31 Delicious Chicken Tender Sides
Crispy, juicy chicken tenders deserve the perfect sidekick! From crispy fries to fresh slaw, these top chicken tender sides take your meal to the next level!
If you are craving chicken tenders and have yet to acquire them, I recommend you trying out my Parmesan Chicken Tenders! It takes homemade chicken tenders to the next level by adding in some delicious parmesan cheese!
Pairing delicious chicken tenders with green beans and carrots makes for a nutritious meal for both the kiddos and the adults!
This crunchy cabbage and arugula salad is creamy, naturally sweet, and has a lovely nutty bite from arugula. It’s seasoned with curry powder to bring all the flavors together!
Elevate your vegetable game with a burst of flavor and a crispy twist! Pair your favorite tenders with Air Fryer Broccolini with Garlic and Lemon!
Herbs are blended with miso into a pesto style sauce drizzled over veggies, then roasted and served over jasmine rice with more pesto for a meal in 30 minutes!
These Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots make the perfect side dish to a weeknight dinner or a holiday meal!
This easy Lentil Salad is made with delicious green lentils, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh parsley, tangy feta, and a simple lemon-Dijon dressing. Packed with nutritious plant-based protein, flavor, and texture, it’s the ultimate make-ahead lunch or dinner and tastes even better the next day!
Flavored with garlic, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds, these Garlic Sesame Green Beans are the perfect addition to your favorite Asian dish or any time you need a flavorful vegetable side!
Hot Honey Brussel Sprouts are an exciting side dish that can spice up any meal. Use this recipe to spice up a classic into something memorable!
Ultimate Potato Salad includes hard-boiled eggs, celery, onion, and flavor that is sure to be the hit of any BBQ, picnic, and potluck!
This is an incredibly easy air fryer red potatoes and onions recipe! These delicious potatoes can be had in under 30 minutes and can be had at any time of day.
Creamy old fashioned baked mac and cheese with evaporated milk — the best southern baked mac and cheese recipe topped with more cheese!
Pesto Roasted Vegetables is a delicious, easy side dish. Toss your favorite summer veggies with pesto and olive oil and bake until tender.
Who doesn’t love sweet potatoes!? Plus, if you are already air frying your chicken tenders you can make these at the same time!
This easy tomato basil soup has 8 ingredients and comes together in 30 minutes! It’s perfect for using up ripe tomatoes in your fridge.
Zucchini Fritters with Mozzarella Cheese are about to be your newest addition. These crispy and cheesy fritters are the perfect side dish to your next summer dinner.
Spicy Butternut Squash Farro “Risotto” is similar to the Italian rice dish but I make it with Farro. It is velvety, nutty, and delicious.
Air Fryer Zucchini Bites are a savory little bite that everyone with compliment you on. They are simple, cheesy, and air fried!
There’s something special about homemade chunky applesauce! Our recipe combines those of my mother and grandmother to create a delicious side dish full of those autumn flavors.
Truffle Mashed Potatoes are sure to be your new favorite side dish. With just a few simple ingredients you can whip up this incredible side in no time!
This simple greek salad is all about putting together a healthy meal in a matter of minutes. It’s simple to make, fresh and … delicious!
Take pasta salad to the next level by swapping out plain old pasta for cheese-filled tortellini! this Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Tortellini is just the refreshing and satiating side you’re searching for!
This bright and fresh Mexican Black Bean and Corn Mix will take any taco tuesday to the next level. This juicy mixture is perfect as a topping, ingredient, or side dish!
Transform ordinary cauliflower into an irresistible Italian inspired side dish featuring sundried tomatoes, capers and crunchy fried almonds.
If you find joy in gooey, melty cheese and the wholesome goodness of broccoli and cauliflower, this delicious casserole side dish is for you.
This pasta salad is a delicious addition to a chicken tender meal!
Sweet summer corn is here and this recipe for Garlic Butter Fried Corn is a delicious, simple side dish to make with it! Easy, cheesy stovetop corn recipe.
This vegan broccoli raisin salad is tossed with roasted onion almonds, and a mustard vinaigrette for an easy and healthy make-ahead side dish!
This easy lemony Greek orzo salad is a tasty tribute to the cafes of Athens and will have you dreaming of your next trip.
This Zucchini and Squash Au Gratin is full of fresh summer squash and coated in a creamy and cheesy sauce. It makes a great side dish to pair with your favorite meals.
This healthier mashed potato recipe uses olive oil and Parmesan cheese in place of butter and cream. You won’t believe how good it is!
Quick and delicious garlic Parmesan noodles. This easy to make noodle recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you are short on time.
This Chickpea Salad makes gettin gin your veggies easy and delicious!
Other Fresh Chicken Tender Sides
Instead of making a whole recipe to get a side dish for your chicken tenders you an try some of these easy options:
- Fresh, canned, or dried fruit
- Fresh veggies
- Popcorn
- Mac-and-cheese
- Chips
- Classic French fries
- Greek yogurt parfait
Frequently Asked Questions for Chicken Tender Sides
If you have any questions you may find your answer here!
Would these be good sides for grilled chicken strips, too?
Yes! These are all great options to also have with grilled chicken strips!
What is a healthy side option?
Healthy is subjective! If you are allergic to apples, that wouldn’t be a ‘healthy; option for you!
If having chicken tenders, pairing with a fruit or vegetable would be a great idea!
Can chicken tenders be low carb?
Chicken tenders are made by breading chicken. The breading is rich in carbs, so you would have to replace this (maybe cauliflower ‘breading’?) or use a lightly-breaded version.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Utilize the sam method of cooking! That means if you plan to air fry your chicken tenders select a side dish that is also air fried at a similar temperature. This way they can cook at the same time instead of potentially having to use multiple appliances!
- If having a fruit or veggie on repeat try switching up the way it is cut. This keeps it fresh and fun without having to buy new items all the time!
- Chicken tenders don’t have to be had plain! Cut them up and add them to a salad, put them in a taco, top off some soup, the possibilities are endless!
A Word on Chicken Tender Sides From A Registered Dietitian
Chicken tenders aren’t just a hearty nostalgic food that can satisfy a grumbling tummy. They are a combination of chicken and breading, meaning, it easily incorporates both protein and carbs!
Chicken tenders are a crispy, comforting favorite, but pairing them with nutrient-rich sides can create a more balanced meal. Adding fiber-packed veggies, whole grains, or protein-rich dips can boost nutrition while keeping the flavors fun and satisfying!
Portion size also matters—aim to fill at least half your plate with colorful veggies or a fresh salad to add vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Opting for baked or air-fried sides instead of deep-fried options can also lighten up the meal without sacrificing flavor!
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