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Katie's Cucina » Round-Up

Sides for Chicken Tenders – 17 Mouthwatering Sides

Published: Aug 16, 2023 by Katie · This post may contain affiliate links

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french fries with ketchup, biscuits, salad, and baked beans with title text on image for Pinterest.
Potato salad, beans, coleslaw, and biscuits with text on image for Pinterest.
Potato wedges, cornbread, green beans, and cucumber salad with title text on image for Pinterest.

Looking to take your chicken tenders to the next level? Discover a variety of mouthwatering sides for chicken tenders that pair perfectly and complement these crispy delights.

Top view of baked chicken strips on a white platter with a bowl of mac and cheese in background.

Whether you like to enjoy chicken tenders Air Fried, grilled, or even baked you will love getting ideas for sides for chicken tenders. With their crunchy exterior and tender interior, chicken tenders a beloved classic dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike. But why stop at just the chicken tenders? Elevate your meal by pairing them with side dishes that add a burst of flavor, texture, and variety to your plate. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or a weekend get-together with friends, these sides will take your chicken tenders from ordinary to extraordinary.

Jump to:
  • Sides that Pair Well with Chicken Strips
  • FAQs for Sides for Chicken Tenders
  • How to Reheat Chicken Tenders
  • Tips & Tricks for Reheating Chicken Tenders
  • Sides for Chicken Tenders
  • Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese
  • Air Fryer French Fries
  • Mandarin Orange Coleslaw
  • Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
  • Southern Green Beans Recipe
  • Potato Salad without Mayo
  • Instant Pot Baked Beans
  • Easy Smashed Potatoes
  • Greek Cucumber Salad
  • Orzo Rice Pilaf
  • Buttermilk Biscuits
  • Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes
  • Cinnamon Apples
  • Canadian Poutine
  • House Salad
  • Baked Potato Wedges
  • Healthy Green Beans Almondine

Sides that Pair Well with Chicken Strips

Fries – Enjoy traditional french fries or even swap out regular fries for these slightly sweet and crispy sweet potato fries that provide a delightful contrast to the tenders’ savory flavor.

Coleslaw– The cool and creamy texture of coleslaw complements the crispy tenders perfectly, adding a refreshing element to your plate.

Refreshing Cucumber Salad – A light and tangy cucumber salad with dill and red onion provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chicken tenders.

Savory Garlic Bread – Turn simple garlic bread into a standout side by using fresh herbs, fresh and granulated garlic, butter and mayonnaise plus a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.

Casseroles – Whether you want to make a broccoli and cheese casserole or a hash-brown casserole — casserole’s are always a great idea. Especially if you are feeding a lot of people!

FAQs for Sides for Chicken Tenders

White plate with grilled chicken strips, rice, and green beans.
What are some good sides for chicken tenders?

There are plenty of options to choose from! We’ll explore a range of sides that balance out the flavors and create a well-rounded meal.

Can I make these sides healthier?

Absolutely! Many of these sides can be prepared in healthier ways, such as baking instead of frying or using lighter ingredients.

Are these sides suitable for kids?

Yes, many of these sides are kid-friendly and perfect for picky eaters. You can adjust seasonings and ingredients as needed.

Can I make these sides ahead of time?

Certainly! Some of these sides can be prepared in advance, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.

How to Reheat Chicken Tenders

Reheating chicken tenders to enjoy their crispy texture and delicious flavor can be easily done with a few simple steps. Here’s how:

Reheating chicken tenders to enjoy their crispy texture and delicious flavor can be easily done with a few simple steps. Here’s how:

Method 1: Oven Reheating

What You’ll Need:

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even reheating without overcooking the chicken tenders.
  2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This helps to prevent the tenders from sticking and makes for easier cleanup.
  3. Arrange the chicken tenders on the baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure uniform reheating.
  4. If desired, lightly brush or spray the chicken tenders with a small amount of oil to help them retain their crispiness during reheating.
  5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and reheat the chicken tenders for about 10-15 minutes. The exact time may vary based on the oven and the thickness of the tenders.
  6. Check the tenders periodically to avoid overcooking. They are ready when they are heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are safe to eat.
  7. Once heated, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken tenders rest for a minute before serving.

Method 2: Microwave Reheating

What You’ll Need:

  • Microwave-safe plate
  • Microwave

Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate, arranging them in a single layer. If you’re reheating a large batch, you might need to reheat in multiple batches.
  2. Cover the chicken tenders with a microwave-safe cover or a damp paper towel. This helps to retain moisture and prevent them from drying out during reheating.
  3. Microwave the chicken tenders on medium power (50%) in 20-30 second intervals. This slower approach helps to evenly distribute the heat and avoid overcooking.
  4. Check the tenders after each interval to assess their temperature. Depending on your microwave’s power and the quantity of tenders, it might take 1-3 minutes to reheat them thoroughly.
  5. Once heated through, remove the plate from the microwave and allow the chicken tenders to rest for a minute before serving.
Breaded chicken tenderloins on a wire rack inside an air fryer.

Method 3: Air Fryer Reheating

What You’ll Need:

  • Air fryer
  • Leftover chicken tenders

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating the air fryer ensures that the chicken tenders will start cooking immediately and retain their crispiness.
  2. Arrange the Chicken Tenders: Lay the leftover chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even reheating and crispiness.
  3. Reheat the Chicken Tenders: Place the basket in the preheated air fryer and set the timer for about 3-5 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken tenders, as well as your air fryer’s model and wattage.
  4. Check and Shake: After about halfway through the reheating time, pause the air fryer and gently shake the basket. This helps to ensure that the tenders are cooking evenly on all sides.
  5. Check for Crispiness: When the timer goes off, check the chicken tenders for crispiness and internal temperature. They should be heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
  6. Adjust Time if Needed: If the chicken tenders need more time to reach your desired level of crispiness, you can add another 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken tenders are heated through and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket and let them cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Tricks for Reheating Chicken Tenders

  • Times may Vary – Reheating times may vary based on the quantity of chicken tenders and the type of reheating method used.
  • Drying Out – Avoid reheating chicken tenders for too long, as they can become dry and lose their crispiness.
  • Power Setting – If using a microwave, using the medium power setting and reheating in intervals helps prevent uneven reheating.
  • Sauces – Consider serving the reheated chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces like herbed buttermilk ranch dressing, Russian sauce, or even creamy cilantro dressing to enhance their flavor.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your leftover chicken tenders with their original crispy texture and delicious taste.

Sides for Chicken Tenders

Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese

White oval dish filled with macaroni and cheese with Instant Pot in the background.
Belly-up to a comforting bowl of creamy mouth-watering Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese that is made in under 10 minutes. Perfect weeknight meal that can be paired with a store bought rotisserie chicken!
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer French Fries

French fries on a white platter with with a small bowl of ketchup next to it.
Nothing is better then fresh cut homemade french fries. My Air Fryer French Fries require very little oil and yield a crispy french fry on the outside and a soft middle.
Check out this recipe

Mandarin Orange Coleslaw

Mandarin Orange Coleslaw
Switch up the traditional coleslaw recipe you bring to barbecue’s this summer and make my Mandarin Orange Coleslaw for the next party you attend!
Check out this recipe

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
These Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are perfectly seasoned, full of flavor, and so easy to make! Healthier than deep-fried, these deliciously crispy sweet potato fries are slightly sweet, a little salty, and my go-to recipe anytime I’m craving restaurant-quality fries from the comfort of my own home…
Check out this recipe

Southern Green Beans Recipe

White bowl filled with green beans and bacon on a wood countertop.
Love the barbecue restaurant style soft meaty green beans? Try my recipe for Southern Green Beans–made with bacon and onions and done in less than 30 minutes time. This classic southern side dish will become a new family favorite.
Check out this recipe

Potato Salad without Mayo

Glass bowl filled with potato salad.
This delicious vinegar based Potato Salad without Mayo was my grandmother's recipe. Passed down to my mom, whom passed it down to me. This classic potato salad recipe is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue!
Check out this recipe

Instant Pot Baked Beans

Oval white bowl filled with baked beans with a wooden spoon in the bowl sitting on an orange cloth.
Instant pot baked beans are a delicious homemade recipe using fresh ingredients like onions, bacon, brown sugar and other spices. Done in about 2 hours time and can feed a large crowd!

Easy Smashed Potatoes

Easy Smashed Potatoes
These delicious Easy Smashed Potatoes are a great addition to your side dish repertoire! They are a combination between a roasted potato and a baked
Check out this recipe

Greek Cucumber Salad

Glass bowl filled with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, onions, and feta with cucumbers and tomatoes on the left corner.
Looking for a refreshing and delightful summer salad that can be ready in just 15 minutes? Dive into this Greek Cucumber Salad, a delightful blend of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy red onions, creamy feta, aromatic dill, and briny kalamata olives that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.
Check out this recipe

Orzo Rice Pilaf

Orzo Rice Pilaf
Tired of plain old rice? This easy 6 ingredient stovetop rice pilaf goes with just about anything. No preservatives or artificial coloring like you get in boxed version mixes like rice a roni. Plus, it tastes so much better homemade than from a box.
Check out this recipe

Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk Biscuits
Melt-in-your mouth homemade buttermilk biscuits made in your kitchen in less than 30 minutes time! With just a few ingredients your next breakfast or brunch will be complete.
Check out this recipe

Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes in a white bowl sitting on a blue and white towel.
Fresh chives cut from the garden and sour cream are blended together to bring an easy homemade recipe for sour cream and chive mashed potatoes. These mashed potatoes compliment just about any dinner whether it's a weekday meal, pot luck, or even holiday gathering.
Check out this recipe

Cinnamon Apples

Skillet Cinnamon Apples
If you always order the Cinnamon Apples at Cracker Barrel, you'll love this 30 minute gluten free recipe that requires just 7 ingredients.
Check out this recipe

Canadian Poutine

Canadian Poutine
One of Canada’s most beloved dishes is Canadian poutine. Smothered fries with cheese curds, bacon and gravy is an incredible comfort food dish. Read on for all the details for how to make poutine and the best poutine gravy recipe (that can even be made gluten free)!
Check out this recipe

House Salad

Two white bowls filled with salad and forks and veggies next to it.
Explore the ultimate chopped romaine house salad recipe, featuring a harmonious blend of fresh vegetables, cheese, and croutons. Elevate your dining experience with this easy-to-make, nutrient-packed, and irresistibly delicious dish!
Check out this recipe

Baked Potato Wedges

Basket filled with potato wedges on a red and white striped cloth.
Utilize leftover baked potatoes, oil, and seasonings to whip up a tasty side dish of of crispy baked potato wedges. These gluten and dairy free, Vegan potato wedges are baked for just 20 minutes in the oven.
Check out this recipe

Healthy Green Beans Almondine

Healthy Green Beans Almondine
Healthy Green Beans Almondine are an easy + delicious side dish that are perfect with any meal! Gluten free, grain free, keto and whole30 friendly.
Check out this recipe

Whether you’re enjoying a casual weeknight dinner or celebrating a special occasion, these sides for chicken tenders will turn your meal into a delightful feast. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect pairing that suits your taste buds. With these ideas, you’ll never look at chicken tenders the same way again.

If you make any of these sides of chicken nugget recipes, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a ⭐ star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!

Don’t forget to FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram, and subscribe to my email list!

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About Katie

Katie is a busy mom of 2 children who loves to feed her family delicious meals that don't take hours to cook! She started her blog 15 years ago as a way to help others get cooking in the kitchen.

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I'm Katie Jasiewicz: home cook, food blogger, and recipe developer. A busy mom of two children who loves to feed her family delicious meals that don’t take hours to cook! My mission is to create easy-to-make modern comfort food for the busy family. (more)

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