If you are looking for what to serve with chicken tenders then look no further! We have put together a list of What to Serve with Chicken Fingers (Tenders) 60 Best Sides to serve with this popular dish.
What are chicken tenders?
Chicken tenders have a few different names. We have always called them chicken strips but they can also be called chicken fingers.
Chicken tenderloins are a small piece of meat that is attached to the underside of the chicken breast. They are usually breaded and deep fried. The Kitchn has a great article called What the Heck Is a Chicken Tenderloin.
We actually pan fry our homemade chicken tenders and we use the whole boneless skinless chicken breast cut into thin strips. So I suppose that is why we call them chicken strips, because they aren’t actually all tenderloin.
Here is our family favorite recipe!
We dredge them through egg and then a simply seasoned flour mixture and pan fry them in canola oil.
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.
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 Side Dishes to Serve with 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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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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Sliced Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Learn how to make Sliced Potatoes in the Air Fryer. They are a quick, easy, healthy and delicious side dish, appetizer or snack that the whole family will love!
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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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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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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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Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes feature thinly slice layered potatoes topped with a cheesy béchamel sauce made of milk, butter, flour, onion, and cheese.
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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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Sweet Potato Sides to Serve with Delicious Chicken Tenders
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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Rosemary Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Photo Credit: Naturallie Plant Based These crispy rosemary garlic butter smashed sweet potatoes are crispy on the edges and soft and buttery in the center.
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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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Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes are flavored with honey, cinnamon, butter, milk, and salt. Just 6 ingredients. Great for Thanksgiving or any night of the week!
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Macaroni & Cheese Recipes
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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Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Photo Credit: Fodmap EverydayCreamy macaroni and cheese made on the stove top in 30 minutes.
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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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Macaroni & Cheese
Homemade Macaroni & Cheese is a great alternative to the boxed kind. Much better for you, it is cheesy, creamy and delicious. Classic comfort food!
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Green Beans to Serve with Juicy Chicken Tenders
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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Green Bean Casserole (Gluten Free)
Photo Credit: The Rustic FoodieThis gluten free Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving side dish recipe is made from scratch with fresh green beans and cream of mushroom soup!
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Pan Fried Fresh Green Beans
Super Easy Pan Fried Fresh Green Beans combine string beans, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and water to make a healthy, tasty, quick, and easy 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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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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Corn Dishes to Serve with Crunchy Chicken Tenders
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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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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Carrot Dishes to Serve with Yummy Chicken Strips
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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Honey Glazed Baby Carrots
Honey Glazed Baby Carrots combine carrots, butter, and honey to make a delicious and healthy 3 ingredients vegetarian side dish the kids will love.
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Other Veggies
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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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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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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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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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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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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Creamed Peas
This Creamed Peas recipe will have your kids begging for peas. Canned peas, butter, milk, and sugar transform canned peas into a dish everyone will love.
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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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Cole Slaw Dishes
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 & Rolls to Round Out This Delicious Meal
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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Easy Cheesy 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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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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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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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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What to Serve with Chicken Fingers (Tenders) 60 Best Sides
Mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw and a slew of vegetable side dishes go perfectly with chicken tenders. See below how we make our chicken strips and creamy country gravy!
Ingredients
For the chicken strips:
- 1 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (usually 3 breasts)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- canola oil
- 2 cups milk 1% or 2% is fine
For the gravy:
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 4 tablespoons canola oil (this is the oil left over in the pan after you cook the chicken)
Instructions
How to make the chicken strips:
- Cut chicken into strips. Mix flour with salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Beat egg and milk in another shallow dish. Dredge chicken strips through egg mixture and then flour mixture.
- Heat about an 1/8 inch of canola oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides, taking care not to over-crowd the pan. Place on an oven-safe plate lined with paper towels and keep warm in the oven.
How to make the gravy:
- After all of your chicken is cooked make sure you have about 4 tablespoons of canola oil left in your skillet *(see note below)*. Whisk in flour and let cook until bubbly, scraping up brown bits, about 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and cook until it thickens, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. Your oil will be very hot, so I usually take it off of the stove to add the flour and then I put it back on to whisk in the milk. Serve immediately.
Notes
Be extremely careful when you are measuring hot oil. I put 4 tablespoons of oil in the pan from the beginning and then about the right amount remains when it is time to make the gravy. (This may not work for you if your skillet is larger or smaller than mine. You can carefully pour the hot oil into a glass measuring cup on a heatproof surface and then measure your oil. The oil is hot so you need to use a heatproof measuring device or it will melt.
Nutritional information is approximate.
Bookmark this page to find it quickly when you are ready to make this recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 536kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 827mg | Potassium: 867mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 258IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 172mg | Iron: 2mg
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