Best Sides for Chicken Tenders? Try These Delicious Options!

Okay, so I’ve been on this mission to find the perfect sides for chicken tenders. My kids are obsessed, and honestly, so am I. But eating them plain all the time? Boring! So, I started experimenting.

The Classic Route

First, I went with the classics. You know, the things you always see with chicken tenders.

• Fries: Can’t go wrong, right? I tried a few different kinds: regular, steak-cut, and even sweet potato fries. The sweet potato ones were a surprise hit!
• Honey Mustard: A MUST. I made my own – it’s just mayo, honey, Dijon mustard, and a little bit of lemon juice. Way better than the store-bought stuff.
• Coleslaw: Okay, this one was a bit of a miss with the kids. They just picked at it. But I love a good, creamy coleslaw, especially if it’s got a bit of a tang.

Getting a Little Fancy

Then, I decided to branch out. I wanted something a bit more… interesting.

• Mac and Cheese: This was a HUGE win. I used a recipe with sharp cheddar and a little bit of Gruyere. So creamy and cheesy – it paired perfectly with the crispy tenders.
• Mashed Potatoes: Another comfort food classic. I whipped them up with lots of butter and a little bit of cream. Super simple, but so good.
• Waffles: This is * put the chicken and waffles together,and eat! Very easy!

The (Slightly) Healthier Options

Okay, I know, chicken tenders aren’t exactly health food. But I figured I could at least try to make the meal a little bit more balanced.

• Roasted Vegetables: I tossed some broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roasted them until they were tender and slightly caramelized. The kids actually ate them!
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. Nothing fancy, but it added some freshness to the meal. I threw in some cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, too.

The Verdict

Honestly, it depends on my mood! Some days, I’m all about the comfort food (mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, please!). Other days, I want something a bit lighter. The roasted veggies were surprisingly good, and the sweet potato fries are always a favorite. The most important thing is having a good dipping sauce – that homemade honey mustard is a game-changer!

My chicken tenders journey is ongoing. I’m always looking for new ideas, so if you’ve got any suggestions, please share, I am happy to try!