20 Amazing Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Tenderloins

Chicken tenderloins are a dinner time staple in many households. These tender cuts of chicken breast meat are delicious, easy to cook, and appeal to kids and adults alike. But serving up the same old chicken tenderloins and fries every week can get boring fast. That’s why it’s important to have a roster of side dish ideas to keep your chicken tenderloin meals feeling fresh and exciting.

In this article, we’ll share 20 amazing side dish recipes that pair perfectly with chicken tenderloins From classic comfort foods to lighter veggie-based sides, there’s something here to please every palate Many of these dishes can be prepped ahead of time, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying mealtime with your family. Let’s get cooking!

Classic Comfort Food Sides

Some traditional comfort foods just beg to be served alongside crispy, golden chicken tenderloins. These filling sides are familiar crowdpleasers that add heartiness and nostalgia to a chicken tenderloin dinner.

1. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a no-brainer pairing for chicken tenderloins. For extra rich and velvety spuds, use a combo of Yukon gold and russet potatoes. Jazz up your mash with cheeses like cheddar or parmesan, or mix in roasted garlic for added flavor.

2. Mac and Cheese

Warm, gooey macaroni and cheese is wildly popular with kids and adults. Make it from scratch or use a store-bought frozen variety to cut down on prep time. For a lighter option try swapping regular cheddar with reduced-fat varieties.

3. Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf, made by sautéing rice in butter or oil before cooking it in broth, is the perfect fluffy accompaniment to chicken tenderloins. For extra flavor, use chicken broth and mix in vegetables like peas, carrots or corn.

4. Biscuits

Warm homemade biscuits are divine served alongside chicken tenderloins. Try basic buttermilk biscuits, cheese-flecked biscuits, or miniature drop biscuits for a fun twist. Serve biscuits with honey butter, jam, or country gravy on the side.

5. Cornbread

Sweet, crumbly cornbread is a classic Southern side dish that pairs deliciously with chicken. Bake up a pan in the oven or make easy microwave cornbread muffins. Add kernels of corn, peppers, or cheese to jazz it up.

Lighter Veggie Sides

If you’re looking for healthier sides to serve with chicken tenderloins, vegetables are your friend. Bright, fresh veggie sides add color to your plate and important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

6. Roasted Broccoli

Broccoli florets tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper and roasted to crispy perfection are amazing alongside chicken. Add lemon zest or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

7. Glazed Carrots

Sweet glazed carrots are a delicious pairing for chicken. Boil or roast carrot sticks until just tender, then toss them in a butter and brown sugar glaze.

8. Green Beans Almandine

Sautéed green beans tossed with toasted almond slices are a tasty complement to chicken tenderloins. For added richness, top beans with crispy fried shallots or onions.

9. Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower roasted until caramelized and browned adds nutrition and depth of flavor to a chicken tenderloin meal. Toss florets with olive oil, salt, and spices like cumin or paprika before roasting.

10. Creamed Spinach

Wilted spinach swimming in a creamy, cheesy sauce is a delightful accompaniment to chicken. Use frozen spinach to make this side dish even easier. Stir in nutmeg, garlic, or onions for extra flavor.

Fresh and Light Sides

Crisp, refreshing salads and veggie sides are the perfect lighter pairing options for chicken tenderloins. Lettuces, slaws, and fresh vegetable medleys add vitamins, crunch, and bright flavors.

11. Garden Salad

A simple green salad is a go-to pairing for chicken. Use a mix of lettuces like romaine, spinach, and arugula for texture and color. Top with veggies like tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and red onion.

12. Greek Salad

Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, and a red wine vinaigrette is sensational alongside chicken. Use crisp romaine and peppery arugula as your base.

13. Coleslaw

Cool, crunchy coleslaw adds texture and tang to balance out hot and crispy chicken tenderloins. For creamier slaw, use mayo; for lighter slaw, use plain yogurt.

14. Chopped Veggie Salad

Chop up any combo of your favorite raw veggies like peppers, carrots, celery, broccoli, and tomatoes for an easy chopped salad. Toss with lemon juice and olive oil.

15. Cucumber Salad

Thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a light dressing make a refreshing accompaniment to chicken. Add red onion, dill, mint, or chili powder for extra dimensions of flavor.

Hearty Potato and Pasta Sides

Potatoes and pasta sides strike a nice balance – they’re hearty and filling enough to balance chicken tenderloins but not too heavy. These carb-based sides will please big and little appetites alike.

16. Roasted Potatoes

Crispy roasted potatoes are simple to make but full of flavor. Cut potatoes into wedges, toss with oil, and roast in a hot oven until browned and tender.

17. Potato Salad

Cool, creamy potato salad is a classic pairing for chicken. Use a mayo-based dressing or try yogurt or sour cream for a lower-fat option. Mix in chopped onion, celery, mustard, and fresh dill.

18. Pasta Salad

Chilled pasta salads are easy to prep ahead for busy weeknights. Toss cooked pasta with a zesty vinaigrette and mix in vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and broccoli.

19. Couscous

Fluffy couscous salad with veggies like zucchini, bell pepper, and tomatoes adds whole grains and bright flavors to balance chicken. Dress with lemon juice and olive oil.

20. Orzo Pasta

Nutty, bite-sized orzo pasta salad is sensational next to chicken tenderloins. Cook orzo, then toss with chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley or chives.

Something for Everyone

With so many delicious side dish options, from hearty and indulgent to light and nutritious, you’ll never get bored serving up chicken tenderloins for dinner. Try out a new recipe each week to add appetizing variety to your family’s meals. From fluffy mashed potatoes to fresh and vibrant salads, these 20 side dishes all pair perfectly with everyone’s favorite crispy, juicy chicken tenderloins. Now it’s time to get cooking!