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    The Heirloom Pantry » Recipe Index » Roundups

    18 Tasty Chicken Tender Sides

    Published: Feb 25, 2023 by Kathleen Higashiyama · The following content may contain affiliate links. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission.

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    18 tasty chicken tender sides, including seasoned fries, spicy sriracha aioli, animal-style fries, and spicy hot honey.

    Looking for Tasty Chicken Tender Sides? You've come to the right place! Below we list all of our favorite chicken tender side dishes, including our homemade fries, zesty sauces, and roasted vegetables.

    18 tasty chicken tender sides, including seasoned fries, spicy sriracha aioli, animal-style fries, and spicy hot honey.

    Chicken tenders are one of our go-to lazy meals and we are always experimenting sides to pair with it. Below we've rounded up 18 sides we've found pair deliciously with chicken tenders so you know exactly what to make the next time you have a chicken tenders craving. From sauces to seasoned fries, we have you covered!

    If you are looking for an elevated fried chicken recipe, try our Chicken Katsu (Japanese Chicken Cutlet). Chicken katsu is a crispy, golden brown chicken cutlet made with panko breadcrumbs.

    1. Homemade Seasoned French Fries

    Classic seasoned french fries with garlic powder, dried basil, paprika, and ketchup on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Homemade French Fries
    Chicken tenders and fries is a classic combination. Our Homemade Seasoned French Fries are a healthy spin on French fries. They are crispy, fluffy, and delightfully flavorful. Enjoy these easy fries with your favorite seasonings and dips!
    Get the Recipe

    2. Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing

    Healthy Greek Yogurt Ranch
    Dipping fried chicken in ranch is a must! Our Greek Yogurt Ranch is a light and healthy alternative to traditional ranch dressing without sacrificing any of the flavor!
    Get the Recipe

    2. Healthy Corn and Zucchini Fritters

    Healthy corn and zucchini fritter stacked and topped with greek yogurt, roasted corn, and basil.
    Healthy Corn and Zucchini Fritters
    Healthy Corn and Zucchini Fritters are a quick and easy way to enjoy vegetables with your chicken tenders. They have the perfect blend of sweet and savory ingredients with lots of texture. Top the fritters with fresh basil, Greek yogurt, and roasted corn for extra flavor!
    Get the Recipe

    3. Bacon Cheddar Hasselback Potatoes

    Bacon Cheddar Hasselback Potatoes on cutting board.
    Bacon Cheddar Hasselback Potatoes
    Bacon Cheddar Hasselback Potatoes are a richly flavored side. They feature fluffy potatoes, creme fraiche, cheddar, bacon, and chives. It's simple, but all the decadent toppings meld together into one tasty dish.
    Get the Recipe

    4. Healthy Greek Yogurt Coleslaw

    Healthy Greek Yogurt Coleslaw (with Napa and Red Cabbage) in a striped Japanese bowl.
    Healthy Greek Yogurt Coleslaw
    Greek Yogurt Coleslaw features crisp shredded cabbage and carrots dressed in tangy Greek yogurt dressing. This healthy coleslaw recipe is the perfect addition to a chicken tenders or side for your next BBQ!
    Get the Recipe

    5. Miso Mashed Potatoes

    Miso mashed potatoes in a white le creuset dutch oven.
    Miso Mashed Potatoes
    Miso Mashed Potatoes are a creamy side flavored with miso butter, garlic, and sage and go perfectly with chicken tenders. Enjoy these crowd-pleaser potatoes next time you make chicken tenders, you won't be disappointed!
    Get the Recipe

    6. Elotes Style Corn with Furikake

    Elote-style corn with furikake and kewpie mayo on a plate flatlay.
    Elotes Style Corn with Furikake
    Elotes Style Corn will add a delicious umami crunch to your chicken tender meal. This recipe is inspired by Mexican street corn and flavored with Japanese ingredients. Enjoy it on the cob, cut into small servings, or cut off the cob and served as a salad beside your tenders.
    Get the Recipe

    7. Spicy Hot Honey Sauce

    Spicy hot honey sauce in a jar with honey dripper.
    Spicy Hot Honey Sauce
    Hot Honey Sauce is a sweet and spicy condiment made with just 4 ingredients in 5 minutes! Drizzle it on chicken tenders for an extra kick then gift it to your family and friends.
    Get the Recipe

    8. Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta

    Maple Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta in bowl flatlay.
    Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
    Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts are covered with olive oil and maple syrup, then roasted and tossed with your choice of rendered bacon or pancetta. The combination is rich, hearty, and nutritious.
    Get the Recipe

    9. Spicy Cajun Fries

    Spicy cajun fries in a tray with spicy Sriracha aioli and Slap Ya Mama cajun seasoning.
    Spicy Cajun Fries
    Spicy Cajun Fries are crispy fries with a Cajun kick. It takes only a little time and effort to make these zesty and healthy gourmet fries. Dip them in truffle aioli or wasabi mayo for extra flavor!
    Get the Recipe

    10. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread with Miso

    Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread with Miso sliced on plate with butter and honey.
    Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread with Miso
    Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread with Miso is a moist and tender cheesy side with umami flavor. It’s a little sweet, has a hint of spicy, and pairs deliciously with chicken tenders.
    Get the Recipe

    11. Pan Fried Potatoes with Herbs

    potatoes roasting in a pan with spoon
    Pan Fried Potatoes with Herbs
    Pan Fried Potatoes with Herbs are buttery, savory, and pair seamlessly with tenders. All you need are waxy potatoes, herbs, garlic, salt and pepper, and olive oil to make this healthy one-pan side dish.
    Get the Recipe

    12. Ten-Minute Sautéed Broccolini (Broccoletti)

    Easy delicious charred broccolini/broccoletti on a plate with seasoning, lemon wedges, and chili flakes.
    Ten-Minute Sautéed Broccolini (Broccoletti)
    Sautéed Broccolini (Broccoletti) is a tender, nutrient-rich version of broccoli that goes well with everything and takes just a few minutes to make. Simply cook the broccolini in olive oil then toss it with red chili flakes, garlic, and lemon juice for extra flavor.
    Get the Recipe

    13. Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

    Pasta salad with Italian ingredients in bowl flatlay.
    Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
    Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing vegetarian side that's loaded with Mediterranean ingredients including sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and herbed feta cheese. It doesn't take much time to make and is perfect for a chicken tender lunch or dinner.
    Get the Recipe

    14. Chipotle Mayo Sauce

    Chipotle Mayo in serving bowl.
    Chipotle Mayo Sauce
    Chipotle Mayo is a smoky and rich sauce consisting of mayo, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic powder, and lime. This homemade sauce only takes a few minutes to make and adds a flavorful accent to chicken tenders
    Get the Recipe

    15. Furikake and Lemon Shishito Peppers

    Shishito Peppers with furikake and lemon on plate flatlay.
    Furikake and Lemon Shishito Peppers
    Furikake and Lemon Shishito Peppers are sweet, spicy, and will add a nice kick to your chicken tenders or whet your palate as an appetizer. They only take 15 minutes to make and are loaded with umami flavor!
    Get the Recipe

    16. Animal Style Fries (In-N-Out Copycat)

    cropped-in-n-out-animal-style-fries-copycat-recipe-the-heirloom-pantry-03.jpg
    Animal Style Fries
    In-N-Out's famous Animal Style Fries feature crispy French fries covered with melted American cheese, caramelized onions, and In-N-Out secret sauce. Recreate this California staple the next time you want a rich side and delicious sauce for your tenders.
    Get the Recipe

    17. Pear and Prosciutto Rocket Salad

    Closeup shot of arugula salad with pear, crispy prosciutto, shallots, parmigiano-reggiano, and walnuts.
    Pear and Prosciutto Rocket Salad
    Pear and Prosciutto Rocket Salad is a delightfully sweet and hearty salad full of flavor and texture. It features crispy prosciutto, pears, walnuts, shallots, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and arugula tossed in a maple balsamic vinaigrette. Make it in 20 minutes while the chicken tenders cook.
    Get the Recipe

    18. Spicy Sriracha Aioli

    Spicy sriracha aioli in a bowl with French fries and a bottle of sriracha.
    Spicy Sriracha Aioli
    Spicy Sriracha Aioli is a perfectly creamy, spicy condiment, featuring Sriracha chili sauce and grated garlic. The combination of Sriracha and garlic is uniquely delicious and the perfect chicken tender dipping sauce.
    Get the Recipe

    Related Recipes

    • Chicken Katsu (Japanese Chicken Cutlet)
    • What to Serve With Chicken Pot Pie: 16 Tasty Sides
    • BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs (Baked in Oven)
    • 25 Best Side Dishes for Fried Chicken

    Did You Like These Recipes?

    All of the above sides will add a delicious new dimension to your chicken tender meal. If you made and enjoyed any of these sides, please rate this post and comment below!

    Classic seasoned french fries with garlic powder, dried basil, paprika, and ketchup on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    18 Tasty Chicken Tender Sides

    Looking for Tasty Chicken Tender Sides? You've come to the right place! Below we list all of our favorite chicken tender side dishes, including our homemade fries, zesty sauces, and roasted vegetables.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Refrigerate time30 mins
    Total Time45 mins
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Sides
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 175kcal
    Author: Kathleen Higashiyama

    Ingredients 

    • 1 qt frying oil canola, peanut, or vegetable oil
    • 2 Yukon gold or russet potatoes cut into matchsticks or wedges
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • sea salt
    • pepper

    Instructions

    • Chill potatoes - Place the cut potato in a large bowl and fill with cold water. Place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes and as long as overnight. When ready to fry, drain the water completely and place the sliced potatoes on a clean kitchen towel or on paper towels to dry right before frying.
      2 Yukon gold or russet potatoes
    • Heat oil for frying - Add about 3 inches of oil to a large pot or dutch oven and heat the oil to 300˚F. If you don’t have a thermometer, take the end of a wooden spoon and dip it in the oil. If the oil starts to bubble against the spoon, it’s ready for frying.1 quart frying oil
      1 qt frying oil
    • First fry - Add a third of the potatoes to the oil and cook for 5 minutes, until the potatoes turn light golden brown. Remove from the oil, carefully shake the excess oil into the pot, and place the fries on a rack. Return the oil back to 300˚F between each batch to ensure the fries cook evenly.
    • Second fry - Once all of the fries have cooked once, increase the heat of the oil to 400˚F. Repeat the process and add a third of the fries to the oil and fry until they become deep golden brown.
    • Season fries - Remove the fries from the oil, shake off the excess oil, and place in a mixing boil. Season with garlic powder, basil, paprika, salt and pepper. Gently toss and serve immediately.
      1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon paprika, sea salt, pepper

    Notes

    Storage
    • Store these homemade French fries in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. In order to reheat the fries, heat the oven to 300°F and bake fries for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy. These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.
    Cooking tips
    • Cut fries evenly - Cut the fries so they have the same width. This will help them cook evenly in the oil.
    • Leftover oil - Wait for the oil to cool then pour it into a sealed bottle or jar. You can either reuse the oil or throw it out.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 175kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 924mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 83IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
    Keyword: chicken tender side dishes, chicken tender sides, sides for chicken tenders, what to eat with chicken tenders, what to serve with chicken tenders
    Tried this recipe?Mention @theheirloompantry or tag #theheirloompantry!

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    About the Author

    Kat Higashiyama and Alec Totto are recipe developers, food photographers, and the authors behind The Heirloom Pantry. Since 2017, they have shared recipes inspired by their Japanese and Italian heritage and California and Hawaii roots. They reside in San Jose with their two dogs, Peeps and Paisley. Read More…

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