What to pair with chicken tenders1 shouldn’t worry you. After all, you have so many choices to consider. However, it is crucial to choose wisely since the wrong side dish could water down all the deliciousness of this dish.
Different people call it different names, including chicken fingers, chicken strips and chicken tenders. However, one thing about this dish that’s constant is how tasty it is. Here is a detailed discussion of the side dishes to consider. They will enhance its taste instead of compromising it, so read on.
1. Best Side Dishes
1.1. Mushroom Risotto
Mix risotto, sliced mushrooms, peas and spinach. For an excellent presentation, serve it on a white plate with whole garlic and mushrooms on the side.
Add peas during summer, but consider asparagus during spring, kale during winter and pumpkin during fall.
1.2. Butternut Squash Soup
Despite being simple, this dish is incredibly delicious. It would be best to serve it when hot in a white ball and top it with chopped parsley and sour cream.
If you store it in a freezer and ensure its container is airtight, the soup can stay fresh for up to 3 months.
1.3. Fried Pickles
Besides being compatible with chicken tenders, the dish is a renowned appetizer. Ensure you make the pickles crispy for a bold flavor, and remember their sweetness makes them addictive.
In most cases, people use Italian seasoning when preparing it. However, using other spices and herbs as you wish is also okay.
1.4. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Did you know that sweet potatoes contain nutrients that promote the health of your gut, eyes and brain while boosting your immune system? It is also compatible with chicken tenders, thus making it a healthy choice. They are also sweeter than their counterparts, including Russert, red, yellow and white potatoes.
Coleslaw Creations: Versatile Side Pairings for Chicken Tenders
Catherine Rall, a Registered Dietitian at Happy V, provides unique perspectives on taste chemistry:
A great, flexible side for chicken tenders is coleslaw. All you need is a blend of shredded cabbage and other vegetables and the dressing of your choice. You can choose options to complement the other flavors in your dish.
[A] cool and creamy dill dressing goes great with spicy chicken tenders, while a chili lime yogurt dressing is a good pairing for a more basic breading.
Coleslaw is also a great source of fresh vegetables and [even] probiotics if you go with a yogurt-based dressing.
1.5. Asparagus Fries
Asparagus fries2 are similar to French fries. However, they are healthier since you will bake them instead of frying them. It means you won’t consume too much fat or carbs. You could also add parmesan cheese for an excellent meal.
1.6. Mac & Cheese
Most people fall in love with this pair of comfort foods. The chicken tenders are known for being crispy and juicy. Adding cheese and macaroni to the dish is something most taste buds highly appreciate.
1.7. Potato Salad
Its ingredients, including pickles, spring onions, and dill, explain its incredible flavor that’s hard to miss. Potato salad also has a fantastic texture and is relatively nutritional, thanks to the microgreens.
1.8. Zucchini Noodles
It’s a meal that pairs well with chicken tenders, especially if you are a vegetable enthusiast. Popularly known as zoodles, this dish is also delicious and healthy.
Even though you can serve it by itself, a sauce is also a great addition to the dish.
1.9. BBQ Baked Beans
They possess a sweet, smoky flavor, making them an excellent choice for pairing with chicken tenders. Whereas most people know that the two make a perfect fair, they don’t get the best out of it. The BBQ sauce you choose can make all the difference; hence, you need to select one wisely for an excellent flavor.
1.10. Brussels Sprouts
A fast and delicious option to serve with chicken tenders, prepared in just 15 minutes. After all, it is easy to cook and ideal for many people.
1.11. French Fries
French fries are popular for their deliciousness, crispness, and golden color. You should also serve them with various sauces, including honey, spicy mayo, ranch dressing or BBQ sauce.
1.12. Broccoli Rice Casserole
It is a dish that blends carbs and vegetables excellently. Therefore, cooking this dish means adding these two important nutrients to your meal. However, you should know that cooking will take a substantial amount of time.
1.13. Deviled Eggs
It is no secret that fried chicken and pickles go hand in hand. That’s why deviled pickles are compatible with chicken tenders. Besides, they are creamy and smooth, thus making them one of the best delectable pairings for chicken tenders.
Culinary Harmony: Perfect Pairings for Chicken Tenders with a Cultural Twist
Corrie Duffy, Chef and Food Blogger at Corrie Cooks, recommends side dishes based on authentic recipes and techniques, ensuring an accurate representation of the culinary traditions:
As a chef working in a local restaurant [that] celebrates our cultural and culinary heritage, I can share some delightful side dishes that pair exceptionally well with chicken tenders from our tradition.
In our cuisine, a classic choice would be crispy plantain chips or tostones, offering a sweet and savory contrast to the savory chicken. Additionally, a side of yuca fries seasoned with our signature spice blend provides a unique and satisfying accompaniment.
Another popular choice is a refreshing mango salsa featuring ripe mangoes, red onions, cilantro, and a hint of lime juice. The fruity and zesty notes of the salsa complement the flavors of the chicken tenders beautifully.
For a heartier option, we often serve our chicken tenders with [a side of] seasoned rice and black beans. [The] combination of the tender chicken with the robust flavors of the rice and beans creates a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
These pairings are not just about flavors; they represent the cultural richness and diversity that our local cuisine [has to] offer.
Each side dish is thoughtfully crafted to enhance the dining experience and celebrate the unique tastes of our tradition.
2. Dipping Sauces
The following dipping sauces are suitable for crispy chicken tenders.
2.1. Tartar Sauce
It is a dipping sauce that catches many people by surprise. After all, people don’t think the two are compatible until they give it a try. However, given the chicken tenders’ ingredients, tartar sauce is an incredible dip for this dish.
2.2. Ketchup
This dipping sauce is convenient since even picky eaters love it. So, don’t hesitate to serve it with chicken tenders.
2.3. BBQ Sauce
It is yet another dipping sauce that’s compatible with chicken tenders. Most kids love combining barbecue sauce with chicken nuggets.
2.4. Chick-fil-A Sauce
This sauce is a combination of barbeque sauce and honey mustard. It is an excellent choice if you need to dip your chicken tenders into a tasty, unique sauce.
2.5. Boom Boom Sauce
Thanks to its sweet chili flavor, this sauce is ideal for serving with such a dish. That’s why it is among the best dipping sauces.
2.6. Cane’s Sauce
It is no secret that this sauce is great for dipping your chicken tenders. Why not when it is creamy, not forgetting its tangy and peppery flavors?
Other dipping sauces include the following;
- Buffalo Sauce
- Cheese Sauce
- Copycat Campfire Sauce
- Garlic Butter Sauce
- Honey Mustard Sauce
- Honey Butter
- Hot Sauce
- Polynesian Sauce
- Ranch Dressing
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Zesty Sauce
Dijon Honey Jalapeño Sauce: A Flavorful Kick for Every Dish
Nigel William, the CEO of CreamChargerWarehouse, offers a perspective on trending flavors and innovative combinations:
Freshness and bold flavors are key. I’d blend tangy Dijon mustard with a hint of honey for sweetness. Add a kick with finely chopped jalapeños for that extra punch.
A dash of Worcestershire sauce brings depth, while minced garlic and smoked paprika elevate the aroma. Finally, fresh cilantro ties it all together, providing [a burst of] herbaceous freshness.
Final Words
You have the answer for the Ideal side dishes for chicken tenders. So, now you know what to serve the dish with the next time you make it.
Chicken tenders are already sweet, and the right side dish can make the meal tastier. On the other hand, pairing it wrongly can jeopardize its flavor. Try any of the above options, and you won’t regret it.
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
- Dworkin, Mark S., et al. “An outbreak of ammonia poisoning from chicken tenders served in a school lunch.” Journal of food protection 67.6 (2004): 1299-1302. ↩︎
- Maisont, Suchada, et al. “Value-added asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) as healthy snacks using vacuum frying.” Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 7 (2023): 1145946. ↩︎
Last Updated on by Namrata