Ambitious Foodie - Easy Family Recipes

menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • Chicken Recipes
  • Videos
  • About Me
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • All Recipes
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Videos
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Ambitious Foodie » Side Dishes

    What To Serve With Chicken Tenders: 30 Sides

    Modified: Nov 13, 2026 · Published: Nov 13, 2026 · . Help us out! Review HERE. · Written by: Imene Senouci · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Share or save this post for later!

    Knowing what to serve with chicken tenders is what turns a plate of crispy chicken into a real dinner. A crunchy side, something fresh and a good dipping sauce are usually all it takes.

    Need the tenders first? Try our Honey Hot Chicken Tenders or Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins. Our crispy air fryer French fries, Crock Pot Mac and Cheese and Boom Boom Sauce are classic partners, too.

    I'm sharing 30 more sides for chicken tenders below. They include Sweet Potato Fries, Creamy Coleslaw, Raising Cane's Sauce and more. There are crispy sides, dips, salads, veggies and breads, so pick a few and build your plate!

    Jump to:
    • Fries and Crispy Sides
    • Dipping Sauces
    • Salads and Slaws
    • Vegetables
    • Casseroles, Rice and Noodles
    • Breads

    Fries and Crispy Sides

    Chicken tenders and crispy sides are a natural match, and doubling up on the crunch makes for a plate everyone is happy with.

    1. Sweet Potato Fries1

      Sweet Potato Fries

      A light coat of cornstarch helps these sweet potato fries crisp up in the oven or air fryer, and they come with a quick mayo-ketchup fry sauce for dunking.

      80 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Sweet Potato Fries >

      Photo and recipe: Tastes Better From Scratch

    2. Baked Zucchini Fries2

      Baked Zucchini Fries

      These baked zucchini fries are coated in a crispy Parmesan topping for a flavorful, healthier spin on classic fries that works alongside almost any main dish.

      21 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Baked Zucchini Fries >

      Photo and recipe: I Heart Naptime

    3. Onion Rings3

      Onion Rings

      Thick-cut and extra crispy every time, these homemade onion rings are great served with ketchup, BBQ sauce, or ranch for dipping.

      Make this recipe:

      Onion Rings >

      Photo and recipe: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons

    4. Fried Pickles4

      Fried Pickles

      I love fried pickles as a side because they add tangy, crunchy contrast to a plate of chicken tenders, working just as well as an appetizer.

      975 reviews / 4.5 average

      Make this recipe:

      Fried Pickles >

      Photo and recipe: She Wears Many Hats

    5. Homemade Tater Tots5

      Homemade Tater Tots

      These homemade tater tots can be served warm and fresh right from the pan, or flash-frozen in batches for a quick, ready-to-go side later on.

      Make this recipe:

      Homemade Tater Tots >

      Photo and recipe: Little House Living

    6. Crispy Smashed Potatoes6

      Crispy Smashed Potatoes

      Baby Yukon Golds are boiled, smashed flat and roasted with garlic, rosemary and Parmesan until the edges turn crisp. They're a fun change from fries.

      137 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Crispy Smashed Potatoes >

      Photo and recipe: Feel Good Foodie

    Dipping Sauces

    A good dipping sauce can completely elevate a plate of chicken tenders, turning a simple weeknight dinner into something the whole table looks forward to.

    1. Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce7

      Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

      Mayo, honey, yellow mustard and Dijon whisk together in about 5 minutes for a sweet and tangy dip. Any extra makes a good salad dressing, too.

      Make this recipe:

      Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce >

      Photo and recipe: Kylee Cooks

    2. Raising Canes Sauce8

      Raising Canes Sauce

      This homemade copycat of Raising Cane's sauce uses simple pantry ingredients to recreate the creamy, tangy dip that fans of the chain already know.

      30 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Raising Canes Sauce >

      Photo and recipe: Little Sunny Kitchen

    3. Chick Fil a Sauce9

      Chick Fil a Sauce

      Five simple ingredients are all it takes to make this copycat Chick-fil-A sauce at home, perfect for dunking chicken tenders or fries.

      16 reviews / 4.6 average

      Make this recipe:

      Chick Fil a Sauce >

      Photo and recipe: The Cookie Rookie

    4. Homemade BBQ Sauce10

      Homemade BBQ Sauce

      Ketchup, molasses, brown sugar and smoky spices simmer into a thick homemade barbecue sauce in about 30 minutes. Make a double batch for dipping all week.

      30 reviews / 4.9 average

      Make this recipe:

      Homemade BBQ Sauce >

      Photo and recipe: Once Upon a Chef

    Salads and Slaws

    Fresh salads and slaws add brightness and crunch that balance out the richness of fried or baked chicken tenders.

    1. Creamy Coleslaw11

      Creamy Coleslaw

      Sweet, tangy, and made with simple ingredients, this creamy coleslaw has that classic Southern flavor that makes it a natural fit for BBQs and family dinners.

      36 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Creamy Coleslaw >

      Photo and recipe: Divas Can Cook

    2. Classic Macaroni Salad12

      Classic Macaroni Salad

      This fresh take on classic macaroni salad hits all the familiar flavors of the old-fashioned version while giving you a few more nutritious options to explore.

      10 reviews / 4.8 average

      Make this recipe:

      Classic Macaroni Salad >

      Photo and recipe: 101 Cookbooks

    3. Broccoli Salad13

      Broccoli Salad

      Raw broccoli gets tossed with cranberries, red onion and crunchy tamari-roasted almonds and seeds in a light, tangy dressing. It's a fresher take on the classic, with less mayo.

      499 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Broccoli Salad >

      Photo and recipe: Love and Lemons

    4. Corn Salad14

      Corn Salad

      Fresh corn, tomatoes, cucumber and feta go into this bright corn salad with a honey-lemon vinaigrette. It's a cool, crunchy contrast to hot, crispy chicken.

      39 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Corn Salad >

      Photo and recipe: Cooking Classy

    5. Classic Caesar Salad15

      Classic Caesar Salad

      Classic Caesar salad holds its own next to something as casual as chicken tenders, keeping the meal balanced and satisfying without any extra work.

      Make this recipe:

      Classic Caesar Salad >

      Photo and recipe: What's Cooking America

    6. Asian Slaw16

      Asian Slaw

      Loaded with crunchy vegetables and dressed in a sesame-ginger sauce, this Asian slaw balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors and pairs naturally with crispy chicken.

      8 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Asian Slaw >

      Photo and recipe: The Daring Gourmet

    Vegetables

    Simple roasted or steamed vegetables are an easy way to round out a plate of chicken tenders without much extra effort in the kitchen.

    1. Perfect Corn on the Cob17

      Perfect Corn on the Cob

      A simple, fast method for cooking corn on the cob that delivers great results every time and pairs effortlessly with chicken tenders or any other main dish.

      115 reviews / 4.7 average

      Make this recipe:

      Perfect Corn on the Cob >

      Photo and recipe: Mel's Kitchen Cafe

    2. Oven Roasted Broccoli18

      Oven Roasted Broccoli

      With just 6 ingredients and about 20 minutes in the oven, this roasted broccoli comes out crispy on the outside and tender in the center.

      85 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Oven Roasted Broccoli >

      Photo and recipe: JoyFoodSunshine

    3. Steamed Green Beans19

      Steamed Green Beans

      Just 3 ingredients go into these tender, flavorful steamed green beans, making them one of the simplest sides to pull together on a busy weeknight.

      12 reviews / 4.9 average

      Make this recipe:

      Steamed Green Beans >

      Photo and recipe: COOKTORIA

    4. Roasted Carrots20

      Roasted Carrots

      Roasted in the oven with a touch of honey to draw out their natural sweetness, these carrots make a simple, colorful addition to any plate.

      64 reviews / 4.9 average

      Make this recipe:

      Roasted Carrots >

      Photo and recipe: Love and Lemons

    5. Roasted Asparagus21

      Roasted Asparagus

      Fresh asparagus spears are tossed with olive oil and garlic salt, then finished with Parmesan cheese for a quick and easy roasted side.

      Make this recipe:

      Roasted Asparagus >

      Photo and recipe: Mostly Homemade Mom

    6. How to Roast Brussels Sprouts22

      How to Roast Brussels Sprouts

      These oven-roasted Brussels sprouts develop a crispy, caramelized crust while staying tender in the center, making them an easy side that works with almost any meal.

      Make this recipe:

      How to Roast Brussels Sprouts >

      Photo and recipe: Skinnytaste

    Casseroles, Rice and Noodles

    Hearty casseroles, rice, and noodles turn chicken tenders into a full, filling dinner that works any night of the week.

    1. Hash Brown Casserole23

      Hash Brown Casserole

      Modeled after the Cracker Barrel version, this hashbrown casserole is easy to put together for breakfast or dinner, and leftovers freeze well for later.

      67 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Hash Brown Casserole >

      Photo and recipe: The Cozy Cook

    2. Corn Casserole24

      Corn Casserole

      Just five ingredients, including a box of Jiffy mix, canned corn and sour cream, bake into a soft, spoonable corn casserole. It's sometimes called corn pudding or spoon corn.

      489 reviews / 4.5 average

      Make this recipe:

      Corn Casserole >

      Photo and recipe: The Girl Who Ate Everything

    3. Cilantro Lime Rice25

      Cilantro Lime Rice

      Light and fresh, this cilantro lime rice calls for just a few simple ingredients and comes together quickly as a bright, easy side for chicken tenders.

      71 reviews / 4.2 average

      Make this recipe:

      Cilantro Lime Rice >

      Photo and recipe: Mexican Please

    4. Buttered Noodles26

      Buttered Noodles

      With just 2 ingredients, buttered noodles are simple and satisfying, making an easy side that both kids and adults enjoy.

      98 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Buttered Noodles >

      Photo and recipe: Culinary Hill

    Breads

    Warm, soft breads are great alongside chicken tenders, especially when there is extra dipping sauce on the plate to soak up.

    1. Homemade Garlic Bread27

      Homemade Garlic Bread

      Buttery and garlicky with a soft center and lightly toasted edges, garlic bread is one of those sides I love having on the table with any dipping-friendly dinner.

      93 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Homemade Garlic Bread >

      Photo and recipe: Spend With Pennies

    2. Quick and Easy Dinner Rolls28

      Quick and Easy Dinner Rolls

      Quick and foolproof, these homemade dinner rolls come out soft and tender every time and work well alongside soups, salads, or a plate of chicken tenders.

      16 reviews / 4.2 average

      Make this recipe:

      Quick and Easy Dinner Rolls >

      Photo and recipe: SHK

    3. Best Buttermilk Biscuits29

      Best Buttermilk Biscuits

      A unique folding process gives these buttermilk biscuits their flaky layers, with a pillowy, soft interior and a perfectly golden top crust.

      16 reviews / 4.9 average

      Make this recipe:

      Best Buttermilk Biscuits >

      Photo and recipe: Wyse Guide

    4. Cornbread30

      Cornbread

      Soft, moist, and buttery inside with crisp-crunchy edges, this cornbread gets the texture balance just right for a satisfying bread side.

      465 reviews / 4.8 average

      Make this recipe:

      Cornbread >

      Photo and recipe: Sally's Baking

    No matter what you are in the mood for, any of these sides will turn a plate of chicken tenders into a dinner worth sitting down for.

    More Side Dishes

    • Crock Pot Red Potatoes with Rosemary
      30 Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sides
    • Savory Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
      40 Best Christmas Side Dishes
    • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
      40 Thanksgiving Vegetable Side Dishes
    • Perfect Roasted Acorn Squash
      52 Thanksgiving Side Dishes

    Share or save this post for later!

    Welcome I'm Imene, author of the Ambitious Foodie.

    My name is Imene, and i am the author, recipe developer, and photographer behind Ambitious Foodie. Welcome to my virtual kitchen! If you're wondering what's for dinner, you've come to the right place.

    Read More

    Comments

    No Comments

    Ask Me Anything Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Hi, This is Imene! I'm the author, recipe developer, and photographer behind Ambitious Foodie. Welcome to my virtual kitchen! If you're wondering what's for dinner, you've come to the right place.

    More about me →

    Featured In:

    top Recipes

    • The BEST Baked Chicken Breast (Juicy!)
    • Easy Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets (CRISPY!)
    • Blackstone Chicken (Easy Recipe)
    • close-up homemade mayonnaise in a glass jar with en egg in background
      Quick Mayonnaise Recipe From Scratch! Only 4 Ingredients (2-min)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    INFO

    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
    • Contact
    • Recipe/Photo Policy
    • Photography Tips

    SUBSCRIBE

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Follow

    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Youtube
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2026 Ambitious Foodie, LLC - All Rights Reserved. Unless otherwise noted, all images and content here on Ambitious Foodie are original and copyright protected under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.