Make the best sides for chicken tenders with this easy recipe collection. You’ll find tasty ideas including some of the most popular side dishes like French fries. But, also I’m sharing some healthy side dish alternatives.
Browse various recipes, from french fries to remoulade sauce, so you don’t have to stress over what to serve with chicken tenders whenever you make the dish.
Why Share?
Juicy chicken tenders are a popular dish because they taste good, but also because they are a great option for the whole family.
For the pickiest eaters, they can be paired with your kiddo’s favorite sauce as a main dish. For adults, chicken strips can easily become part of a complete meal with a side salad or other fresh vegetables.
But, it’s easy to get stuck on the same options year-round.
This collection of the best side dishes is a great way to switch things ups. Whether you want a chicken tender meal or to just enjoy them with dips, you’ll find a range of cold, hot, low-carb, and other tasty side dish ideas.
What Are Chicken Tenders?
They are made from chicken breast cut into strips or chicken tenderloin. Chicken tenders are also called chicken fingers, and chicken strips.
You can enjoy them breaded or unbreaded. People also make them in other ways as shown in these chicken tenderloin recipes.
More Sides for Chicken Recipe Collections
The following sides for chicken tenders deserve a place on your dinner and snack menus:
Best Sides For Chicken Tenders
Upgrade your chicken game with these mouthwatering side dishes for chicken tenders! From savory to sweet, we've got you covered with the perfect accompaniments to your crispy chicken.
French Fries & Potatoes
The versatility of potatoes has earned them a special spot in many people’s hearts. Below are some delectable potato dishes to serve with chicken tenders.
Baked Crispy Potato Wedges
Browned and perfectly crisped, these 7-ingredient wedges are easy to make and can be done in different ways.
KFC Copycat Potato Wedges (Air Fryer Method)
This dish is a healthier version of KFC potato wedges—no breading or deep frying, but still super tasty and crispy.
Air Fryer French Fries (Fresh or Frozen)
Tender, crispy, and tasty french fries using only 2 ingredients. They’ll be ready in about 30 minutes. Plus, since they aren't deep-fried, they are a healthier alternative to regular french fries.
Air Fryer Crispy Crunchy Sweet Potato Fries
Looking for a healthy snack that's both sweet and savory? Try this air fryer sweet potato fries! With a crispy exterior and soft, sweet interior, they're sure to satisfy your cravings.
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
This 20 minute-comfort food is a delicious side dish for chicken tenders. It’s creamy, cheesy, and soul-refreshing with everything you'd expect on loaded potatoes like sour cream, green onions, and bacon.
Hot Side Dishes
Try these recipes if you need ideas for hot side dishes for chicken tenders. The Southern fried okra is special.
Southern Fried Okra
Forget the usual sliminess. These crunchy and delicious okra bites use less than 10 ingredients and will be ready in under 30 minutes.
Easy Keto Creamed Spinach
This creamed spinach dish is a hit if you’re wondering what to serve with chicken tenders. It comes together in 15 minutes.
Easy Drop Biscuits
Make these whenever you need an easy, quick, and light accompaniment for your chicken fingers. They use only 4 ingredients.
Air Fryer Corn On The Cob (In Foil)
Treat your tastebuds to this yummy corn on the cob. You only need 3 ingredients and about 15 minutes to get it done.
Air Fryer Cornbread (Homemade or Jiffy mix)
This Southern staple makes a perfect side for chicken fingers anytime. It uses 6 ingredients and takes under 30 minutes from start to stop.
Perfect Air Fryer Canned Biscuits
Use refrigerated canned biscuits to whip up easy and fluffy biscuits in about 10 minutes.
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is the soul-refreshing classic dish that makes holidays and Sunday evenings special. This one uses only 6 ingredients.
Low Carb Side Dishes
Are you on a low-carb diet and wondering what to serve with chicken tenders without breaking the rules? If yes, then you need the following dishes on your menu.
Easy Air Fryer Green Beans
Replace french fries with tender, crispy, and delicious green beans. They use 4 ingredients and come together in under 15 minutes.
Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
How about your favorite comfort food minus all the extra carbs? This keto mac & cheese is the real deal.
Best Keto Coleslaw
This sugar-free and gluten-free coleslaw is one of the easiest sides for chicken tenders. It requires 4 ingredients and less than 5 minutes to make.
Buttery Cauliflower Rice Pilaf
High in flavor and low in carbs, buttery cauliflower rice pilaf is your go-to option for a simple grain-free side.
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
These brussels sprouts are the perfect way to actually enjoy your veggies. They’re crispy, tender, and tasty.
Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli is crispy and tasty. It takes about 20 minutes in the air fryer and uses 6 simple ingredients.
Creamy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Creamy and loaded with flavor, this cauliflower casserole allows you to indulge without obsessing over carbs.
Pressure Cooker Collard Greens
This Southern staple side is effortlessly delicious. Pressure cooker collard greens will be ready in about 30 minutes.
Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower
Use 5 ingredients and 15 minutes to roast your cauliflower in the air fryer. The results are simply delicious.
Salads & Cold Sides
Salads and cold sides are the special treats our souls always long for. From macaroni to a wedge salad, the options below make great side dishes for chicken tenders.
Easy Macaroni Salad
If you love pasta salad, this creamy macaroni salad will brighten your day. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Patti LaBelle’s Potato Salad
Surprise your tastebuds with LaBelle’s 7-ingredient special potato salad and chicken fingers. It’s worth every bite.
Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad
Spend only 15 minutes to whip up a creamy cucumber salad. It’s packed with fresh flavors and uses less than 10 ingredients.
Southern Corn Salad
This Southern corn salad is a crowd-pleaser, requiring only 7 simple ingredients. It’s also easy to make.
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
A loaded cold dish is what you need on a sunny day, and this salad fits the bill. Pair it up with chicken tenders for a magical meal.
Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing
Swap the chicken with chicken tenders to make a creamy, colorful, and drop-dead delicious summer salad.
Classic Caesar Salad
Are you looking for easy classic sides for chicken tenders? This caesar salad is a hit and comes together in 15 minutes.
Best Tossed Green Salad for a Crowd
Packed with fresh vegetable flavors, this 10-minute salad is the perfect crowd-pleaser for summer potlucks and weeknights.
Classic Pea Salad
You need 5 simple ingredients to make a classic pea salad. It will be ready in 15 minutes.
Wedge Salad
This is for you if you enjoy a fresh salad with your meal. You need only 6 ingredients to get it done.
Chicken Tender Dips
Crispy chicken tenders pair well with a variety of different sauces. Here are some options to serve with chicken tenders.
Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing
It’s easy to make and uses real food ingredients. This one will be ready in just 5 minutes.
Copycat Bang Bang Sauce
Enjoy a remake of your favorite restaurant bang bang sauce without the extra carbs. It’s all you need to brighten up a dull day.
Keto Sweet Chili Sauce
This is a guilt-free sweet chili sauce to serve with your chicken fingers. It uses low-carb ingredients but has so much flavor.
Homemade BBQ Sauce
Make your BBQ sauce at home using less than 10 ingredients. It’s as good as the store-bought one, if not better.
Homemade Buffalo Sauce
You need less than 10 minutes and only 3 ingredients to whip up homemade buffalo sauce.
Spicy Mayo
You’ll like this homemade version better than the store-bought one. It uses 3 ingredients like sriracha hot sauce and comes together in as little as 5 minutes.
Remoulade Sauce
If you love cajun flavors, this sauce might become your new favorite. It’s creamy, bold, and exciting.
FAQs
Many people use chicken breast or chicken tenderloins to make chicken tenders.
You can use many of the side dish recommendations in this list of what to serve with chicken tenders.