What To Serve With Chicken Nuggets: Healthy Options For The Kids
What are the best foods to serve with chicken nuggets? We have compiled a list of our favorite side dishes for your kid’s meal or the next family gathering.
These are small pieces of breaded or battered chicken cooked in a deep fryer. The batter can be made from scratch, but it often comes pre-made.
What to Serve with Chicken Nuggets?
Chicken Nuggets, French Fries, and Salad. Credit: canva
Are you craving these? When you prepare them for your kids and the entire family, the first thing to remember is to add something healthy to them.
You want your child to get all the nutrition they need without worrying about getting fat.
Here are some of the most popular and delicious side dishes for chicken nuggets:
French Fries
Nothing beats a classic! You can offer baked or fried french fries for your next meal. This classic side dish pairs great with all sorts of different meals, so they are a great option to have on hand.
You can serve them with tomato sauce, honey mustard, or hot sauce.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
These baked potatoes are sweet, crispy, and go great with their tomato sauce. They’re also way healthier than the frozen aisle. What’s not to love?
Easy Zucchini Chips
Stick a whole zucchini in front of your kid, and she’ll stick out her tongue. Zucchini chips, on the other hand, are nothing short of magical. It is a perfect side dish.
Garden Salad
This healthy side dish is always a good choice for those looking for something light and healthy. A garden salad can be topped with different dressings, so it’s perfect for everyone.
Fruit Salad
Another healthy option, fruit salad, is packed full of vitamins and minerals that can help boost your child’s immune system. You can even make a fruit salad that looks like an ice cream sundae for added fun!
Steamed Vegetables
Steamed vegetables are the best choice if you want to pamper your kids and have them eat better than they usually would. Everyone knows how important it is to get your daily serving of vegetables, so why not make them taste good too?
Coleslaw
If rainbow sprinkles were a salad, this would be it. The rice vinegar is tangy but not too overpowering, so no small taste-testers will be offended.
Dairy-Free Creamed Corn
Proof that you don’t need much cream or milk to make a seemingly decadent side. The bacon doesn’t hurt either.
Mac and Cheese
Chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, and broccoli for lunch. Credit: canva
This all-time favorite is always a hit with kids. This tasty side dish is creamy, cheesy, and delicious – what more could you ask for?
Summertime Fruit Salad
Adults might pass on fit’s salad, but kids know it’s the prize of the dinnertime spread. You can serve all kinds of fruits that you can find.
Pizza
Everyone loves pizza! This classic dish can be made in many different ways, so it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Whole Roasted Carrots
Carrots have always been a kid favorite. We just made them better. (And yea”, you”can leave the onions off if you want.) Get the recipe
Crispy Green Bean “Fries”
Turn a green vegetable into chip form that is crispy, salty, and cheesy,, and you’ll be the talk of the playground.
Chicken Tenders or Chicken Strips
Delicious chicken tenders are another great option for those who want something that’s both familiar and tasty. They can be served with various dipping sauces, making them perfect for any occasion.
Chicken Fingers
Chicken fingers are bite-size breaded chicken sticks. Kids love chicken fingers because they’re easy to grab and hold onto. Plus, they’re usually pretty inexpensive.
Bacon Potato Soup
Warm, creamy, and just a little bit naughty. You’ve got crisp, smoky bacon, ooey-gooey creamy cheese, and soft and chewy potatoes.
This bowl of bacon potato soup is the perfect meal for a cold winter day.
Sweet Potato Wedges
When looking for a great side dish, look no further than sweet potato wedges. These chewy potatoes are .super easy to make, and they taste delicious!
Burger with chicken nuggets. Credit: canva
Hot Dogs
These American favorites always hit the spot! You can either grill them or cook them in the oven. They always taste delicious.
Hamburgers
Like hot dogs, hamburgers are a staple of American cuisine. You can top them with different toppings, making them the perfect palate.
Pasta Salad
Chicken Nuggets and Pasta. Credit: canva
A pasta salad is a fantastic choice for what to serve because it’s amazingly versatile.
Pesto Zoodles
You could also skip the won’t and swap it with zucchini noodles. The squiggly shape alone will sell it for them.
Avocado Rice
Rice is nice but even better when combined with creamy avocado. Use brown rice for an extra boost of nutrition.
Cauliflower “Tater” Tots
Cauliflower is a great substitute for potatoes because it’s low in carbs and high in fiber. You won’t even notice the difference!
Brown Rice or White Rice
There are so many reasons to love brown rice, but one of the best is its ability to pair with almost everything on this list. It also has more protein than white rice, making it a perfect choice for those looking to bulk up.
Sweet Potato Fries
The more colorful the food, the better! Sweet potato is a guilt-free side dish containing vitamin A and C. So they’re super healthy too.
Baked Ziti
It’s like comfort in a bowl (minus all that cheese), and kids are guaranteed to love it.
Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese Soup
This soup is creamy with rich chees, a bit of crunch, and a great way to sneak in some vegetables.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
Have your child’s dessert ready before the meal is even over! These are the perfect ways to end a meal, making everyone happy.
Rice Krispies Treats
These sweet and sticky treats are a must-have for any dessert lover. This creative side dish is easy to make and even easier to eat!
Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce
Our recipe calls for a little brown sugar, which you can reduce or leave out if you desire.
Brownies
Chocolate lovers rejoice! Brownies are the perfect way to end any meal. They’re rich, delicious, and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Cake
A good old-fashioned cake is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry, there’s a flavor for everyone. It is a mouth-watering side dish.
Ice Cream
Last but not least, we have ice cream! This sweet and creamy treat is a refreshing side dish that is the perfect way to end any meal. You can choose from various flavors and toppings to create the perfect sundae.
Chicken Nugget as Main Dish Ideas
Here are several main dish ideas using store-bought frozen nuggets. They are family-friendly meals. Even the kids will love it.
Chicken Nugget Parmesan
What could be better than crispy smothered in parmesan cheese? Not much! This meal will please even the pickiest of eaters.
Tacos
These tacos combine two kid-friendly favorites into one delicious dish for a fantastic end to any night.
With Ketchup and Mustard Sauces
This meal is so easy to make that you could even have your kids do it while you clean up. They’ll love dunking their nuggets into their favorite sauce!
With Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing has always been a kid favorite; this recipe shows them how to make it from scratch. You can also add some shredded cheese for an extra flavor boost.
With BBQ Sauce
BBQ sauce is another classic kid favorite, and it pairs perfectly. This is a hearty meal that is perfect for a summer barbecue!
Casserole
This casserole is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Pasta Salad
What could be better than pasta salad and nuggets combined into one? Not much! Cook the nuggets and boil them in a pasta pot according to their package directions. This meal is easy to make, fun to eat, and delicious.
With Cornbread
Cornbread pairs perfectly with anything sweet or savory. Make some extra to eat with your meal, or save it for later.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is the perfect comfort food, so why not serve it? This creamy side dish is a match made in heaven!
Pizza Chicken Nugget Casserole
Pizza and chicken nuggets are two kid favorites, so why not combine them? This casserole is perfect for any pizza lover.
Sliders
Sliders have always been a favorite among kids because they’re small enough to eat in just one or two bites! You can also serve these on mini buns for an extra special twist.
Quesadilla
They’re a classic kid-friendly meal and pair perfectly! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Waffles
Waffles and chicken nuggets are two breakfast favorites, so why not combine them? This meal is perfect for a lazy Sunday morning.
Drizzle over some maple syrup or honey, and you can even have this for breakfast.
Buffalo Chicken Nugget Wraps
These wraps are perfect for game day or whenever you feel a bit spicy. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat!
Caesar Salad
This salad is the perfect way to end any meal. It’s easy enough to make for a family dinner but delicious and impressive enough for guests!
Chicken Salad Sandwiches With Nugget Croutons
This chicken sandwich salad is a fun aIt’sasy way to use up any leftovers. It is a creamy chicken salad between two slices of your favorite bread.
The croutons add a delicious crunch to the mix!
Sheet Pan and Ranch Potato Wedges
This sheet pan meal is loaded with flavor and ease and is something the whole family will enjoy. It is a single sheet pan meal of vegetables, ranch potato wedges, and chicken nuggets.
Healthy Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Why Do We Make Our Own Homemade Chicken Nuggets?
We usually buy frozen ones at the groceries, But, as we all know, some companies (if not most) use artificial flavors and colors to give the chunks more flavor.
It is worth trying to make homemade to serve the kids healthier foods. It’s simple and easy!
The most common way of cooking them is by deep-frying them. However, you can also bake or use an air fryer for healthier options.
Simple Homemade Chicken Nugget Recipe
This original recipe is the easiest and most favorite recipe.
Ingredients
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon granulated garlic Kosher salt and ground black pepper
Combine the flour, garlic, salt, and pepper in a resealable plastic bag.
Place the chicken in the bag with the flour and coat it evenly (working in batches).
Season the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper on a separate plate. Set aside.
Whisk the egg and 1 tablespoon of water in a medium bowl.
Remove a piece from the flour, dip it in the egg mixture, then the breadcrumbs, and gently press the crumbs into the meat. Set on a clean plate.
Repeat with the remaining pieces.
In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil at medium-high heat.
Add the pieces to the pan and cook on each side for 8 minutes to a golden brown.
Place the nuggets on a paper-towel-lined plate using a spatula.
Salt while hot and serve.
Source: Food Network
Freezing and Making Ahead Instructions
They can be frozen for up to two months. Once frozen, you can reheat them in the oven at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes.
You can also make the chicken ahead of time by cooking it and then refrigerating it for up to three, reheating it in a 350-degree-F oven for about 15 minutes.
FAQs
Why should you not eat chicken nuggets?
Some companies use artificial flavors and colors to give the nuggets more taste. So, it is not a healthy food for human consumption. Instead, you should try our homemade recipe! It’s simple and easy to follow.
What are the healthiest chicken nuggets to eat?
The healthiest are the ones you make yourself. The ingredients used in these classic homemade recipes will surely be healthier than those filled with artificial flavors and colors!
What is a healthy alternative to chicken nuggets?
Some healthier alternatives include grilled chicken, chicken salad, veggie burger, or even a simple Caesar salad! All of these recipes are easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Related Topics
What Do You Eat with Chicken and Dumplings?
A chicken and dumpling meal consists of chicken soup, biscuits, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, and a sweet dessert such as pie or cake. The dish originated in the Southern United States and was originally served at breakfast.
What Can I Make with Frozen Chicken Nuggets?
You can use them for making delicious recipes such as pizza, tacos, burgers, soup, etc.
What Goes with Fried Chicken?
A side of fries! Fried chicken has been around for centuries and was originally made from chickens fried in lard.
Today, fried chicken is usually served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and other sides such as coleslaw, macaroni salad, cornbread, biscuits, etc.
How Much is a McDonald’s Chicken Nugget Meal?
A McDonald’s chicken nugget meal costs $1.99 at McDonald’s restaurants nationwide. The price varies depending on location.
What Sides Go with Wings?
The most popular sides to go with the wings are fries, salad, burgers, and coleslaw.
What Vegetables Go with Bbq Chicken?
Potatoes go well with chicken, especially when they’re grilled. Other vegetables include broccoli, carrots, onions, mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini.
What is Considered a Side Dish?
A side dish is any food item served alongside the main course. The term “side” refers to the fact that these items are usually eaten after the main meal has been consumed. Examples include rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, macaroni salad, and green beans.
What Can I Eat with Grilled Chicken?
The best thing to eat with grilled chicken is a side salad. This way, you can still taste the flavor of the chicken while eating healthy. Other foods that go well with grilled chicken include steamed vegetables, rice, pasta, potatoes, bread, and salads.
Is Mac And Cheese a Side or Main Dish?
Mac and cheese is a side dish, although some restaurants serve it as a main course. The macaroni and cheese are usually served with breadcrumbs, butter, and cheese. Some restaurants also add bacon, ham, or other meats.
What Vegetables Go with Dumplings?
The answer depends on what kind of dumpling you’re making. To make soup dumplings, you should use vegetables like cabbage, carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, etc.
However, if you’re making steamed dumplings, the vegetables you should choose include mushrooms, bamboo shoots, spinach, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, etc.
