What To Serve With Chicken Fingers (25+ Best Side Dishes)

Chicken fingers (or chicken tenders) are a beloved dish for both kids and adults alike. These crispy, juicy strips of chicken are a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed on their own or dipped in a variety of sauces.

But why stop there? The perfect side dishes can turn your chicken fingers into a complete and satisfying meal. From classic options like french fries and mac and cheese to healthier choices like steamed broccoli and fruit salad, the possibilities are endless.

I’ve gathered some of the best sides to serve with chicken fingers. So, whether you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a tasty and healthy side dish, or an indulgent treat, I’ve got you covered. Grab some chicken fingers and let’s get cooking!

1. French fries

French fries are a classic and tasty side dish to serve with chicken fingers. Their crispy exterior and soft center provide a satisfying texture contrast to the crispy chicken tenders.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, try oven-baked fries instead of frying them. You can also switch things up by using sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutritious side dish.

For a fun twist, try making different dipping sauces for both the chicken fingers and the fries. Some tasty options include garlic aioli, honey mustard, and BBQ sauce.

We love: Perfect Crispy French Fries (by RecipeTin Eats)

2. Mac and cheese

When it comes to the best side dishes for any home-cooked meal, mac and cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This classic combination of crispy chicken strips and creamy mac and cheese is a family favorite that never fails to satisfy.

Add a refreshing salad (like cucumber salad or a simple green salad) to complete the meal.

We love: The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese (by Mom On Timeout)

3. Onion rings

Onion rings are a classic side dish for fried chicken fingers. And for good reason, they add a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor to any meal.

With their super easy prep and delicious taste, it’s no wonder that onion rings are a popular side dish option for chicken fingers.

We love: Homemade Classic Onion Rings (by Bless this Mess)

4. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is another great side dish for chicken fingers. The tangy and creamy dressing of coleslaw provides a delicious contrast to the crispy and savory chicken fingers.

Plus, the crunchy texture of the coleslaw adds another layer of enjoyment to the meal.

For a complete and satisfying meal, serve your chicken fingers with coleslaw and a side of pasta salad or hot buttered egg noodles. And don’t forget a dipping sauce, like a classic ranch or a tangy honey mustard.

We love: This Is the Most Popular Slaw Recipe on Pinterest (by Kitchn)

5. Corn on the cob

When it comes to a simple and satisfying meal, chicken fingers are a go-to for many people. And what better way to round out this dish than with a classic side like corn on the cob?

This easy and delicious side dish pairs perfectly with the crispy and golden brown chicken tenders. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies with the kids.

Sprinkle some parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice on top for even more flavor.

We love: Oven-Roasted Corn On The Cob (by Southern Living)

6. Baked sweet potato fries

Sweet potato fries are the perfect side dish to serve with chicken fingers.

These oven-baked fries provide a healthier alternative to traditional French fries and are a great source of vitamins and nutrients. To add some extra flavor, toss the fries in some garlic powder before baking!

Serve with a sour cream dipping sauce to dip your sweet potato fries and chicken tenders.

We love: Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer (by The Hearty Life)

7. Roasted vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with chicken fingers.

Roast your favorite veggies, like potatoes, red peppers, cauliflower, and red onions tossed in olive oil in the oven with high heat.

This easy recipe is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for the whole family to enjoy. Plus, it pairs perfectly with any type of chicken tenderloins or baked chicken dish.

We love: The BEST oven roasted vegetables (by Diethood®)

8. Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic and delicious side dish that goes perfectly with any hot main dish. The creamy and buttery texture of the mashed potatoes balances out the crispy and flavorful chicken fingers.

Plus, with the option to add toppings like bacon bits, cheese, or chives, mashed potatoes can be customized to your liking.

We love: Simple Creamy Mashed Potatoes (by Olive & Mango)

9. Green beans

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious side dish to serve with your chicken fingers, look no further than green beans.

This simple side dish can be cooked in a variety of ways, from sautéing them in a pan with some garlic and olive oil to roasting them in the oven with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a flavorful side dish.

So next time you’re serving up some delicious chicken tenders, be sure to pair them with your favorite green bean recipe for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

We love: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans (by Eatwell101)

10. Rice pilaf

Rice pilaf is the perfect side dish to serve with chicken fingers. The light and fluffy rice pairs perfectly with the crispy and flavorful chicken tenders, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.

To make rice pilaf, simply cook white rice with some chicken broth, butter, and seasonings of your choice. For some added flavor, you can also add in some chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots.

For a complete meal, serve the chicken fingers and rice pilaf with a side of collard greens or a potato salad. And don’t forget to save the recipe for future meals!

We love: Herbed Rice Pilaf (by Easy Peasy Meals)

11. Steamed broccoli

Steamed broccoli is a great side dish to serve with chicken fingers.

Not only is it a low-effort side dish, but the bright green color also adds a pop of color to your plate.

For a healthier option, use baked chicken tenders instead of the traditional fried ones. Then complete your chicken finger meal with a bowl of steamed broccoli sprinkled with parmesan cheese and drizzled with olive oil alongside some rice pilaf or whole-wheat bread rolls.

We love: Perfect Steamed Broccoli (by Kristine’s Kitchen)

12. Baked beans

Baked beans are a fantastic side dish to serve with chicken fingers. The sweet and smoky flavors of the beans perfectly complement the crispy and savory fried chicken tenders.

Serve homemade baked beans alongside chicken tenders and some baked sweet potato for a delicious and nutritious meal. And, don’t forget to add your favorite dipping sauce!

We love: Homemade Baked Beans (From Dried Beans (by Seasons and Suppers)

13. Potato wedges

Potato wedges are a classic and easy side dish that will pair perfectly with any chicken tenders recipe.

They are easy to make at home. Simply cut potatoes into wedges, season with your favorite herbs and spices, and bake in the oven.

Serve it alongside your favorite chicken fingers with a fresh green salad for a delicious and balanced meal.

We love: Truly Crispy Garlic Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges Recipe (by CurryTrail)

14. Garden salad

A garden salad is a classic and healthy side dish that pairs well with chicken fingers, making it a great option for any chicken dinner.

The crisp and fresh vegetables in the green salad provide a balance to the rich and savory chicken fingers. You can also add some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with a simple salad salad dressing by mixing lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and grated parmesan cheese with olive oil.

We love: Southern Garden Salad & Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette (by Southern Discourse)

15. Fruit salad

Fruit salad is a versatile and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken fingers. Not only does it add a pop of color to your plate, but it also provides a refreshing contrast to the crispy fried chicken.

Feel free to mix and match different types of fruits to create a delicious and colorful fruit salad. Serve your fruit salad alongside the chicken fingers or as a light and healthy dessert option.

We love: Fruit Salad Recipe {with Honey Lime Dressing} (by Cooking Classy)

16. Honey mustard sauce

The easiest way to add some flavor to the table is with a homemade dipping sauce. And honey mustard sauce is a classic!

This incredibly easy recipe uses pantry staples to make a delicious dipping sauce in minutes. I love to make mine with Dijon mustard, honey, and a cheeky pinch of cayenne pepper. Or, use hot honey for an instant spicy kick.

We love: The best homemade Honey Mustard Sauce (by The Novice Chef)

17. Baked zucchini fries

Chicken fingers are a classic comfort food that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. And one of the best options is baked zucchini fries.

These crispy and flavorful fries are a healthier alternative to traditional french fries and add a delicious crunch to your chicken finger meal. Plus, the zucchini adds some extra nutrients to your plate.

So next time you’re making chicken fingers, don’t forget to whip up a batch of these tasty baked zucchini fries. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and you’ll have smiles all around!

We love: Super Crispy Zucchini Fries – Baked in the Oven (by Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons)

18. Butternut squash casserole

Chicken fingers are a classic favorite among both kids and adults, and they go well with a variety of side dishes. One of our top picks for a side dish to serve with chicken fingers is butternut squash casserole.

The creamy and slightly sweet flavors of the casserole complement the crispy and savory chicken fingers perfectly. Plus, this dish is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters.

With a combination of comfort and nutrition, butternut squash casserole is a delicious and wholesome side dish for chicken fingers. Give it a try at your next family meal!

We love: Butternut Squash Casserole (by The Cozy Apron)

19. Ranch dressing

When it comes to serving chicken fingers, there are endless options for dipping sauces. But one classic choice that never disappoints is ranch dressing.

Ranch dressing pairs wonderfully with the crispy and juicy chicken fingers, adding a creamy and tangy element to the meal. Plus, it’s easy to whip up at home with just a few simple ingredients.

We love: Small Batch Ranch Dressing Recipe (by A Flavor Journal)

20. BBQ sauce

While chicken fingers are often paired with ranch dressing or cheese sauce, why not mix things up with a delicious BBQ sauce?

The tangy and slightly sweet sauce adds a burst of flavor to the crispy chicken tenders, making them even more irresistible. Plus, it’s a super simple and easy one-bowl recipe that will save you time in the kitchen.

Serve your homemade barbecue sauce with chicken tenders and some traditional sides like fries, mac and cheese, and grilled vegetables. See more delicious sides to serve with BBQ chicken.

We love: BBQ Sauce Recipe (Simple & Easy!) (by Simple Joy)

21. Buffalo sauce

While we all associate buffalo sauce with chicken wings, it works just as great with chicken tenders!

The tangy and spicy sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy and savory chicken fingers, making it a must-have addition to your meal.

We love: Buffalo Wing Sauce (by Dinner, then Dessert)

22. Blue cheese dressing

While ranch sauce, BBQ sauce, and honey mustard all work a treat with chicken fingers, it’s the blue cheese sauce I reach for when I want the best chicken sauce!

The tangy and creamy flavors of blue cheese are the perfect complement to the crispy and savory chicken fingers. Plus, it’s a simple creamy sauce that is a crowd-pleasing favorite.

This is a great dual-purpose sauce. Use it for dipping your crispy chicken pieces and drizzle it over a simple green salad. Serve with more delicious side dishes like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or macaroni and cheese.

We love: Steakhouse Blue Cheese Dressing (by Platings + Pairings)

23. Salsa

Salsa might not be the first sauce you think of when you reach for the chicken fingers, but it makes a great dipping sauce!

The fresh and natural flavors of the salsa complement the crispy chicken fingers perfectly.

I love to serve some baked potatoes or cheesy mac and cheese alongside my chicken fingers and salsa. And, as always, a little something green like roasted Brussels sprouts, collard greens, or a chopped salad completes the meal.

We love: Best Homemade Salsa Recipe (by Kristine’s Kitchen)

24. Hummus

When it comes to the ultimate comfort food, chicken fingers are at the top of the list. And hummus might not be the first dip you reach for.

But alongside some flatbreads, a vibrant salad, and a zesty sauce, hummus can help you transform your everyday chicken fingers into a Mediterranean feast!

It’s a great option for those looking for a dairy-free or gluten-free alternative. Plus, hummus is easy to make ahead. Use an Instant Pot to cook dried chickpeas, or save time and make your hummus from canned chickpeas.

We love: Roasted Garlic Hummus (by Cooking Classy)

25. Tzatziki sauce

For a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, try serving tzatziki sauce as a side dish with chicken fingers.

The creamy and tangy flavors of the Greek yogurt complement the crispy and juicy chicken fingers perfectly, making it a delicious and refreshing addition to the meal.

Plus, tzatziki is a healthier alternative to traditional dipping sauces, making it a great option for those looking for healthy sides.

We love: Authentic Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber Yogurt Sauce) (by Key To My Lime)

26. Marinara sauce.

Marinara sauce is another often overlooked sauce to serve with chicken fingers. The tangy tomato sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy and savory chicken fingers, making it a favorite dipping sauce for many.

It’s like an upgraded, homemade ketchup! What’s not to love?

Serve alongside a fresh veggie side dish, such as roasted asparagus spears with lemon or roasted green beans. Add some crusty bread to wipe your plate clean, because you won’t want to leave any of this delicious sauce behind!

We love: Easy Marinara Sauce (by Downshiftology)

Frequently asked questions

Next time you’re craving a comfort food dish, consider serving homemade chicken fingers and pair them with some delicious side dishes! From sweet potato fries to mac and cheese, these sides are sure to please your taste buds.

Let me know how you decide to serve your chicken fingers!