What to Eat with Chicken Tenders: 30 Delicious Side Dish Ideas

Chicken tenders make a quick, easy, and delicious meal for both kids and adults. Their mild flavor and crispy breaded coating make them an instant crowd-pleaser. However, coming up with creative and tasty side dishes to serve alongside chicken tenders can sometimes be a challenge.

That’s why I’ve put together this handy guide of over 30 side dish ideas to pair with everyone’s favorite – chicken tenders! From classic comfort foods to fresh veggie options, there’s something here for every taste and dietary preference.

The Best Classic Sides for Chicken Tenders

You can’t go wrong pairing chicken tenders with any of these classic side dish favorites:

1. French Fries

Crispy golden fries are the quintessential side for chicken tenders. French fries – whether made from potatoes or sweet potatoes – offer the perfect crunchy, salty complement. For bonus points, make them from scratch or bake them in the oven for a healthier option.

2. Tater Tots

What’s better than tater tots? Tater tots alongside hot and crispy chicken tenders! These bite-sized potato nuggets bake up crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside Kids and adults alike will devour them

3. Coleslaw

Cool crunchy coleslaw balances the hot fried taste of chicken tenders perfectly. Creamy or vinegar-based, this veggie-packed salad adds freshness as well as fiber.

4. Mac and Cheese

Is it even comfort food without macaroni and cheese? This cheesy pasta bakes up creamy and smooth – the ideal partner for your chicken tenders. Make it extra decadent by using 3 or 4 different cheese varieties.

5. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are another comforting, starchy side that pairs well with chicken strips. Fluffy potatoes flavored with butter, garlic, cheese, or other mix-ins are simple to make and satisfy any craving.

6. Baked Beans

No backyard BBQ is complete without baked beans. These saucy, sweet beans also complement chicken tenders flawlessly. They bring a flavorful, smoky element to the meal.

Fresh and Colorful Veggie Sides

Along with those comforting classics, add in a serving of veggies or salad with your chicken tenders for balance:

7. Carrot Sticks

Plain or ranch-dipped, crunchy carrot sticks make an easy go-to veggie side. They also pair nicely with the flavors of fried chicken batter.

8. Celery Sticks

Like carrot sticks, fresh celery sticks work well flavor-wise with chicken while adding some green to your plate. Stuff them with peanut butter or top with ranch dressing if desired.

9. Cucumber Salad

A cool cucumber salad with a yogurt or vinaigrette dressing brightens up any chicken tender meal. The light, refreshing flavor is the perfect complement.

10. Caesar Salad

Chicken Caesar salad is a popular combo for good reason – the tender romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and zesty dressing pair wonderfully with chicken. Serve it on the side in its classic form.

11. Coleslaw

Don’t forget about coleslaw for your veggie side! Loaded with shredded cabbage, carrots, and your choice of dressing, it adds lots of color, crunch, and flavor.

12. Steamed Broccoli

Simple steamed or boiled broccoli florets make an easy, healthy veggie side. The bright green color looks attractive next to golden chicken strips.

13. Green Beans

Slender green beans – steamed, sautéed, or roasted – offer a pop of color and natural sweetness. Certain types like haricots verts are especially tender.

14. Mixed Roasted Vegetables

Roast up a medley of vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and squash to accompany your chicken tenders. The caramelized flavors are divine.

15. Corn on the Cob

Don’t overlook corn on the cob! Sweet, juicy corn kernels nicely complement fried chicken’s crunch and are fun to eat.

More Unique Side Dishes for Chicken Tenders

Beyond the usual sides, you can also get creative with these unique options:

16. Loaded Baked Potato

For an indulgent twist, stuff a baked potato with all your favorite toppings – butter, sour cream, bacon bits, cheese, etc. It becomes a hearty meal all its own!

17. Potato Wedges

Wedges of potato roasted up crispy in the oven offer a tasty spin on French fries. Season them boldly with chili powder, rosemary, or Cajun spices.

18. Quinoa Salad

Nutty quinoa makes a super healthy, protein-packed base for an herb and veggie-studded salad. It holds up well next to fried chicken.

19. Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad with melons, berries, and citrus makes a sweet, palate-cleansing side for chicken fingers. The contrast of flavors is wonderful.

20. Cornbread

Warm cornbread with honey butter is the perfect Southern-style accompaniment for chicken tenders. Cut it into sticks for easy dipping.

21. Garlic Bread

Chewy, garlicky bread brings warmth and richness that pairs beautifully with chicken. Serve it alongside pasta or on its own.

22. Dinner Rolls

Fluffy dinner rolls are nice for serving with chicken, either on their own or transformed into mini chicken sliders. Parker House and poppyseed rolls are delicious options.

23. Onion Rings

Crisp-fried onion rings offer irresistible crunch and tangy onion flavor – an indulgent side for chicken strip baskets.

24. Fried Pickles

For an unexpected treat, try fried pickles. Their crispy, salty taste makes a fun pairing with chicken tenders.

25. Fried Zucchini

Thin slices of zucchini breaded and fried up golden brown provide a lighter, veggie-infused twist on classic fried sides.

26. Potato Chips

Crunchy potato chips – wavy, kettle-cooked, or flavored – offer infinite possibilities for dipping and snacking alongside chicken strips.

27. Nachos

Pile tortilla chips high with melty cheese, salsa, guacamole, beans, etc. for deliciously loaded nachos.

28. Quesadilla

A cheesy quesadilla with chicken, peppers, and onions cooked up hot and gooey is amazing dipped in sour cream or salsa.

29. Waffle Fries

For a fun shape, try waffle fries! Cook them up extra crispy in the oven to enjoy their full waffled texture with chicken tenders.

30. Meatballs

Savory, saucy meatballs – beef, turkey, or chicken – bring richness and heartiness, balancing lighter chicken strips.

As you can see, the possibilities for side dishes to serve with chicken tenders are nearly endless. From crunchy fries and vegetable crudités to hearty pasta bakes, fresh salads, and buttery breads, you can create the perfect combination of textures and flavors to satisfy any craving.

With a bit of creativity and advance preparation, you can whip up restaurant-worthy meals featuring everyone’s favorite crispy chicken tenders and their ideal accompaniments. So go ahead – try out a new recipe, make some homemade sides, and take your next chicken tender dinner from basic to beautiful!