Lets get one thing crystal clear: Just because youre all grown-up doesnt mean you have to give up your beloved chicken tenders. Far from it! Theres actually some perfectly delicious chicken tenderloin recipes that go so much further than just chicken tenders, like pasta, tacos, and hearty appetizers. Although, dont get us wrong, we do still find plenty of reasons to make these air fryer chicken tenders for dinner and think you should too. These 20 chicken tenderloin recipes have something for everyone, whether you’re feeling like a kid or an adult.
Do you want to know what chicken tenderloin is? Chicken tenderloin, also known as chicken tenders or chicken breast tenders, is attached to the chicken breast and tastes just like chicken breast. Chicken tenderloin is a protein that cooks very quickly and is great if you don’t want to cook a whole chicken breast. It may not be as well known as beef or pork tenderloin. Tenders are usually sold along with the chicken breasts or on their own, so you can feel free to use these cuts interchangeably (just slice the chicken breast about 1/2″ in thickness) to get the same result in your stir-fries or kebabs.
So if youve yet to swap chicken tenders in place of chicken breast for your weeknight standbys, its time to jump on that. Chicken tenderloin is one of our favorite picks for dishes like slow-cooker chicken tinga tacos and one-pot meals (like our one-pot shawarma chicken and orzo skillet) since they cook up so much more quickly than larger cuts and are great for smaller groups.
If you’re looking for a kid-approved twist using chicken tenders, enter this cornflake-crusted chicken recipe. Perfectly sliced chicken is coated in a blend of crispy cornflake crumbs, and seasoned just right for the extra pop of flavor. The golden-brown exterior showcases the distinct texture of those crunchy cornflakes. These tenders aren’t just a meal; they’re an adventure on a plate. Get the Cornflake-Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe.
Chicken tenders are a quick, easy, and tasty meal for kids and adults alike. Their mild flavor and crunchy breaded exterior make them a hit right away. On the other hand, it can be hard to think of creative and tasty side dishes to go with chicken tenders.
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
But what’s even better? Hot and crispy chicken tenders with tater tots! These little potato nuggets bake up crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Kids and adults will love 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
If it’s not comfort food, what is it? This cheesy pasta bakes up smooth and creamy, and it goes great with chicken tenders. Use three or four different kinds of cheese to make it extra rich.
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
When you eat chicken tenders, make sure you balance them out with a serving of vegetables or salad.
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!
One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus
This one-pan meal is one of our most frequented weeknight dinners. Whats not to love? Its healthy, easy, and the sauce is a knockout. You could serve it over brown rice or with a loaf of crusty bread if you wanted to add a carb, and we definitely like carbs. youll want something to soak up that sauce!.
Get the One-Pan Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus recipe.
Mini Cheesy Chicken Calzones
These pizza pockets are filled with gooey, cheesy goodness and dont even require making a dough by hand. You can make calzones right away if you buy a tube of ready-made French bread dough.
Get the Mini Cheesy Chicken Calzones recipe.
Why order chicken tenders at a restaurant #chickentenders
FAQ
What to eat with chicken tenders?
They’re a quick and tasty way to add to meals, especially on busy weeknights, and they go great with items like fresh salads or juicy chicken tenders. Onion rings, with their crispy, golden exterior and sweet, tender interior, are a classic side that elevates the taste experience of chicken tenders.
Which side dishes go well with chicken tenders?
When choosing side dishes for chicken tenders, consider both the flavor and texture of the chicken. If the chicken tenders have bold flavors, opt for a side dish with a more subtle taste. Conversely, if the chicken tenders are plain, you can choose a side dish with a more bold flavor.
What goes well with grilled chicken tenders?
Grilled chicken tenders can be enjoyed with all the side dishes that chicken goes with. You can eat them with fresh or grilled vegetables, waffles, biscuits, french fries, and different sauces like pesto or salsa. Just season your grilled chicken tenders to your liking to make the most out of this meal.
What to eat after Chicken Tenders?
After enjoying your chicken tenders and a side dish of your choice, wrap up your meal with a classic Southern PEACH COBBLER. This sweet, tangy, mouth-watering dessert is not only easy to make but is also the perfect way to end a hearty meal. Select your favorite recipe. Organize all the required ingredients.
Is rice a good side dish for chicken tenders?
Rice is a great side dish for chicken tenders because it’s easy to prepare and pairs well with many different types of meat. Rice is also a good option if you’re looking to cut back on carbs and calories, but still want something filling. You can cook rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop, depending on what you have available. 2.
Can you eat potatoes with chicken tenders?
Potatoes are a staple side dish for many meals, and they’re the perfect pairing for chicken tenders. All you need to do is bake your potatoes and then cut them into wedges before serving. You can also add some spices or seasonings to make them more flavorful. 4. Mashed potatoes with gravy.
What is good to eat with chicken tenders?
Fries, mashed potatoes, pan fried sliced potatoes, cheesy marble potatoes. A crisp green salad, roast green beans, Cole slaw, boiled green beans with mushrooms and bacon bits.
What side dishes go well with chicken?
16 Delicious Side Dishes for Your Chicken DinnerCrispy Parmesan Potatoes. Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm. Creamy Polenta. Elise Bauer. Stir-Fried Mushrooms with Garlic and Chile Oil. Coconut Lime Rice. Baked Acorn Squash with Butter and Brown Sugar. 5-Minute Yamitsuki Cabbage. Garlic Fried Rice. Lyonnaise Potatoes.
What to serve with grilled chicken strips?
32 Side Dishes To Serve With Grilled Chicken01 of 32. Heirloom Tomato Salad. 02 of 32. Watermelon Feta Salad. 03 of 32. Grilled Corn Ribs. 04 of 32. Tomato-And-Watermelon Salad. 05 of 32. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. 06 of 32. Cucumber-Tomato-Avocado Salad. 07 of 32. Three Pickle Potato Salad. 08 of 32. Spicy Pineapple Slaw.