Hey there, food enthusiasts! Have you ever found yourself enjoying a plate of crispy, golden chicken strips and wondered what do you eat chicken strips with? Well, you’re not alone! Whether you’ve got them fresh out of the oven or from your favorite diner, the question of what to pair with chicken strips often leaves taste buds tingling in anticipation.
Chicken strips, those mouthwatering morsels of tender, juicy chicken coated in a crunchy layer of seasoned breading, are undoubtedly a beloved treat for many. One classic pairing that immediately springs to mind is dipping these delectable strips into sauces. From tangy barbecue and zesty honey mustard to creamy ranch or spicy buffalo, the options are as varied as they are flavorful. The choice of dip can truly make or break the chicken strip experience, offering a burst of complementary tastes with every bite.
In this blog, we’ll pair chicken strips with various sides and explore the endless possibilities to satisfy your taste buds.
So, grab a seat, prepare to drool, and join us on this culinary journey as we uncover the perfect companions for your beloved chicken strips!
Pairing chicken strips with complementary sides can elevate the overall dining experience. Here’s an in-depth exploration of what you can enjoy with chicken strips:
Sweet Potato Fries
Indulge in Sweet Potato Fries golden, crispy delights that redefine comfort food. These fries, cut into perfect strips and fried to golden perfection, boast a tender interior with a hint of natural sweetness. Their caramelized edges add an extra layer of flavor. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a side dish, these fries promise a satisfying crunch and a burst of sweet, savory goodness in every bite.
French Fries
Satisfy your cravings with classic French Fries a timeless comfort food favorite. These slender potato sticks, fried to a crisp golden exterior, offer an irresistible crunch that gives way to a fluffy, soft interior. Whether paired with a juicy burger or savored on their own, these fries tantalize the taste buds with their salty goodness. Versatile and universally loved, they remain an irresistible snack that brings joy with every bite.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw, a refreshing medley of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing, offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Crisp, crunchy vegetables are coated in a creamy or vinaigrette-based dressing, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and tanginess.
This versatile side dish or topping complements various meals, adding a refreshing crunch to burgers and sandwiches or as a standalone salad. Its fresh, zesty taste makes coleslaw a timeless and palate-cleansing addition to any plate.
Asparagus Fries
Asparagus Fries redefine the classic finger food experience with a sophisticated twist. Tender asparagus spears are coated in a light, crispy batter, resulting in an innovative and delightful appetizer. These slender green spears boast a satisfying crunch, revealing a succulent interior bursting with earthy flavors. Served alongside zesty dipping sauces, Asparagus Fries offers a gourmet alternative, presenting a unique and flavorful way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable.
Pesto Sauce
Pesto Sauce, a culinary masterpiece, combines fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil into a vibrant green paste. Its aromatic profile bursts with herbaceous notes and nutty undertones, offering a harmonious blend of flavors. This versatile sauce enhances pasta, sandwiches, and meats, bringing freshness to dishes. Pesto’s rich, aromatic essence captivates the palate, making it a timeless favorite in Italian cuisine.
Pea Salad
Pea Salad embodies freshness and simplicity, blending tender green peas with crisp ingredients in a light dressing. This vibrant medley typically includes diced red onions, crispy bacon, and creamy mayonnaise or a tangy vinaigrette. Its colorful appeal and contrasting textures offer a refreshing crunch with every bite.
Perfect for picnics or as a side dish, Pea Salad exudes a delightful balance of sweet peas, savory elements, and a hint of creaminess, creating a palate-pleasing sensation.
Corn Pudding
Corn Pudding, a comforting Southern delicacy, merges creamy texture with sweet corn kernels in a delectable harmony. This savory-sweet dish blends cornmeal, eggs, milk, and butter into a velvety custard base. The star ingredient, fresh or canned corn, infuses bursts of sweetness throughout.
Baked to a golden perfection, Corn Pudding embodies a luscious, comforting flavor reminiscent of home-cooked meals, offering a delightful taste of traditional Southern cuisine.
Zucchini Pasta
Zucchini Pasta, a lighter alternative to traditional pasta, revolutionizes healthy eating. Thinly sliced or spiralized zucchini strands mimic pasta noodles, offering a nutritious, low-carb option. This versatile veggie dish pairs perfectly with various sauces, absorbing flavors while maintaining a satisfyingly al dente texture. Zucchini Pasta provides a guilt-free culinary experience, showcasing the vegetable’s subtle taste and serving as a canvas for an array of flavorful sauces or toppings, ideal for health-conscious diners.
Fried Apples
Fried Apples epitomize comfort with a tantalizing blend of sweetness and warmth. Sliced apples, often sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, are gently cooked in butter until soft and caramelized. This classic Southern treat offers a nostalgic aroma and a cozy, indulgent taste.
Pasta Salad
Pasta Salad, a flavorful medley of cooked pasta, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing, combines textures and tastes in a delightful ensemble. Colorful veggies, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers, mingle with al dente pasta, creating a vibrant dish.
Dressed in a zesty vinaigrette or creamy dressing, Pasta Salad offers a refreshing, versatile side dish or a satisfying standalone meal, presenting a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
Spinach Casserole
Spinach Casserole harmonizes earthy spinach with creamy richness for a comforting dish. Fresh or frozen spinach blends with creamy sauces, cheeses, and seasonings, creating a luscious filling. Baked to golden perfection, its bubbling surface invites a tantalizing aroma.
This dish delivers a velvety, savory bite complemented by the distinct spinach flavor. This heartwarming casserole, both nutritious and flavorful, embodies comfort and satisfaction in every comforting serving.
Fried Pickles
Fried Pickles offers a delightful twist, transforming tangy dill pickles into crispy, golden delights. Sliced pickles are coated in a seasoned batter and fried to a perfect crunch while retaining their signature briny flavor.
Each bite delivers a satisfying contrast—crispiness on the outside and a tangy, juicy burst within. Often served with a zesty dipping sauce, these addictive snacks tantalize taste buds with their unique flavors and textures.
Seasoned Rice
Seasoned Rice, a culinary canvas of flavors, elevates plain grains into a savory delight. Long-grain rice is infused with aromatic spices, herbs, and sometimes broth or oils, enhancing its taste profile.
Each grain boasts a fragrant aroma and a nuanced taste, from savory to mildly spicy or herbaceous. This versatile side dish complements diverse cuisines, offering a comforting and flavorful base that perfectly accompanies various main courses.
Waffles
Waffles, a breakfast classic, are crispy yet fluffy delights that captivate with golden-brown perfection. Cooked in a specialized waffle iron, these grid-patterned wonders boast a delightful texture—crisp on the outside and soft and airy within.
Their sweet aroma permeates the air, inviting toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or drizzles of syrup. Waffles offer a comforting and indulgent treat, bringing joy with every bite of their delectable, syrup-catching pockets.
Zucchini Chips
Zucchini Chips reimagine snacking, presenting thin slices of zucchini baked or fried to crispy perfection. Delicate yet flavorful, these thinly cut rounds offer a satisfying crunch while maintaining a hint of the vegetable’s natural sweetness.
Seasoned with herbs, spices, or parmesan, they tantalize taste buds with a savory punch. Zucchini Chips serve as a guilt-free, addictive snack, showcasing the vegetable’s versatility in a delightful and healthier chip alternative.
What are chicken strips good for?
Chicken strips are versatile and can be used in various ways to create delicious meals. They are good for snacking, appetizers, and party finger foods. Add them to salads, sandwiches, and wraps for a hearty, protein-packed meal. Chicken strips work well as fillings for tacos and burritos, adding a tasty twist to your Mexican-inspired dishes.
They can be incorporated into pasta dishes, stir-fries, and even kids’ meals. Whether you enjoy them on your own or use them in different recipes, chicken strips are a convenient and flavorful option to satisfy your cravings.
Here are some ideas for what you can do with chicken strips:
Snack or Appetizer
Chicken strips are a crowd-pleasing option for people of all ages. Whether hosting a game night, a birthday party or simply looking for a tasty snack, chicken strips are a go-to choice. Their crispy exterior and tender meat make them satisfying to bite into, while the ability to pair them with a variety of dipping sauces adds an extra layer of flavor and customization.
Whether you prefer classic ketchup, tangy barbecue sauce, or zesty ranch dressing, there’s a dipping sauce to complement your chicken strips perfectly.
Salads
The versatility of chicken strips allows them to be incorporated into various salad recipes. You can toss them with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing for a refreshing lunch or dinner.
Combining tender chicken strips and crisp vegetables creates a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Whether you prefer a Caesar salad, a Cobb salad, or a simple mixed greens salad, adding chicken strips can elevate the dish and make it more filling.
Sandwiches/Wraps
When it comes to sandwiches and wraps, chicken strips are a fantastic choice for a filling that is both flavorful and versatile. For a classic chicken sandwich, you can layer them on a sub roll with lettuce, tomato, and mayo or roll them up in a tortilla with avocado, salsa, and shredded cheese for a delicious wrap.
The tender and juicy chicken strips provide protein-packed goodness that pairs well with various ingredients. Whether you prefer a classic deli-style sandwich or a wrap with a southwestern flair, chicken strips will take your creation to the next level.
Tacos/Burritos
Tacos and burritos are a perfect canvas for chicken strips. Season the strips with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, then cook them until tender and flavorful. Fill tortillas with the cooked chicken strips and add your favorite toppings such as salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, and lettuce.
The combination of the seasoned chicken strips and the variety of toppings creates flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you prefer soft flour tortillas or crispy corn shells, chicken strips will add a satisfying protein element to your Mexican-inspired creation.
Pasta Dishes
When it comes to pasta dishes, chicken strips add a delicious twist and make them heartier. You can toss the cooked chicken strips with your favorite pasta sauce, whether a creamy Alfredo, tangy marinara, or rich garlic sauce. The tender and juicy chicken strips complement the pasta and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Whether you prefer penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine, adding chicken strips to your pasta creation is a great way to elevate your meal and make it more satisfying.
Stir-Fries
When it comes to stir-fry dishes, chicken strips are an excellent addition that brings protein and texture to the table. Slice the cooked chicken strips into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry them with colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas. Choose your favorite sauces to enhance the flavors, whether savory soy sauce, a tangy teriyaki, or a spicy chili sauce.
The versatility of chicken strips allows them to absorb the flavors of the stir-fry sauce while maintaining their juicy and tender texture. Serve your chicken strip stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Kids’ Meals
Children often enjoy chicken strips because of their mild flavor and tender texture, making them a popular choice for kids’ meals. Pairing chicken strips with classic sides like fries or vegetables can create a well-rounded and balanced meal for children. Whether dipped in ketchup, barbecue sauce, or a favorite dipping sauce, chicken strips provide a satisfying and familiar taste that many children enjoy.
Parents can also get creative by using chicken strips to make fun and interactive meals, such as chicken strip skewers or wraps, to engage their little ones during mealtimes.
Remember, these are just a few examples of using chicken strips. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors, seasonings, and cooking methods to suit your taste preferences.
What are chicken strips called?
Chicken strips are commonly referred to as chicken tenders or chicken fingers. These terms are used to describe boneless, breaded, and fried pieces of chicken that have a long and thin shape. The name “chicken tenders” is derived from the chicken breast’s tenderloin section, known for its tenderness and juiciness. Chicken fingers, on the other hand, generally refer to strips of chicken that are coated in a crispy breading and deep-fried until golden brown.
While “chicken tenders” and “chicken fingers” are often used interchangeably, they may slightly differ in preparation and ingredients depending on the context or region. However, both variations share the concept of providing a tasty and convenient finger food option. Chicken strips have become famous for meals at fast food chains, casual restaurants, and even at home.
Chicken strips are commonly called chicken tenders or chicken fingers due to their shape and method of preparation. These delicious bites offer a satisfying combination of juicy chicken and crispy coating, making them a beloved choice for kids and adults.
