What To Serve With Chicken Nuggets: 30 Best Side Dishes!

Chicken nuggets are a beloved childhood favorite and a staple in many households. These lightly breaded and perfectly seasoned chicken pieces are a go-to meal for busy weeknights or a quick snack.

But why settle for just chicken nuggets when you can have a complete and satisfying meal with the perfect side dishes? From classic options like French fries and mac and cheese to healthier choices like grilled vegetables and fruit salad, the possibilities are endless.

Whether you’re using homemade chicken nuggets or store-bought, these tasty side dishes will take your meal to the next level. So without further ado, here are my best sides to serve with chicken nuggets.

1. French fries

French fries are a classic and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken nuggets. Whether you’re using fully cooked frozen chicken nuggets or making your own breaded chicken breast nuggets, french fries are a great way to round out the meal.

For a healthier option, make air fryer fries instead of deep frying them. You can also experiment with different seasoning blends like parmesan cheese or garlic powder to add some extra flavor. And for a more indulgent option, load your fries with shredded cheese and salsa.

And don’t forget some dipping sauces for added flavor and variety. From honey garlic to BBQ to ketchup, there are endless options to try with your crispy and golden brown chicken nuggets and fries.

We love: The Secret To Making The Best Fresh Cut Fries at Home (by The Markets at Shrewsbury)

2. Pasta salad

Pasta salad is a great side dish to serve with chicken nuggets. Its refreshing and light flavors complement the crispy and savory chicken bites perfectly.

Plus, pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be customized to fit the preferences of picky eaters. You can add in their favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or Brussels sprouts, and dress it with a light and tangy dressing.

We love: Easy Parmesan Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad Recipe (by No Plate Like Home)

3. Potato wedges

Potato wedges are a classic and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken nuggets. They are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices.

Unlike other fast food options, potato wedges are a healthier alternative as they are usually baked instead of fried. Plus, they are gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Serve them alongside your favorite chicken nuggets for a comforting and satisfying meal. The crispy, flavorful potatoes will complement the tender white meat of the nuggets perfectly, making every bite a delicious one.

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

4. Caesar salad

When it comes to kid-friendly meals, chicken nuggets are a go-to option. But instead of serving them with the typical French fries, why not mix it up with a Caesar salad that the grownups can also enjoy?

It’s one of my favorite healthy sides for any meal. But what’s not to love about the crunchy lettuce and creamy dressing alongside some crispy chicken nuggets?

We love: The BEST Caesar Salad (+ Homemade Caesar Dressing) (by FoodieCrush)

5. Potato salad

When it comes to serving chicken nuggets, a classic side dish like potato salad is always a great option.

The creamy and tangy flavors of potato salad perfectly complement the crispy texture of chicken nuggets.

Whether you’re using homemade chicken nuggets or store-bought frozen nuggets, potato salad is a delicious side dish to complete your meal.

We love: Ina Garten’s Potato Salad (by Insanely Good Recipes)

6. Sweet potato fries

Chicken nuggets are a classic favorite among kids and adults alike. And what better side dish to serve with them than sweet potato fries?

Not only are the baked fries a healthier alternative to traditional French fries, but they also add a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory chicken nuggets.

Plus, they’re super easy to make – just place frozen sweet potato fries in the oven and bake until crispy. Or make a homemade crispy baked homemade version from scratch.

We love: Crispy baked sweet potato fries (by I Heart Naptime)

7. Homemade coleslaw

Homemade coleslaw is the perfect side dish to pair with chicken nuggets. Not only does it add a refreshing crunch and tangy flavor to the meal, but it also balances out the richness of the chicken nuggets.

When you make your own coleslaw at home, you can control the ingredients! Use a mix of cabbage, carrots, and other veggies for added nutrients. And you can swap the heavy mayonnaise dressing for a homemade dressing made with ingredients like apple cider vinegar and Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

We love: Summer Classic Coleslaw Recipe Recipe | Little Spice Jar (by Little Spice Jar)

8. Roasted vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a great side dish to serve with chicken nuggets. Not only do they provide a healthy and delicious option, but they also add a variety of flavors to the meal.

Roast a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers, in a drizzle of vegetable oil and your choice of herbs and spices.

This side dish is a great way to add some extra nutrients to your meal while still enjoying the classic comfort food of chicken nuggets. It’s also a great option for those looking for a gluten-free side dish to pair with their nuggets.

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

9. Mac and cheese

When it comes to pairing side dishes with chicken nuggets, mac and cheese is always a winner.

The creamy and flavorful side dish complements the crispy and juicy chicken tenders perfectly, making for a satisfying and delicious meal. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra protein and calcium into your meal.

Serve some steamed veggies or a side salad alongside for a more well-rounded meal.

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

10. Tomato soup

Tomato soup is a great option for a side dish to serve with chicken nuggets.

Not only is it a classic and comforting dish, but it also pairs well with the crispy and flavorful chicken nuggets. And, it doubles up as a delicious dipping sauce for your crispy nuggets.

Try tomato soup as a healthy comfort food side dish.

We love: The Best Roasted Tomato Basil Soup (by Salted Mint)

11. Corn on the cob

Chicken nuggets are a staple in many households, especially for those with picky eaters or busy schedules.

But instead of just serving them with the usual fries, why not try a healthier and more flavorful side dish like corn on the cob?

Not only does it add a pop of color to the plate, but it’s an easy and quick side dish to make, either on the grill or in the oven.

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

12. Slow cooker baked beans

Looking for a tasty and easy side dish to serve with chicken nuggets? Look no further than slow cooker baked beans.

Not only are they a delicious and comforting accompaniment to the crispy and flavorful chicken nuggets, but they are also a healthy side option. Made with protein-rich beans, these slow-cooker baked beans are a great way to add some extra nutrition to your meal.

Plus, they are affordable and super easy to make. And they can be cooked in your Instant Pot for a hands-off cooking experience.

We love: The BEST Slow Cooker Baked Beans Ever (by Ambitious Kitchen)

13. Deviled eggs

Deviled eggs are a delicious and easy finger food to serve with chicken nuggets. They are made with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard, making them a simple yet flavorful addition to the meal.

Not only do they pair well with chicken nuggets, but they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

For a fun twist, add some additional flavors to your deviled eggs, such as bacon bits, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

We love: BEST Deviled Eggs Recipe (by Downshiftology)

14. Avocado toast

Avocado toast is a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with chicken nuggets that even picky eaters will approve.

Not only is avocado toast a tasty option, but it also adds some nutritional value to the meal. Avocados are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. And it’s a super easy side that everyone loves!

We love: Avocado Toast Recipe (by iFoodReal)

15. Corn salad

Made with fresh corn, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing, corn salad is the perfect way to add some veggies to your meal.

It’s the perfect summer side dish that’s also super easy to make, you’ll have it ready in no time.

We love: Summer Corn Salad (by Barefeet in the Kitchen)

16. Green salad

Green salad is a fantastic side dish to serve with chicken nuggets. Not only does it add some much-needed freshness and crunch to the meal, but it’s also a healthy option to balance out the fried chicken.

Sprinkle the salad with parmesan cheese and toasted sesame seeds.

We love: Best Simple Tossed Green Salad (by Creme De La Crumb)

17. Buffalo sauce

While chicken nuggets are a classic kid-friendly meal, they can also be a delicious and flavorful dish for adults.

Adding a side of buffalo sauce takes these nuggets to the next level, making them a show-stopping meal every adult wants to indulge in.

The spicy and tangy sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken nuggets, whether you’re making your favorite gluten-free chicken nugget recipe, or simply chucking frozen nuggets on a baking sheet.

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

18. Roasted cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower is a healthy and delicious side dish to serve with chicken nuggets.

When making chicken nuggets at home, roasted cauliflower is a great way to get in some extra veggies and add some variety to the meal.

To make this dish, simply preheat your oven, toss the florets in olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper (or your favorite seasoning). Then roast until golden brown.

We love: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower (by Dishing Out Health)

19. Hummus and pita chips

Hummus is a healthy and flavorful dip that pairs well with crispy and lightly breaded chicken nuggets or even crumbed chicken breast.

Dip and scoop your way through the hummus with whole-wheat pita bread, or pita chips and chicken nuggets for a fun dinner that the whole family will enjoy. It’s great with a simple chopped salad to round out the healthy meal.

We love: Best Loaded Hummus Recipe (by Unicorns in the Kitchen)

20. Crispy smashed potatoes

For a satisfying and flavorful side dish to serve with chicken nuggets, try crispy smashed potatoes.

These potatoes are lightly breaded and baked to perfection in the oven, making them a healthier alternative to traditional french fries. They are the perfect side dish for a game day spread or a comforting meal at home.

And since not all chicken nuggets are created equal, it’s important to have a delicious side dish like crispy smashed potatoes to ensure you have a satisfying meal. So preheat your oven and get ready to enjoy every bite of these crispy and flavorful potatoes with your chicken nuggets.

We love: Garlic Butter Crispy Smashed Potatoes (by Daen’s Kitchen)

21. Antipasto platter

Looking to turn your chicken nuggets into a finger food party treat? An antipasto platter is the perfect option!

Packed with a variety of foods, including meats, cheeses, olives, and vegetables, an antipasto platter is a great way to add some variety and flavor to your meal. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing with a group of friends or family.

Customize your perfect platter with your favorite dips, cheeses and deli meats.

We love: Antipasto Platter (by The Mediterranean Dish)

22. Grilled vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a great healthy side dish to serve with chicken nuggets for a well-rounded and delicious meal.

I love to grill zucchini, red bell pepper, red onion, and mushrooms. But you can use all of your favorite veggies to serve alongside the golden crunchy chicken strips.

We love: Grilled Vegetables (with Best Marinade) (by Valentina’s Corner)

23. Roasted sweet potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with any chicken recipe.

For a crispy chicken nugget traybake, cut the sweet potatoes into smaller, bite-sized pieces and roast them alongside the chicken nuggets in the oven. This creates a perfect combination of crispy chicken and tender sweet potatoes.

We love: Roasted Sweet Potatoes (by Chelsea’s Messy Apron)

24. Zucchini fries

Looking for an upgrade from standard French fries? Oven-baked zucchini fries are your answer!

Not only are they a delicious side dish option, but they also add some fiber and vitamins to your plate. Plus, crispy baked zucchini fries are easy to make!

Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for chicken nuggets and you have a meal that’s both tasty and nutritious.

We love: Quick Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries (by Yummy and fully)

25. Sautéed green beans

Sautéed green beans are a perfect side dish to serve with chicken nuggets. These crispy and flavorful green beans are a healthy and delicious option to pair with the indulgent chicken nuggets.

The light and savory flavor of garlic green beans compliments the breaded chicken pieces perfectly, making for a satisfying and wholesome meal. Plus, they are super simple to make and can be easily customized with different seasonings.

We love: Sautéed Garlic Green Beans (by Ahead of Thyme)

26. Creamy mashed potatoes

When it comes to pairing side dishes with chicken nuggets, nothing beats a comforting bowl of creamy mashed potatoes on a cold day.

The creamy mash provides a nice balance to the crispy texture of the chicken nuggets.

We love: The Best Mashed Potatoes (by Kristine’s Kitchen)

27. Honey mustard dipping sauce

When it comes to chicken nuggets, the possibilities for dipping sauces are endless. But for a classic and crowd-pleasing option, nothing beats my favorite honey mustard dipping sauce.

This flavorful and tangy sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy and juicy chicken nuggets, creating a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Plus, this is probably the easiest dipping sauce everyone can make!

We love: Honey Mustard Sauce (by Jo Cooks)

28. Tzatziki sauce

Tzatziki sauce is a versatile and delicious side dish that goes well with a variety of foods, including chicken nuggets.

Not only is tzatziki sauce a tasty addition to the meal, but it also adds a healthy element as it’s made with Greek yogurt.

To make your own tzatziki sauce, simply mix together Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, lemon juice, and garlic powder. You can also add in your favorite herbs or spices for added flavor.

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

29. Fruit salad

Fruit salad, or simply a plate of sliced fruit, is a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with chicken nuggets.

Choose your favorite seasonal fruit, simply slice into bite-sized pieces and serve this easy and healthy side alongside your favorite chicken nugget recipe.

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

30. Ice cream

What better way to end a meal than with a sweet treat like ice cream?

Once everyone had their fill of crispy chicken nuggets and delicious side dishes, gather the ice cream bowls and let everyone make their own ice cream sundaes. I’m a hot fudge sundae girl, but you can choose your favorite sauce and toppings to end off a delicious meal.

We love: Hot Fudge Ice Cream Sundaes (by Sweets & Thank You)

Frequently asked questions

Chicken nuggets are a classic and beloved food, but they can also be a great base for a delicious and nutritious meal. With the right sides, you can turn your chicken nuggets into a wholesome dinner.

Whether you opt to dish up classics like mac and cheese, creamy mashed potatoes, and French fries, or healthy alternatives like corn salad, hummus and pita chips, with fruit salad, this list has a side dish for everyone!

Let me know in the comments which one you picked?