35+ Mouth-Watering Sides That Go Perfectly With Chicken Nuggets

Are you staring at a plate of chicken nuggets wondering what else to add to make it a complete meal? I’ve been there too! Whether you’re feeding picky kids or just satisfying your own nugget craving, finding the perfect side dish can turn a simple nugget dinner into something special.

As a busy parent and food blogger I’ve tested countless sides with chicken nuggets over the years. Today, I’m sharing my ultimate list of what goes with chicken nuggets – from classic fries to surprisingly delicious healthy options!

Classic Sides That Never Disappoint

Let’s start with the tried-and-true favorites that always hit the spot:

French Fries (The Ultimate Nugget Companion)

Nothing pairs with chicken nuggets quite like crispy fries! For a healthier twist that doesn’t sacrifice flavor:

• Air Fryer Shoestring Fries These come out exactly like fast food fries – crispy outside fluffy inside – but without all the oil! They take just minutes to make.

• Garlic Herb Fries Baked in the oven with garlic and herbs, these are flavorful enough that you might forget about the nuggets! They’re super easy and don’t require deep frying

Mac and Cheese

The creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese creates the perfect comfort food combo with crispy nuggets:

• Instant Pot Mac and Cheese: Ready in just 4 minutes! Made extra creamy with evaporated milk plus delicious cheddar and parmesan cheese.

Mashed Potatoes

Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes are perfect for dipping those nuggets:

• Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes: These are light, creamy, buttery and tangy. Use your stand mixer for super easy prep – no hand mashing required!

• Serve with KFC-style gravy: A copycat KFC gravy takes this combo to the next level. Pour it over both the nuggets and potatoes for ultimate comfort food.

Healthy Sides for Balanced Meals

When I need to balance out the indulgence of nuggets with something nutritious:

Fresh Salads

• Tomato Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and red onions dressed in tangy red wine vinaigrette. It’s refreshing and cuts through the richness of fried nuggets.

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar pairs surprisingly well with nuggets! Mix the nuggets right in for an upgraded chicken Caesar.

• Arugula Salad: The peppery bite of arugula with a simple vinaigrette balances fried food perfectly.

Vegetable Sides

• Buttered Corn and Green Beans: Kid-friendly veggies that add color and nutrition. Even picky eaters tend to like these!

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Savory, slightly sweet, and totally delicious. Season simply with olive oil, salt and pepper.

• Sautéed Zucchini and Squash: Quick to prepare and full of flavor with Italian seasoning.

• Air Fryer Zucchini Chips: Crispy and seasoned with lime and chipotle – a healthy alternative to potato chips!

Unique Sides to Impress

When I want to elevate nuggets beyond the ordinary:

Creative Coleslaw Variations

Coleslaw and chicken nuggets are surprisingly perfect together:

• Hawaiian Coleslaw: With pineapple, cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds and a ginger-soy lime vinaigrette for tropical flair.

• Red Cabbage Slaw (No Mayo): Tangy and crunchy without the heaviness of mayo.

• Greek Yogurt Coleslaw: Lighter than traditional slaw but still creamy and delicious.

Exciting Flavor Bombs

• Blistered Shishito Peppers: These are mostly mild with the occasional spicy surprise. They’re slightly smoky and make a fun finger food alongside nuggets.

• Din Tai Fung Green Beans: Crispy beans coated with garlic and spicy chili crisp – an umami explosion!

• Buffalo Smashed Potatoes: Crispy smashed potatoes topped with vinegary, spicy buffalo sauce and creamy blue cheese dressing.

• Jalapeno Poppers: Cream cheese-filled jalapenos wrapped in crispy bacon create an amazing flavor contrast with simple nuggets.

International Flair

Take your nugget meal around the world:

• Mojo Picante: This Spanish-inspired bright red dipping sauce has a zing from bell peppers and warmth from paprika and cumin.

• Bacon Fried Rice: Skip the takeout and make this 15-minute fried rice loaded with bacon. It’s a complete meal with your nuggets!

• Cheese Quesadillas: Super quick (just 10 minutes!) and only requires 3 ingredients. The warm, gooey cheese is irresistible.

Fun Sides for Special Occasions

When we’re having a movie night or casual get-together:

• Cheddar Cheese Waffles: A playful take on chicken and waffles! These savory, cheesy waffles with crisp edges pair amazingly with nuggets.

• Popcorn Shrimp: Light and crunchy with parmesan breadcrumbs. Double the fun finger foods!

• Beer-Battered Onion Rings: Perfectly crispy and addictive. The beer gives them incredible flavor.

Comfort Food Companions

Sometimes you just need something hearty and satisfying:

• Southern Baked Beans: Sweet from molasses, smoky from bacon, and tangy from vinegar. So much better than canned!

• Collard Greens: Traditional Southern-style greens cooked until tender. Use an Instant Pot to reduce cooking time to just 12 minutes.

• Homemade Spaghetti-O’s: A nostalgic side that kids and adults both love. Ready in just 20 minutes!

Quick Reference Guide: What Goes With Chicken Nuggets

Dipping Sauces to Complete the Meal

Don’t forget the dips! While most people have their favorites, here are some options beyond the basic ketchup:

• KFC-style gravy
• Honey mustard
• BBQ sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Buffalo sauce
• Mojo picante
• Sweet and sour sauce

My Personal Favorites

I gotta admit, my go-to chicken nugget sides are pretty simple:

1. Air fryer shoestring fries (my kids think they’re better than McDonald’s!)
2. Hawaiian coleslaw (the sweet pineapple balances the savory nuggets perfectly)
3. Tomato cucumber salad (when I need something fresh and light)

Tips for Creating a Complete Chicken Nugget Meal

1. Balance textures – Pair crispy nuggets with something creamy (mac and cheese) or fresh (salad)
2. Add color – Chicken nuggets are golden brown, so add colorful sides like sweet potatoes or tomato salad
3. Consider nutrition – Include at least one vegetable side to balance the meal
4. Think about cooking methods – If your nuggets are in the oven, choose stovetop sides to manage cooking times

Final Thoughts

Chicken nuggets might seem like simple kid food, but with the right sides, they can be the star of a delicious meal for anyone! Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy like fries, something healthy like a fresh salad, or something unique like cheese waffles, there’s a perfect pairing for every nugget occasion.

What’s your favorite side to serve with chicken nuggets? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!

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Looking for more quick dinner ideas? Check out my posts on what to serve with pulled pork or sides for pizza night!