Wondering what to serve with chicken tenders? Mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, fries, green beans, corn, coleslaw, roasted carrots, biscuits, cornbread, and simple salads all go well with chicken tenders. These 60 side dish ideas will help you build an easy family dinner with chicken tenders, fingers, or strips
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What goes with chicken tenders?
When I think of eating chicken tenders I think comfort food. We always serve them with a starchy side dish and a vegetable to make a complete well-rounded meal.
Classic side dishes like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and macaroni and cheese are perfect. Then we go with a vegetable or cole slaw.
And no good comfort food dinner is complete without a bread, so I have included a few of those in this post.
Here is our family favorite chicken tenders recipe!
We use true chicken tenderloins for the best texture. We dredge them through egg and a simply seasoned flour mixture, then pan-fry them in canola oil until perfectly golden and serve them with creamy gravy.
What sauce to eat with chicken tenders?
Basically any sauce that you would eat with chicken nuggets. This makes me think of the dipping sauces that are served at fast-food restaurants.
Choose your favorite sauce from the below ideas:
- BBQ Sauce
- Honey Mustard
- Ranch Dressing
- Hot Sauce
- Buffalo Sauce
- Sweet & Sour Sauce
- Cream Gravy
Do you use a sauce I haven’t mentioned? Let me know in the comments.
Potato Sides for Chicken Tenders
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Photo Credit: Simply StacieLoaded Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food recipe. This homemade casserole is extra indulgent with cheese, bacon and sour cream.
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No-Soak Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes
Looking for the crispiest air fryer sliced potatoes? This easy recipe requires no soaking and takes just 15 minutes! The perfect fast side dish for chicken, steak, or pork chops.
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Potatoes in Sour Cream Sauce
Potatoes in Sour Cream Sauce – Tender boiled potatoes are mixed in a velvety sour cream sauce to make a quick, easy and delicious side dish.
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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Sliced potatoes are layered with a creamy cheese sauce, topped with more cheddar cheese then baked until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown. Made with Russet potatoes, onion, butter, milk, flour, salt and pepper, it's the perfect side dish for Sunday dinner or holiday dinner.
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Baked Cheesy Mashed Potato Cups
Baked Cheesy Mashed Potato Cups combine mashed potatoes, cheese, bacon, an egg, salt and pepper to make a versatile kid-friendly side dish or appetizer.
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Asiago Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Asiago Garlic Mashed Potatoes combine red potatoes, authentic cheese, garlic, butter, milk, salt and pepper to make an easy and delicious side dish.
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Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Photo Credit: Living Smart and HealthyThis Instant Pot mashed potatoes is easy, no-drain, dump and go recipe to make the best, creamiest, fluffiest mashed potatoes.
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Easy Air Fried French Fries (2 Ingredients)
Photo Credit: PbFThis air fried french fries recipe is super easy. Simple wash, chop, dry and air fry your potatoes. Homemade vegan fries are the best!
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Delicious & Easy Cheesy Potatoes with a Secret Ingredient
Photo Credit: Saving TalentsThis recipe for easy cheesy potatoes puts a new twist on a traditional side dish with 2 secret ingredients that make it even more delicious.
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Creamy Potato Cauliflower Mash
Photo Credit: Through The Fibro FogThis potato cauliflower mash is a creamy and tasty side dish for so many meals, including Thanksgiving! Vegetarian and gluten free recipe.
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The Best Twice Baked Potatoes
Photo Credit: Simply Full of DelightHere is the best recipe for twice baked potatoes! Naturally a gluten free recipe, you can make this dish ahead of time and bake it when needed!
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Microwaved Baked Potatoes
Photo Credit: Homan at HomeThese microwaved baked potatoes are fluffy and delicious, and they don’t heat up the house.
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Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes without cheese
Photo Credit: Food MeanderingsThis Old fashioned scalloped potatoes without cheese recipe is a classic comfort food dish that makes a great side dish for a holiday feast.
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Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
Photo Credit: Nibble and DineThese red skin mashed potatoes are easy to make and full of flavor from sour cream, butter, and fresh herbs!
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Sweet Potato Sides
Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
These easy mashed sweet potatoes are creamy, lightly sweet, and perfect for everyday dinners. Made with simple pantry ingredients like butter, milk, honey, and cinnamon, they come together in one pot after steaming. This budget-friendly sweet potato side dish pairs well with chicken, pork, or beef and is easy enough for busy weeknights.
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Sautéed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, downright delicious and healthy side dish, these Sautéed Sweet Potatoes are calling your name. They’re golden and tender on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of flavor from pantry staples like butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Want to take them up a notch? Add a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon for the perfect sweet-savory combo. It’s an easy, one-pan stove top recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
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Ina Garten’s Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ina Garten’s Baked Sweet Potato Fries are super simple. Sweet potatoes, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, and pepper are all you need to make these yummy fries.
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Healthy Sweet Potato Fries
Photo Credit: Health BeetThese healthy sweet potato fries are made in the air fryer. This way you get the crispy taste you love from a fry, without the calories or fat!
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Mac and Cheese Sides
Shell Mac and Cheese Recipe (Creamy Stovetop Mac in 25 Minutes)
Perfect for busy weeknights, game nights, or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is simple, indulgent, and guaranteed to impress.
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No-Boil Mac and Cheese
Photo Credit: Recipes by Kelsey SmithThis no-boil mac and cheese recipe is extra-cheesy and super creamy, made with Velveeta, shredded cheddar, and shredded mozzarella.
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Southwestern Shells and Cheese
Photo Credit: Down Redbud DriveTake your shells and cheese game to a whole new level with this Southwestern Shells and Cheese recipe! It’s dinner with a kick!
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Bacon Mac & Cheese
Photo Credit: Coffee With Us 3Bacon Mac and Cheese is classic mac & cheese kicked up a notch with bacon. It is the comfort food of your dreams. It will take you back to your childhood.
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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Photo Credit: Chenée TodayCreamy old fashioned baked mac and cheese with evaporated milk — the best southern baked mac and cheese recipe topped with more cheese!
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Vegetable Sides
The Best Canned Green Beans
These tasty green beans are a quick side dish the whole family will devour! Cooked on the stove top with a little bacon grease, they're tossed in a flavorful blend of sweet maple syrup, tangy Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, crispy bacon bits, onion, and garlic, then finished with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. This is the perfect easy recipe for a quick weeknight dinner, but will also dress up your dinner table for holiday meals or a dinner party. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a large gathering.
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Pan Fried Fresh Green Beans
Ditch the canned beans for these Super Easy Pan Fried Fresh Green Beans! Only 5 simple ingredients and 15 minutes for a perfectly tender-crisp, garlicky side dish that even the kids will love. The ultimate healthy weeknight solution!
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Garlic Lemon Fresh Green Beans
Garlic Lemon Fresh Green Beans only require 6 ingredients and only take about 8 minutes to cook. Blanch green beans in a little water, drain, then pan fry with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper and lemon. A healthy, quick, easy and impressive dish!
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Air Fryer Green Beans
Photo Credit: Dr. Davinah's EatsLearn how to make green beans in an air fryer with less than 5 ingredients using this easy, crispy Air Fryer Greens recipe.
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Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole | The Rustic Foodie®
This Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole is made using fresh green beans and homemade cream of mushroom soup. A perfect Thanksgiving side dish!
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Green Beans Almondine
Photo Credit: Barely & Sage These super simple green beans Almondine has crisp, garlicky green beans and toasted almonds tossed in brown butter lemon juice!
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Green Bean Casserole Bundles
Photo Credit: Salt & SpoonThese green bean casserole bundles are a fresh take on the traditional green bean casserole that we all know and love.
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Arkansas Green Beans with Bacon
Photo Credit: You Say PotatoesArkansas Green Beans with Bacon is packed with a tasty sweet, salty, and smoky flavor. A tasty side dish for the holidays or any weekday!
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Old Fashioned Creamed Corn
Old Fashioned Creamed Corn – a traditional Native American dish requiring only a handful of ingredients. Ours is sweet, creamy and delicious.
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Make-Ahead Corn Casserole From Scratch
Photo Credit: The Oregon DietitianHealthy corn casserole from scratch is easy & the best Thanksgiving side! It’s made without jiffy mix, & uses cornmeal & cream corn instead.
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Old Fashioned Corn Fritters
Photo Credit: Simple Side DishesWhether you serve them savory or sweet, these old fashioned corn fritters are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face when they see them on the table.
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Air Fryer Corn On The Cob
Photo Credit: Two SleeversNeed a quick and easy way to make corn on the cob? Make this air fryer corn on the cob for a delicious low effort side dish!
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Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Butter
Photo Credit: the unlikely bakerThis grilled corn on the cob with chili butter is sweet, salty with a delightful kick at the end. You won’t have grilled corn any other way again!
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One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn
Photo Credit: XOXO BellaOne pot gouda and cream cheese corn is an extra-special and very delicious side dish.
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Baked Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
Photo Credit: Mama Likes To CookEnjoy this baked cream cheese corn casserole made with frozen corn, when you want an easy comfort food side dish the family with love.
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Honey Glazed Baby Carrots
These Honey Glazed Baby Carrots are an easy, healthy, and flavorful side dish that the whole family will love. They are made with a handful of ingredients like carrots, creamy butter, and a touch of honey. The recipe comes together in just minutes, making it a perfect, fuss-free choice for a busy weeknight dinner, a holiday meal, or any time you want something quick and delicious.
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Instant Pot Carrots (Sweet and Simple!)
Photo Credit: Lynn's Way of LifeReady in under 15 minutes, these Instant Pot Carrots are sweet and so easy to make! They are the perfect side dish for the holidays!
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Glazed Shredded Carrots
Photo Credit: The Gunny SackThese Glazed Shredded Carrots are sweet and spicy with a little zest! Serve brown sugar carrots as a side for your favorite meats.
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Stove Top Ranch Carrots
Photo Credit: Life CurrentsStove Top Ranch Carrots are a great family friendly side dish & go with any main dish. They’re even great as a snack on their own.
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Roasted Zucchini & Summer Squash
Roasted Zucchini & Summer Squash is an easy, delicious, and healthy five ingredient side dish that can be on the table in no time.
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Copycat Longhorn Brussels Sprouts
This is an easy 10 minute recipe that we cook on the stove top instead of the oven so this dish can be made quickly. It is a little bit spicy and can be made vegan by swapping out a couple of ingredients.
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Easy Creamed Peas Recipe
These Creamed Peas are not the peas you refused to eat as a kid. No, these yummy creamed peas are sweet and delicious! Even picky eaters will love them. Easy to make with basic ingredients like canned peas, butter, flour, milk, salt, pepper and sugar.
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Super Easy Pan Fried Fresh Brussels Sprouts
Super Easy Pan Fried Fresh Brussels Sprouts combine Brussels sprouts, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and water to make a healthy and easy side dish.
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Perfect Air Fryer Asparagus
Photo Credit: Piping Hot CurryAir Fryer Asparagus is perfectly seasoned and cooks quickly while keeping it tender-crisp. A healthy & delicious side dish in 10 minutes!
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Air Fryer Squash
Photo Credit: Planted in the KitchenThis savory air fryer zucchini and squash is easy to make in just 15 minutes. It is full of incredible flavor and makes a great side dish!
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Cheesy Brussels Sprouts
Photo Credit: Wow! Easy RecipesCheesy Brussels Sprouts are ready in under 10 minutes with 5 ingredients! The quick, rich homemade cheese sauce is poured over freshly cooked Brussels sprouts. Perfect for the holidays.
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Simple Buttered Peas
Photo Credit: Masala HerbStove top buttered peas recipe is a simple but tasty side dish. With instructions to use fresh, frozen or canned and flavor ideas.
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Parmesan Roasted Broccoli Recipe
Photo Credit: Butter Your BiscuitParmesan Roasted Broccoli is the perfect roasted vegetable. The parmesan and bread crumbs gives it the best crunchy texture.
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Coleslaw Ideas
Cream Chipotle Lime Coleslaw
Photo Credit: Butter Your BiscuitChipotle lime coleslaw will be your new favorite go to recipe. The creamy dressing has just the right amount of heat and smokiness form the chipotle.
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Light Cabbage Slaw
Photo Credit: A Little and a LotThis light cabbage slaw is bright, flavorful, and refreshing.
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Chipotle Cole Slaw with Lime
Photo Credit: Dizzy Busy & HungryWowee! This easy cole slaw has SO much flavor, you won’t believe your taste buds!
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Breads and Rolls
Buttermilk Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread
Photo Credit: of Batter & DoughThis Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread is sweet, savory AND spicy, with a touch of brown sugar and honey, pickled jalapeños, and loads of cheese.
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Garlic & Cheddar Cheese Drop Biscuits
These Easy Cheesy Drop Biscuits are light and fluffy with a hint of garlic and topped with butter. The best part is how simple they are to make.
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Super Easy Buttermilk Biscuits
Super Easy Buttermilk Biscuits combine flour, buttermilk, grated butter, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Brush with milk and bake to perfection!
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Asiago Bread (No-Knead)
Photo Credit: Cooking On The WeekendsThis Asiago Bread recipe is the easiest, most delicious yeast bread I’ve ever made. Baked in a Dutch Oven, it’s an overnight no-knead bread.
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Cheddar Jalapeno Butter Swim Biscuits
Photo Credit: Cooking with Carlee If you love soft buttery biscuits, you are going to love this cheddar Jalapeno butter swim biscuits recipe.
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About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.