Many great dishes were brought to life on American soil. And the crispy, succulent strips of joy that are Chicken Tenders are most certainly one of the best. These are tender boneless, skinless cuts from the chicken breast coated in a batter and fried or baked.
Chicken Tenders are a great option for a quick and easy meal. And they’re perfect for both kids and adults. The ingredients for the Chicken Tenders batter can vary depending on the recipe. But they typically contain at least flour, salt, and pepper.
The textures that Chicken Tenders lends to a meal vary depending on how they’re prepared. But they’re typically crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. And flavors are typically moderate to mild depending on the spices added to the batter.
What to Serve with Chicken Tenders
Chicken Tenders are almost always served with some kind of dip. And the most common dips for Chicken Tenders are ketchup, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing.
That said, the dishes you choose to serve with them are a vital part of the meal. They introduce additional flavors, textures, and nutrition to your dish. There are several different side dishes to choose from when it comes to Chicken Tenders. Here are ten of the best side dishes for Chicken Tenders.
1. Potato Wedges
Potato wedges are just as much a tasty classic as Chicken Tenders. And they both originated in the US, which is why they make such a great pair. Everyone is familiar with the crispy exterior and soft, starchy interior that potato wedges are famous for. Therefore, they complement the Chicken Tenders’ crisp batter and juicy interior well.
These wedges are an easy and delicious side dish. Simply cut your potatoes into wedges, toss them with oil, and sprinkle with your preferred seasonings. Then bake until golden brown.
2. Sweet Potato Fries
Another US favorite is sweet potato fries. These crunchy delights offer a healthier alternative to regular fries. And they’re the perfect solution when you’re unsure about what to serve with Chicken Tenders.
Like Chicken Tenders, sweet potato fries combine crisp and soft textures. But the sweet potatoes add a pleasant sweetness to the overall flavor of the meal. And the oil and seasonings make it an absolute joy for the senses.
3. Zucchini Chips
Zucchini chips are a great way to sneak some veggies into your meal. And they make the perfect side dish when exploring what to serve with Chicken Tenders. This Italian side is made by cutting large zucchinis into thin rounds, coating them with oil and seasoning, and baking until crisp.
These crisp chips are a healthy alternative to other fried side dishes. And the zucchini offers a light, fresh flavor to the experience. Zucchini chips are also a great fiber, potassium, and vitamin C source.
4. Asparagus Fries
Asparagus fries are another fresh and nutritious alternative to regular French fries. And it’s a great way to get your daily dose of fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and E. They’re made by coating asparagus spears in batter and deep-frying them. But you can also bake your asparagus fries for an even healthier option.
These innovative fries make for a fantastic Chicken Tenders side dish. They deliver a distinct savory flavor that provides a delicious contrast to the mild flavor of the chicken. And the crispy batter adds an exciting crunch to the overall dish.
5. Macaroni and Cheese
Anyone who says they don’t love macaroni and cheese is probably from another planet. Macaroni and cheese is a classic as a main and side dish. And, in the US, it goes with just about anything. This baked creamy and cheesy dish comprises macaroni noodles, thick cheese sauce, and grated cheese.
Macaroni and cheese offers a deliciously soft and creamy contrast to the crispy Chicken Tenders. And the rich blend of cheeses is also a great way to add a kick of flavor to the meal.
6. Sweet Squash Casserole
This casserole is a southern staple that is ideal in cooler weather. It’s made with sweet potatoes, yellow squash, onions, red pepper, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. And the dish is sometimes topped with brown sugar and pecan nuts for extra sweetness and crunch.
Sweet squash casserole and Chicken Tenders are a match made in heaven. The sweetness of the casserole perfectly balances the savory flavor of the chicken. And the squash also makes for a delicious and nutritious addition to the meal.
7. Cornbread
Doesn’t the thought of hot, buttered cornbread just make you drool? This delicious and hearty side dish is a timeless southern classic. And it’s made with creamed corn, cornmeal, flour, butter, milk, and eggs. And it’s traditionally served plain or topped with butter, honey, or syrup.
The moist and flavorful cornbread provides a delicious contrast to the crispy chicken. Not to mention that corn and chicken are centuries-old companions. Plus, cornbread is a great way to add extra carbohydrates to the meal.
8. Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits and gravy is synonymous with the US, especially in the southern states. This comforting dish includes fluffy, savory biscuits and a thick, flavorful gravy. The gravy is usually made with a meaty broth, but one can also use a vegetarian gravy. The biscuits are primarily made of flour, baking powder, butter, and milk.
Your Chicken Tenders will be elevated to the next level with this morish savory side. Biscuits and gravy provides a deliciously soft and saucy contrast to the crispy chicken. And this side offers a good source of fiber, vitamins B and C, and iron.
9. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a fresh and crunchy side dish and a favorite summer side. This dish is made with cabbage, carrots, onions, and a mayonnaise dressing. But it’s also sometimes served with a vinegar-based dressing for a lighter version.
This crisp and refreshing side complements the crunchy batter of the Chicken Tenders. And the mayonnaise injects a savory, tangy creaminess into the meal. Besides, coleslaw is an excellent source of fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K.
10. Honey and Mustard Sauce
Honey and mustard sauce offers a great accompaniment when deciding what to serve with Chicken Tenders. This dipping sauce is a delicious and easy way to add some extra flavor to your meal. And it’s made with honey, yellow and Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, garlic, and salt.
The syrupy sweetness of the honey marries well with the juicy chicken. And the tangy punch of mustard draws out all the savory saltiness of the battered tenders. What better way to get your dose of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
Conclusion
There are plenty of side dish options to choose from when you’re figuring out what to serve with Chicken Tenders. Each side dish brings something different to the mean and elevates the Chicken Tenders differently. Whether you are looking for something sweet, savory, or crunchy, one of the side dishes above will suit your needs.