Mealtime with a picky eater can feel like a battle.
You spend ages preparing a delicious dish, only to be met with frowns and crossed arms. Fear not, weary warriors!
This post is your arsenal, packed with 35 easy, kid-approved meals that will turn your dinner table into a victory zone.
We’ve got cheesy classics, fun twists on familiar favorites, and sneaky veggie options that will have little soldiers gobbling them up without a fuss.
So, put down the white flag and get ready to enjoy stress-free meals with your little ones.
35 Easy Kid-Friendly Meals
1. Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
A quick and nutritious meal featuring tender chicken pieces and crisp broccoli stir-fried in a savory sauce, served over rice or noodles for a delicious and balanced dish.
2. Taco Bar
An interactive and customizable meal featuring a variety of taco fillings such as seasoned ground beef or chicken, lettuce, cheese, salsa, and other toppings, allowing kids to build their own tacos to their liking.
3. Baked Potato Bar
A fun and versatile meal featuring baked potatoes served with a variety of toppings like cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and chopped vegetables, offering endless combinations for a satisfying meal.
4. Grilled Cheese
A classic and comforting meal featuring melted cheese sandwiched between slices of buttered bread, grilled until golden brown and crispy, offering a simple yet delicious option for kids.
5. Pizza Quesadillas
A creative twist on pizza featuring tortillas filled with pizza sauce, cheese, and favorite toppings like pepperoni or vegetables, cooked until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
6. Chicken Fajitas
A flavorful and colorful meal featuring sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onions seasoned with fajita spices, served with warm tortillas and optional toppings like salsa and guacamole.
7. Spaghetti and Meatballs
A beloved classic featuring cooked spaghetti noodles topped with marinara sauce and homemade or store-bought meatballs, offering a hearty and satisfying meal for kids.
8. Easy Baked Flautas
A crispy and flavorful meal featuring tortillas filled with seasoned chicken or beef, rolled up and baked until golden brown, offering a delicious handheld option for kids.
9. Sloppy Joes
A messy yet delicious meal featuring seasoned ground beef or turkey cooked in a tangy tomato sauce and served on hamburger buns, offering a flavorful and satisfying option for kids.
10. Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups
A simple and tasty meal featuring slices of ham and cheese rolled up in tortillas or bread, offering a quick and portable option for lunch or dinner.
11. Chicken Nuggets
A kid-favorite meal featuring breaded and baked or fried chicken nuggets served with dipping sauces like barbecue or honey mustard, offering a tasty and easy-to-eat option.
12. Fish Sticks
A crispy and flavorful meal featuring breaded and baked or fried fish sticks served with tartar sauce or ketchup, offering a kid-friendly option for seafood lovers.
13. Mac and Cheese
A creamy and comforting meal featuring cooked pasta tossed in a cheesy sauce made with cheddar, milk, and butter, offering a beloved and satisfying option for kids.
14. Meatball Subs
A hearty and flavorful meal featuring homemade or store-bought meatballs simmered in marinara sauce and served on toasted sub rolls with melted cheese, offering a delicious and handheld option.
15. BLT Wraps
A fresh and flavorful meal featuring crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato wrapped in tortillas with mayonnaise or ranch dressing, offering a delicious handheld option for lunch or dinner.
16. Ham and Pineapple Pizza
A tropical twist on classic pizza featuring pizza crust topped with marinara sauce, cheese, ham, and pineapple chunks, offering a sweet and savory option for kids.
17. Chicken Tenders
A kid-friendly meal featuring breaded and baked or fried chicken tenders served with dipping sauces like ketchup or ranch, offering a tasty and easy-to-eat option for kids.
18. Tuna Melts
A flavorful and satisfying meal featuring tuna salad served on toasted bread with melted cheese, offering a tasty and protein-packed option for kids.
19. Chicken and Rice
A simple and comforting meal featuring cooked chicken pieces served with seasoned rice, offering a nutritious and filling option for kids.
20. Loaded Veggie Nachos
A hearty and flavorful meal featuring tortilla chips topped with cheese, black beans, tomatoes, avocado, and other favorite toppings, baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
21. Mini Corn Dogs
A fun and tasty meal featuring bite-sized hot dogs coated in cornbread batter and baked until golden brown and crispy, offering a delicious handheld option for kids.
22. Pasta with Butter and Parmesan
A simple yet satisfying meal featuring cooked pasta tossed with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese, offering a quick and comforting option for kids.
23. Mini Pizzas
A customizable and fun meal featuring mini pizza crusts topped with marinara sauce, cheese, and favorite toppings like pepperoni or vegetables, offering a delicious and personalized option for kids.
24. Chicken Pot Pie
A comforting and hearty meal featuring tender chicken and vegetables baked in a creamy sauce and topped with flaky pastry crust, offering a delicious and satisfying option for kids.
25. Breakfast for Dinner
A fun and unconventional meal featuring breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, pancakes, and bacon served for dinner, offering a tasty and comforting option for kids.
26. Hot Dogs
A classic and easy meal featuring grilled or boiled hot dogs served in buns with favorite toppings like ketchup, mustard, and relish, offering a quick and satisfying option for kids.
27. Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas
A cheesy and flavorful meal featuring tortillas filled with cooked chicken and melted cheese, grilled until crispy and golden brown, offering a delicious and easy-to-make option for kids.
28. Mini Meatloaves
A tasty and individualized meal featuring mini meatloaves made with seasoned ground beef or turkey and baked until cooked through, offering a flavorful and portion-controlled option for kids.
29. Pancakes
A breakfast-inspired meal featuring fluffy pancakes served with toppings like maple syrup, fruit, and whipped cream, offering a delicious and comforting option for any time of day.
30. Mini Tacos
A fun and flavorful meal featuring mini taco shells filled with seasoned ground beef or chicken, lettuce, cheese, and favorite toppings like salsa and sour cream, offering a tasty and handheld option for kids.
31. Homemade Chicken Tenders
A homemade and healthier version of classic chicken tenders featuring breaded and baked chicken strips served with dipping sauces like barbecue or honey mustard, offering a tasty and nutritious option for kids.
32. Mini Sliders
A bite-sized and flavorful meal featuring mini hamburgers topped with cheese, lettuce, and tomato, served on slider buns for a fun and delicious option for kids.
33. Pita Pockets
A versatile and customizable meal featuring whole wheat pita bread filled with favorite ingredients like grilled chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce, offering a nutritious and portable option for kids.
34. Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
A creamy and satisfying meal featuring cooked pasta tossed with tender chicken, broccoli florets, and Alfredo sauce, offering a delicious and comforting option for kids.
35. Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
A flavorful and nutritious meal featuring teriyaki chicken served over rice with pineapple chunks, offering a sweet and savory option inspired by Hawaiian flavors.
Final Thoughts,
That’s 35 delicious and easy meals to add to your dinnertime rotation. Remember, there will still be nights where nothing seems appealing to your little one.
But with this arsenal of options, you’ll be well-equipped to handle those battles.
Don’t be afraid to get creative, involve your kids in meal prep (age-appropriately!), and most importantly, have fun! Mealtime should be a positive experience for everyone.
Here’s to conquering picky eaters and creating happy memories around the dinner table!
