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15 Best Side Dish Recipe Ideas For Chicken Tenders and Chicken Breast

Chicken tenderloins and chicken breasts are popular protein choices for dinner. But what about the side dish? If you're having trouble deciding how to complete your meal, don't worry — we've got 15 types and dozens of recipes of delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with chicken!
15 Best Side Dish Recipe Ideas For Chicken Tenders and Chicken Breast
15 Best Side Dish Recipe Ideas For Chicken Tenders and Chicken Breast
Anna at SideChef
Content Creator. Bitten by curiosity bug. Obsessed with words. Fuelled by coffee. Powered by Google. Love cheese, chocolate, and cherries. Don’t judge your taco by its price.
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Anna at SideChef
Content Creator. Bitten by curiosity bug. Obsessed with words. Fuelled by coffee. Powered by Google. Love cheese, chocolate, and cherries. Don’t judge your taco by its price.

If you love cooking with chicken tenders and breasts but want to break out of the dinner routine and find some new ideas for side dishes to make it a complete meal, you've come to the right place. There is no shortage of delicious side dish recipes that pair perfectly with these savory protein options.

From classic homemade fries to roasted veggies and salads, we've compiled 15 types of side dishes and even more amazing recipes that make your meals feel fun and exciting – all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Whether you want something new for weeknight dinners or need some extra inspiration for an upcoming party, these sides will have everyone asking for seconds.

1. Homemade French Fries

EASYPEANUT-FREE

Air Fryer French Fries

Scarlett Wang at SideChef

Homemade french fries are the perfect side dish that immediately comes to mind if you need a pair for chicken tenders! Whether finger-licking good classic chips or a new twist on an old favorite, no meal is complete without french fries. From fryer-less varieties to air-frying creations and more, we've got some great ideas for making amazing homemade french fries right in your kitchen!

2. Non-Potato Fries

PEANUT-FREEFISH-FREE

Parmesan and Almond Baked Asparagus Fries

Live Eat Learn

Looking for a way to shake up your side dish routine with something other than potatoes? Whether you want a healthier alternative for French Fries or want to explore some unique flavor combinations, here are some recipe ideas that will tantalize your taste buds.

Put away the boring spuds for a minute and say hello to the ultimate crunchy deliciousness of zucchini, mushroom, asparagus, and more!

3. Sweet Potatoes

EASYLOW-FAT

Roasted Sweet Potato Fries

Elise Joan Fitness

Still a potato, but sweet potatoes make a totally different meal when combined with chicken tenders.

4. Coleslaw

EASYLOW-FAT

Cranberry Apple Winter Slaw

SideChef

Coleslaw is another perfect accompaniment to your chicken tenders at home. Not only are chicken tenders and coleslaw the ultimate combination of flavors that will send your taste buds into overdrive, but it's also one of the easiest side dishes you can whip up in no time. Whether you like classic creamy coleslaw or something more unique, with all its various forms, this delicious staple is sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.

5. Roasted Vegetables

PEANUT-FREETREE NUT-FREE

Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables

SideChef Everyday

Roasted vegetables are always a good solution if you want a wholesome fuss-free side for any protein, and chicken is no exception! Just get more adventurous with your veggie combinations and seasoning, and you'll never get tired of it!

6. Cornbread

EASYPEANUT-FREE

Cheesy Cornbread with Honey and Green Onions

SideChef Everyday

Cornbread is the ultimate comfort food that pairs oh so well with any chicken dish!

7. Simple Salads

EASYLOW-FAT

Classic Green Salad

SideChef

Salads are the perfect side dish for just about any type of poultry-based dinner. They are excellent for adding nutritional balance, flavor variety, and visual appeal to classic favorites like chicken tenders and chicken breasts. Salads with fresh ingredients make mealtime more fun and can also help create nutritious meals that the whole family will love!

8. Pasta

EASYPEANUT-FREE

Zoodle Primavera Pasta

The Fit Mediterranean

Pasta is a go-to side dish that practically every home cook has in their arsenal. It is affordable, and it pairs perfectly with just about any protein, especially those golden brown and crispy chicken tenders. And since there are so many different types of pasta available on the market these days, from regular spaghetti to fun fusilli and healthier zoodles, it's possible to make any meal that is well-balanced and full of flavor.

9. Beans

LOW-FATPEANUT-FREE

Barbecue Baked Beans

Garlic & Zest

One side dish is always a win when preparing family dinners: beans. They’re quick and easy for busy weeknights, versatile enough for special occasions, and a great option when you need something healthy to put on the table without much fuss.

10. Mac 'n Cheese

EASYPEANUT-FREE

Mac & Cheese with Buttery Breadcrumbs

LG Original Series

If you're looking for an unbeatable side dish to serve alongside chicken tenders, look no further than mac 'n cheese! Not only is mac and cheese easy to make and customizable, but it's a beloved classic that guarantees everyone at your table will leave full and happy.

11. Mashed Potatoes

PEANUT-FREETREE NUT-FREE

The Silkiest Mashed Potatoes

SideChef Everyday

Everyone knows that mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish to serve with chicken, and it’s no wonder! They are delicious and comforting and can easily be customized to fit almost any flavor profile. Whether you want a classic buttery spud or something with a bit of kick - like garlic-herb mashed potatoes – there’s always an option for you.

12. Rice

EASYLOW-FAT

Incredible Cilantro Lime Rice

CaribbeanPot

One of the best sides you can serve with chicken tenders or chicken breast is rice in all its forms, from white, brown, and wild varieties to specialty grains like quinoa. Not only is there an array of types you can choose from, but each one brings its taste and nutrition profile that will instantly upgrade your meal.

13.Fried Pickles

LOW-FATPEANUT-FREE

Fried Pickles

SideChef

It doesn't matter if you like them hot, cold, or 'just right'; fried pickles are undeniably unique. Whether part of an appetizer spread or a side to your favorite meal, their unique flavor profile will surely add some zest and excitement to your plate. So why wouldn't you include these beloved fried delights as a side for some delicious chicken tenders?

14. Smashed Potatoes

EASYLOW-FAT

Garlic Roasted Smashed Potatoes

Lauren Holdcroft at SideChef

If you follow any food trends, you know how smashed potatoes took every social media channel by storm, and for a good reason! It's a simple yet such delicious side dish; it literally goes with anything!

15. Waffles

LOW-FATPEANUT-FREE

Air-Fried Hot Chicken and Waffles

Real Food with Sarah

Chicken and waffles is a delicious combination that has been a favorite among home cooks for decades. This dish is easy to prepare at home and great for large gatherings like family dinners or potlucks, but it also packs a flavor punch that will keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you prefer crispy fried chicken or oven-baked boneless cutlets covered in melted cheese - whatever your taste inclination - one thing is universally true: waffle-wrapped pieces of golden poultry are always exceptional!

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