Want to take your chicken tenders to the next level? We’ve all been there, staring at our plates, thinking, “What can we eat with these to make this meal better?”
Well, we’ve done the hard work for you. Forget those boring same-old sides. We’ve got a funky lineup of sides that will not only awaken your senses but also make you feel like a culinary genius.
Ready to up your chicken tender game? Let’s dig into the best 12 side dishes that’ll make your chicken tenders the star of the meal.

Top 12 Side Dishes for Chicken Tenders
Here are the top 12 side dishes that you didn’t know you needed with your chicken tenders. These will have you saying, “Move over fries, there’s a new dynamic duo in town.”
Side Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Difficulty | Prep Time |
Roasted Broccoli with Lemon | Broccoli, olive oil, lemon | Savory, bright | Easy | 25 minutes |
Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles | Zucchini, garlic, Parmesan | Savory, creamy | Moderate | 20 minutes |
Creamy Coleslaw | Cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise | Creamy, tangy | Easy | 15 minutes |
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts | Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 30 minutes |
Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad | Quinoa, tomatoes, parsley | Fresh, herbal | Moderate | 30 minutes |
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower | Cauliflower, Parmesan, garlic | Savory, nutty | Easy | 35 minutes |
Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds | Green beans, almonds, garlic | Savory, crunchy | Easy | 20 minutes |
Herbed Farro Salad | Farro, herbs, lemon | Nutty, bright | Moderate | 40 minutes |
Honey Glazed Carrots | Carrots, honey, butter | Sweet, caramelized | Easy | 25 minutes |
Cheesy Baked Tomatoes | Tomatoes, cheese, breadcrumbs | Savory, cheesy | Easy | 30 minutes |
Cucumber Salad with Dill | Cucumbers, dill, vinegar | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 15 minutes |
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls | Bread dough, butter, garlic | Buttery, garlicky | Moderate | 1 hour 15 minutes |
1 – Roasted Broccoli with Lemon
Broccoli is our green MVP. It’s crisp and tangy with a zesty lemon twist. Broccoli is the ultimate health boost.
We love how it snaps when roasted. Broccoli pairs with lemon for freshness. Use olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of sea salt. Roast it at 400°F for 20 minutes. It’s easy to prepare and tastes like a treat. Play around with your seasoning.
2 – Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles
Have you tried zucchini noodles? They’re a fun way to get more veggies in.
We spiralize fresh zucchini, toss it with olive oil, garlic, and grated Parmesan. It’s crispy and cheesy, perfect for chicken tenders.
Simple ingredients, but packs a flavor punch. Olive oil, garlic, freshly grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
The garlic adds a savory boost. The Parmesan cheese is the cherry on top. It’s healthier than pasta and just as tasty.
3 – Creamy Coleslaw
Who knew cabbage could be this cool? Our creamy coleslaw is crunchy, tangy, and a little sweet.
We use shredded cabbage, carrots, and a killer dressing. The dressing is a mix of mayo, vinegar, sugar, and mustard.
It’s all about balancing flavors. The cabbage stays crispy, while the dressing coats every bite perfectly.
Great for that crisp, refreshing contrast with your chicken tenders.
4 – Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Alright, Brussels sprouts have a bad rep, but hear us out. Roast these little green gems to get them crispy and caramelized.
Drizzle with balsamic vinegar for a sweet tang. Add a sprinkle of sea salt and you’re good to go. We love how they turn crunchy outside and tender inside. These sprouts are tasty, healthy, and anything but boring.
5 – Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
Quinoa tabbouleh is our take on the classic Middle Eastern dish. It’s light and refreshing. We swapped the bulgur with quinoa for extra protein.
Simple ingredients make it shine. Mix cooked quinoa with chopped parsley, mint, and tomatoes.
Add diced cucumbers and red onion for crunch. The dressing is lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper.
It’s tangy, fresh, and incredibly satisfying. Packed with vibrant flavors.
6 – Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower never tasted so good. We roast it with olive oil, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan. This dish is crispy outside and tender inside.
The Parmesan gives a nutty, salty kick. We top it off with a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Pro tip: Use parchment paper for easy cleanup. Trust us, you’ll forget you’re eating vegetables.
7 – Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
Green beans and almonds? Yes, we went there. Sautéed in garlic and olive oil, these beans are a crunchy, garlicky delight. Almonds add a fantastic crunch, complementing the green beans.
Ingredients include fresh green beans, sliced almonds, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt. Simple but so tasty. The flavor is savory with a nutty punch. Who knew green beans could be this exciting?
8 – Herbed Farro Salad
Herbed farro salad is a solid sidekick for chicken tenders. We start with cooked farro, a chewy and nutty grain. We mix it with cherry tomatoes, cucumber chunks, and red onion slivers.
The herbs, parsley and mint, bring fresh, vibrant notes. Our dressing is lemon juice and olive oil, balanced with sea salt and pepper.
The flavors are bright and earthy. We love how the farro stays firm and blends well with the veggies. A sprinkle of feta cheese adds a creamy contrast. Casual, simple, and totally hearty.
9 – Honey Glazed Carrots
Who knew carrots could steal the show? We coat these baby carrots in a rich honey glaze for a delightful sweetness.
Our secret? A dash of butter and a sprinkle of sea salt. These carrots are soft yet retain a slight crunch. The honey gives them a glossy finish and a caramel-like flavor. Pair them with chicken tenders and you’ve got a winner.
We love how simple ingredients like honey, butter, and sea salt can transform humble carrots into something special. These take no time but taste restaurant-worthy.
10 – Cheesy Baked Tomatoes
Alright, let’s talk cheesy baked tomatoes, the side dish you didn’t know you needed.
We bake juicy tomatoes topped with a blend of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and mozzarella. They come out with a golden crust and melted cheesy goodness.
Expect tangy and savory bites with a herby finish from basil and oregano. We love the rich flavor combo. Pro tip: Fresh tomatoes work best for that juicy snap. Simple, quick, and oh-so-satisfying.
11 – Cucumber Salad with Dill
This cucumber salad is super refreshing and cool. Crunchy cucumbers are the star, mixed with fresh dill, red onion, and a light vinegar dressing.
The flavors are crisp and herby, with a slight tang from the vinegar. The dill adds an extra layer of freshness. Sliced cucumbers, diced red onion, and chopped dill.
Our go-to for a light, bright side. Simple, fresh, and so easy.
12 – Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Alright, these garlic butter dinner rolls are the comfort side dish you didn’t know you needed. We start with warm, fluffy rolls, baked to perfection. We slather them in a rich garlic butter mix. The flavors are savory and slightly sweet, perfect for any meal.
The ingredients are simple: bread rolls, garlic, butter, and a pinch of sea salt. Toasty outside, soft inside. These rolls are pure bliss.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.