potato Wedges
A classic side dish that you can’t go wrong with when serving chicken tenders. Crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle, these wedges are deliciously savory with a hint of garlic and herbs.
The crunchy texture pairs perfectly with the tenderness of the chicken tenders, making for the perfect bite. Plus, it’s extremely easy to make and in a pinch, you can cook them in the oven rather than frying if you’d like. Potato wedges are a must have for a tasty chicken tender sides meal.
10. Zucchini Pasta
A great way to add a healthy twist to your sides for chicken tenders. Not only is it light and nutrient-rich, but it’s also quick and easy to make. You can sauté the noodles in a pan with some olive oil and garlic, or even …
… steam them in the microwave if you’re short on time. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with delicate noodles that go great with chicken tenders. So if you’re looking for a healthy side dish to accompany your chicken tenders, try out some zucchini pasta to add a little something extra to your meal.
11. Spinach Souffle
This easy side dish is loaded with spinach, cheese and eggs, making it a flavorful dish that doesn’t take long to make. The creamy souffle complements the fried chicken tenders nicely, balancing out the crunch and richness with a light, vegetable-based side.
This combination of side dish and main item will create a sumptuous meal. To top it off, the soufflé is also highly nutritious as spinach is a good source of Vitamin A, C and E, as well as providing iron. It’s an elegant side dish for any dinner party, but simple enough that you can make it to enjoy any night of the week.
12. Fried Okra
An unbeatable side combination with chicken tenders. This crunchy, yet mildly flavored vegetable is a tasty accompanying dish when paired with your chicken tenderloin. Fried okra also has Vitamin C and fiber that can help you maintain a well-balanced diet.
It’s a protein-filled side dish that packs a flavor punch and gives your dinner a unique edge. You can also feel good about serving a dish that is good for your health yet looks and tastes great. The lightly spiced and dredged okra can be made in no time and gives a delicious spin to your chicken tender dinner.
13. Cornbread
A Southern staple that pairs well with chicken tenders. This delicious side adds plenty of crunch and sweetness to the meal. The cornbread is lightly sweetened and baked to perfection, with a golden, crunchy exterior.
This classic side is excellent for both entertaining guests and family meals. Plus the sweetness of the cornbread contrasts beautifully with the savory qualities of the chicken. Simple yet flavorful, cornbread is a yummy addition to any meal, this side dish offers a wholesome meal that is sure to please everyone.
14. Herb Garlic Butter Rice
Herb Garlic Butter Rice is an excellent side with chicken tenders. This classic creation is a perfect blend of herbs, garlic, and butter. Its rich flavor and fluffy texture provide a delightful contrast to fried chicken.
These side dishes are sure to bring an elevated and savory taste to the family dinner table. The slightly crunchy texture of the rice pairs perfectly with the juicy, crunchy chicken tenders. It’s creamy, buttery, and full of flavor with herbs and garlic. These side dishes is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal.
15. Baked Cabbage
A simple yet flavorful side for chicken tenders. Packed with Vitamin C, fats and dietary fiber, baked cabbage is a healthy and delicious accompaniment to this classic dish. This dish is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, and it’s also a low-carb alternative to other side dishes like potatoes.
The tender cabbage leaves absorb the flavors from its seasonings like garlic and herbs, making the dish a tasty addition to the meal. This dish is light, crunchy, and has a slightly sweet flavor that complements the deep-fried taste of chicken tenders. Serve it up when you want a healthy, flavorful side dish idea today.
16. Macaroni And Cheese
Macaroni and cheese may be one of the most iconic dishes across the United States, dripping in creamy sauce and cheese. This dish paired with your choice of chicken tenders makes for a perfect combination. The creamy and savory macaroni and cheese compliment the …
… golden fried or crispy chicken tenders and are sure to be a hit with your guests or family. Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy all the creamy, cheesy goodness that comes with this classic dish. Make sure you whip up a batch of macaroni and cheese or any other cheesy pasta dish for your next chicken tender dinner.
17. Italian Pasta Salad
A fantastic companion to chicken tenders and is a great idea for dinner or lunch. These side dishes provides something a little lighter and is especially great for summer. With thinly sliced vegetables, robust olives, and savory dressing, this dish will make a perfect accompaniment to the savory flavors of your chicken tenders.
The colorful and healthy side has a variety of flavors and textures and can be customized with your desired selection of vegetables, herbs, and more. To ensure the freshest flavor, consider shopping for the salad components in your local farmer’s market for their peak ripeness.
18. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted Vegetables make a delicious side to chicken tenders and can be a great way to add some color and nutrients to your plate. Carrots, onions, beets, broccoli, squash, and sweet potatoes are just a few of many vegetables that work well with chicken tenders.
They’re easy to prepare, just a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and olive oil and throw into a hot oven. This dish is also a great way to increase your veggie intake and sneak in some extra nutrition with your meal. Even picky eaters will enjoy the sweetness and crunch in these juicy vegetables that have been deep-fried in a mild seasoning.
19. Fried Pickles
Fried pickles, a classic southern delicacy, make for a delicious side dish to crispy chicken tenders. Made with just a few simple ingredients like dill pickles, cornmeal batter and oil for frying, this delicious side dish is easy to prepare and fun to eat.
The crunchy exterior and tart interior pair perfectly with the savory chicken. For an added pop of flavor, drizzle a ranch or the dressing of your choice to complete the dish. These delicious fried pickles will make your next chicken tender dinner an unforgettable experience.
20. Baked Beans
Baked Beans make a very tasty side dish to chicken tenders and are an economical way to feed a group. As an added bonus, it has a sweetness that goes well with the savory chicken. This recipe for Cowboy Beans contains beef and bacon for a smoky and hearty flavor combination.
It can be made in a large batch and served as a side or even as a main dish when served with rice or another grain. For a hint of sweetness, try adding some brown or white sugar, or for a boost of flavors add in a handful of your favorite herbs and spices. The mild sweetness of the baked beans brings out the subtle hints of cinnamon in the tenders and makes for a truly comforting meal.
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