What To Serve With Chicken Nuggets: 15 Perfect Pairings
Chicken nuggets are so wonderfully versatile, and they’re just as suitable for a quick after-school dinner for the kids as they are as a more grown up meal for adults. After all, who doesn’t love a morsel of tender, moist chicken, encased in a tasty batter or breadcrumb?
What really matters when it comes to your meal prep is what to serve with chicken nuggets.
Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy that you can have on the table in hardly any time at all. or you fancy getting creative and trying out a new recipe, we’ve got lots of choices for you to consider.
Here’s what I suggest for what to serve with chicken nuggets…
1. French fries
Chicken nuggets and fries is perhaps the most obvious choice, and it deserves a quick mention here because it’s so delicious!
You’ll often find this meal on the menu in kid friendly restaurants, and it’ll likely appeal to even the fussiest of eaters in your family.
Best of all, you can just put everything in the oven and you’re good to go. Serve with plenty of salt and vinegar for the ultimate in satisfaction.
2. Mac and cheese
Mac and cheese brings a few essential components to your dinner. The carbs will ensure that you’re full and satisfied, and the creamy, cheesy sauce really ramps up the taste factor.
This baked mac and cheese recipe uses a combination of cheeses, for the ultimate in cheesy satisfaction.
It takes around 35 minutes in total to cook and prepare, so it’s quick enough for a stress free midweek meal. You can also prepare it a couple of days in advance, if you prefer.
3. Chilli smashed peas
If you want to encourage your diners to eat more veggies, chilli smashed peas are a delicious choice with an extra little kick of heat.
Simply boil some frozen peas until cooked, drain, and gently smash with a little butter, seasoning, and fresh chopped red chilli. A few sprigs of mint are a great addition here too.
4. Pasta salad
When it comes to what to serve with chicken nuggets, a pasta salad is such a fantastic choice because it’s amazingly versatile.
You can decide to simply use up whatever vegetables you have in the fridge, like tomatoes, peppers, spinach, and onion. I like to stir through some natural yoghurt or quark as a lighter dressing, with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of mixed herbs.
Alternatively, you can try one of the many popular recipes out there. This Greek pasta salad is one of my all-time favourites, and this store cupboard pasta salad makes something beautiful from kitchen staples.
Make sure you make a little extra so you’ll have your lunchboxes sorted for the next day!
5. Salt and vinegar potatoes
If you’ve never tried Nigella’s salt and vinegar potatoes, you’re in for a real treat with this side dish!
They do require steaming and then roasting of potatoes which might seem a lot of extra effort, but I promise you that it’s absolutely worth it.
These are a more sophisticated option for what to serve with chicken nuggets, and it’s perfect alongside some steamed broccoli and a glass of dry white wine. Who said that nuggets can’t be posh?!
6. Your favourite bread
A chicken nugget sandwich is quick, easy, and a lot of fun.
Just pick your favourite bread, whether that’s sliced white, bloomer, ciabatta, or French baguette, and spread with butter.
Add your nuggets alongside some shredded iceberg lettuce and some mayonnaise.
7. Egg fried rice and curry sauce
I love making this meal, and I consider it to be a quick spin on a Katsu curry!
Just serve your nuggets on top of a bed of egg fried rice (with extra veggies for nutritional purposes), and pour over some silky curry sauce.
There are plenty of readymade varieties that you can pick up in the supermarket if you don’t have much time, but I do recommend trying this chip shop curry sauce recipe. It’s wonderful for both pouring and dipping, and adds a lovely twist to chicken and chips too!
8. Tempura asparagus fries
Love chips, but find that you’re serving them up a little too often?
Try something new (and add in an extra portion of veggies) by making some tempura asparagus fries.
They’re unusual enough to be a real talking point at the table, and are the kind of side dish for chicken nuggets that everyone will love.
9. Cauliflower and broccoli cheese
For what to serve with chicken nuggets, cauliflower and broccoli cheese is always one of my go to options!
Those perfectly cooked vegetables, covered in a molten, creamy cheese make such satisfying comfort food, and this side is particularly popular once the colder autumn and winter months come round.
10. Potato waffles
Many of us are familiar with the ultra processed variety of potato waffles that were popular when we were growing up, but did you realise that you can make your own from scratch?
This delicious potato waffles recipe uses leftover mashed potato and a handful of store cupboard ingredients, and they take less than half an hour to prepare and cook.
They’re just as good with sweet potato mash, so don’t be scared to get a little creative if you like!
I also occasionally make these waffles for breakfast, with smoked salmon or bacon and a poached egg. It’s one of those things that’s fabulous to have in your personal kitchen repertoire, and it can come in handy for so many different meals.
11. Gravy
Gravy is a slightly unusual side dish for chicken nuggets, but it can make a beautifully comforting meal for the whole family.
Serve your nuggets with creamy mashed potatoes, your favourite steamed vegetables, and pour over a generous helping of rich, hot gravy.
It’s a great option for a Sunday afternoon when you’re trying to use up the food you already have in the home ahead of a big shop.
12. Caesar salad
A caesar salad typically consists of cos lettuce and croutons, parmesan cheese, and a dressing made with lemon juice, egg, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, garlic, mustard, and black pepper.
Chicken is often added to this kind of salad, so why not try adding chicken nuggets?
It’s ridiculously quick and easy, as well as being a lighter option for those evenings when you want something that’s not too substantial.
13. Sweet potato wedges
Sweet potato wedges are so wholesome and delicious, and so easy to prepare at home.
Just cut a sweet potato into chunks, toss in some oil and seasoning, and roast in the oven for around 30 minutes or until golden and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you’re serving sweet potato wedges regularly, you can change things up by adding different seasoning mixes during the cooking process.
14. A selection of condiments
Chicken nuggets are the perfect finger food for dipping into your favourite condiments!
Some good choices include tomato ketchup, barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, and honey mustard.
15. Homemade coleslaw
Homemade coleslaw is a vibrant and colourful choice for what to eat with chicken nuggets.
Shred onion, cabbage, and carrot, and make a dressing using low fat natural yoghurt, a little mayonnaise and mustard, and a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Finish off by garnishing with some chopped coriander or parsley.
What do you usually eat with chicken nuggets?
Do you love a particular accompaniment that isn’t covered here?
I’d love to hear about it!
Leave your ideas in the comments section below.
