Do you ever find yourself stuck in a chicken tender rut?
If you rely on this classic comfort food meal night after night, well, it’s time to rethink your side dish game!
Chicken tenders might be the star of the dinner table but having tasty sides alongside them elevates the experience.
That’s why we’ve spent some time exploring what to serve with chicken tenders so that your next meal is truly something special!
Whether you want bold flavors or are looking for more creative ways to bring in veggies, these fourteen delicious side dishes strike the perfect balance.
Let’s take a look at all of the culinary goodness waiting for you now.
What to Serve with Chicken Tenders? 14 TASTY Side Dishes to Try
1. Pesto Sauce
Pesto is a flavorful sauce that can be used in a variety of ways.
It’s typically made with basil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic and has a bright green color.
The flavors are well-balanced, and the sauce has a creamy texture.
If you’re looking for a new sauce to try, pesto is a great option.
It can be used as a dipping sauce, spread on sandwiches or wraps, or mixed into pasta or rice dishes.
You can also use it as a pizza topping or add it to soup for extra flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese all have strong flavors that will really shine through in the sauce.
- If you’re using pre-made pesto, try adding some freshly chopped herbs or spices to give it a boost.
- Use good quality olive oil. Fruity olive oil will add another layer of flavor to the sauce.
- Add roasted vegetables, chicken, or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
2. Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
There are a lot of different dipping sauces out there, but honey mustard is definitely one of our favorites.
It’s the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, and it goes great with chicken tenders.
The taste and texture of the honey mustard sauce are really what makes it so special.
The smooth, creamy consistency pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken tenders.
And the flavor is just irresistible.
If you’ve never tried this sauce before, you definitely need to give it a try.
One of the best things about the honey mustard sauce is that it’s so versatile.
You can use it as a dipping sauce, or you can even use it as a salad dressing.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some diced fruit or chopped nuts to the sauce for an extra bit of flavor and texture.
3. Oven Baked Potato Wedges
When it comes to side dishes, potatoes are always a good idea.
They’re filling, they’re versatile, and they’re just plain delicious.
But if you’re looking to switch things up from the usual mashed or roasted potatoes, why not try oven-baked potato wedges?
Oven-baked potato wedges are a great alternative to the classic potato side dish.
They have a crispy outer edge and a soft, fluffy center that is absolutely irresistible.
And because they’re baked in the oven, they’re a healthier option than their fried counterparts.
If you’re thinking about trying this recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, be sure to cut the potatoes into uniform wedges so that they cook evenly.
Second, don’t forget to season them generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.
Lastly, make sure to bake them until their nice and golden brown for the best flavor and texture.
4. Zucchini Casserole
Looking for a delicious way to use up all that zucchini from your garden? Try this easy and tasty casserole.
Zucchini casserole is a great side dish that can be served with just about any main course.
It’s packed with flavor and has a great texture.
The best part is, it’s so simple to make.
When making zucchini casserole, be sure to use fresh zucchini.
This will give the dish the best flavor and texture.
If you can’t find fresh zucchini, you can substitute frozen.
Just be sure to thaw it before using it.
To elevate this dish, try adding some shredded cheese to the top of the casserole before baking.
You can also add a layer of crumbled bacon or sausage.
These additions will take the dish from good to great.
5. Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese
For anyone who loves macaroni and cheese, the crock pot version of this classic dish is a must-try.
The key to making great crock pot mac and cheese is to start with high-quality ingredients.
A good sharp cheddar makes all the difference, and for a truly indulgent dish, feel free to add some extra cheese on top.
The other secret to success is to cook the pasta for just the right amount of time.
If it’s overcooked, it will be mushy; if it’s undercooked, it will be hard.
For perfectly cooked pasta, aim for somewhere in the middle.
And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and flavors.
A little splash of hot sauce or a handful of chopped bacon can elevate this dish from good to great.
6. Peach Salsa
Looking for something new to serve with your chicken tenders? Try peach salsa.
This dish is full of flavor and has a great texture.
The sweetness of the peaches pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
Plus, it’s a healthy option that your whole family will love.
When making peach salsa, be sure to use ripe peaches.
You’ll know they’re ripe if they’re soft to the touch and have a sweet smell.
If your peaches are not ripe, they will not have as much flavor.
Another important tip is to chop the ingredients for the salsa finely.
This will help them all meld together and create a smooth dish.
7. Veggie Packs
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with your chicken tenders, look no further than veggie packs.
Veggie packs are a great option because they are packed with flavor and nutrients, and they can be easily customized to suit your taste.
When it comes to taste and texture, veggie packs are definitely a winner.
The vegetables are usually roasted or grilled, which brings out their natural sweetness and flavor.
And because they are cooked in foil packets, all of the juices and flavors stay locked in, making them even more delicious.
There are many reasons to consider trying veggie packs as a side dish.
For one, they are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
They are also low in calories and fat, and they can be easily customized to suit your taste.
Plus, they cook quickly and easily, which makes them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Try using different combinations of vegetables to mix things up. Some of our favorites include Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms.
- Add some spice by sprinkling on some crushed red pepper flakes or your favorite seasoning blend.
- For extra flavor, try drizzling on some balsamic vinegar or lemon juice before serving.
8. Sweet Potato Casserole
Looking for a Thanksgiving side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds? This sweet potato casserole is not only delicious, but it’s also easy to make.
The sweet potatoes are cooked until they’re soft and then mashed with some brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
The mixture is then spread into a baking dish and topped with a pecan streusel.
You can make the streusel ahead of time so that all you have to do on Thanksgiving day is pop the casserole in the oven.
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This casserole is the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
The sweetness from the brown sugar and cinnamon really comes through, but it’s not too overwhelming.
The pecans add a nice crunch and some additional flavor.
And the best part is that this dish can easily be made ahead of time.
So if you’re looking for a stress-free Thanksgiving side dish, look no further than this sweet potato casserole.
9. Easy Cucumber Salad
This easy cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ or picnic.
It’s light and refreshing, with a hint of sweetness from the sugar and a bit of tang from the vinegar.
The cucumbers are crisp and crunchy, while the onions add a bit of sharpness to the mix.
Overall, it’s a simple but tasty salad that can be made in just a few minutes.
If you’re looking for something to serve with chicken tenders, this cucumber salad is a great option.
It’s quick and easy to make, and it pairs well with chicken.
Plus, it’s a healthy option that will leave you feeling satisfied but not stuffed.
To elevate this dish, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint.
You could also add crumbled feta cheese or diced avocado.
For a bit of spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
10. Fruit Salad with Orange Dressing
Looking for a light and a refreshing side dish to serve with your chicken tenders? This fruit salad with orange dressing is the perfect option.
The sweetness of the fruits pairs perfectly with the savory chicken, and the orange dressing ties everything together.
Plus, this dish is healthy and easy to make.
When it comes to taste and texture, this salad is hard to beat.
The juicy fruits are complimented by the zesty dressing, making for a truly delicious dish.
And because it’s so healthy, you can feel good about serving it to your family and friends.
If you’re looking to elevate this dish, there are a few things you can do.
First, try using different types of fruit.
This will add more flavor and interest to the salad.
You can also experiment with different dressings.
A balsamic vinegar dressing would be amazing.
Finally, don’t forget to garnish your salad with some fresh mint leaves.
This will give it a beautiful presentation and make it even more irresistible.
11. Tex-Mex Onion Dip
For those who love Tex-Mex cuisine, this Tex-Mex Onion Dip recipe is a must-try.
The combination of flavors in this dish is simply unbeatable.
The taste is savory, and the texture is creamy, making it the perfect dip for chips, crackers, or veggies.
And best of all, it’s super easy to make.
If you’re looking for a way to elevate your Tex-Mex game, this onion dip recipe is a great place to start.
It’s packed with flavor and can be made in just a few minutes.
Plus, it’s always a hit at parties and get-togethers.
For an extra touch of flavor, try serving it with some homemade tortilla chips.
12. Broccoli Kale Salad
This broccoli kale salad is a great way to get your greens in.
The taste is slightly bitter and savory, with a crunch from the broccoli.
The texture is creamy from the dressing and crumbly from the cheese.
Why consider trying this recipe? Broccoli and kale are both nutrient-dense vegetables that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
This salad is also a good source of protein and fiber.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Top with avocado or nuts for additional healthy fats.
- Use a homemade dressing for a fresher flavor.
13. Homemade Baked Beans
There’s nothing quite like a steaming hot plate of homemade baked beans.
This dish is packed with flavor and texture and makes for a great side to any meal.
If you’ve never tried making baked beans from scratch, now is the time.
Here’s everything you need to know about this delicious dish.
Homemade baked beans have a rich, savory flavor that is perfect for complementing grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
The beans are soft and creamy, with a slightly smoky taste from the addition of bacon or ham.
This dish is surprisingly easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients.
It is also very versatile – you can add different seasonings or spices to suit your taste.
Additionally, baked beans can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.
There are several ways to elevate this dish and make it even more special.
Try adding some shredded cheese on top of the beans before serving, or garnish with chopped green onions or bacon bits.
You could also experiment with different types of beans – white beans, black beans, or kidney beans would all work well in this recipe.
14. Funfetti Cupcakes
These Funfetti Cupcakes are a classic recipe that is perfect for any celebration.
They are light and fluffy, with a hint of sweetness from the sprinkles.
The best part about this recipe is that it is so easy to make.
You can have these cupcakes ready in just a few minutes.
The taste and texture of these cupcakes are what make them so special.
The cake is soft and moist, with a hint of vanilla flavor.
The sprinkles add a fun pop of color and sweetness.
These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion.
If you’re looking for a classic recipe that is sure to please, look no further than these Funfetti Cupcakes.
They are quick and easy to make, and they taste delicious.
Be sure to try this recipe the next time you’re looking for a festive treat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great options for sides that go well with chicken tenders.
I hope this list gives you some ideas the next time you are wondering what to make with chicken tenders.
All of these sides are easy to make and go well with chicken tenders.
So, the next time you are hosting a party or family gathering, make sure to try one of these recipes.
What to Serve with Chicken Tenders? 14 TASTY Side Dishes to Try
Ingredients
- 1. Pesto Sauce
- 2. Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
- 3. Oven Baked Potato Wedges
- 4. Zucchini Casserole
- 5. Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese
- 6. Peach Salsa
- 7. Veggie Packs
- 8. Sweet Potato Casserole
- 9. Easy Cucumber Salad
- 10. Fruit Salad with Orange Dressing
- 11. Tex-Mex Onion Dip
- 12. Broccoli Kale Salad
- 13. Homemade Baked Beans
- 14. Funfetti Cupcakes
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!