As parents, we all know the struggle of dealing with picky eaters. It’s a daily battle to ensure our little ones are getting the nutrition they need while also catering to their unique and often finicky palates.
But fear not, for we have compiled a comprehensive list of 35 easy, kid-friendly dinners that are sure to please even the most discerning of taste buds.
Our goal is to provide you with a diverse range of meal ideas that are not only delicious but also simple to prepare.
We understand that your time is precious, and you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen only to have your child turn up their nose at the meal.
That’s why we’ve focused on dishes that can be whipped up in a flash, using ingredients that are readily available at your local grocery store.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, we invite you to explore our collection of 35 easy kid-friendly dinners for picky eaters.
With a little creativity and a dash of patience, you’ll soon discover that mealtime can be a fun and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Happy cooking!
35 Easy Kid-Friendly Dinners
1. Homemade Pizza
A fun and customizable dinner option featuring homemade pizza dough topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and kid-approved toppings like pepperoni, veggies, or pineapple.
2. Baked Chicken Parmesan
A classic Italian dish featuring breaded chicken breasts baked with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, offering a flavorful and comforting meal for kids.
3. Tacos
A versatile and interactive dinner option featuring taco shells filled with seasoned ground beef or chicken, lettuce, cheese, and kid-friendly toppings like salsa and sour cream.
4. Meatball Subs
A hearty and satisfying dinner option featuring meatballs simmered in marinara sauce and served in toasted sub rolls with melted cheese, offering a delicious and handheld meal for kids.
5. Sheet Pan Fajitas
A quick and easy dinner option featuring sliced chicken or beef, bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning roasted on a sheet pan, offering a flavorful and colorful meal for kids.
6. One Pan Chicken and Veggies
A simple and nutritious dinner option featuring seasoned chicken breasts cooked with a variety of vegetables on a single sheet pan, offering a balanced and hassle-free meal for kids.
7. Fried Rice
A tasty and versatile dinner option featuring cooked rice stir-fried with scrambled eggs, vegetables, and protein like chicken or shrimp, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor.
8. Pasta with Meat Sauce
A comforting and satisfying dinner option featuring cooked pasta tossed in a rich and flavorful meat sauce made with ground beef or turkey, tomatoes, and Italian herbs.
9. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
A tender and flavorful dinner option featuring pork shoulder slow-cooked with barbecue sauce until it’s juicy and easy to shred, offering a delicious filling for sandwiches or wraps.
10. Chicken Quesadillas
A cheesy and delicious dinner option featuring tortillas filled with cooked chicken, cheese, and optional ingredients like beans or veggies, cooked until crispy and golden brown.
11. Sloppy Joes
A classic and hearty dinner option featuring ground beef or turkey cooked in a tangy tomato sauce and served on hamburger buns, offering a messy yet delicious meal for kids.
12. Chicken Stir Fry
A quick and flavorful dinner option featuring sliced chicken breast stir-fried with vegetables in a savory sauce, served over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
13. Baked Potatoes
A simple and customizable dinner option featuring baked potatoes topped with kid-friendly toppings like cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and chives, offering a filling and versatile meal.
14. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
A classic and comforting dinner option featuring grilled cheese sandwiches served with warm tomato soup for dipping, offering a tasty and nostalgic meal for kids.
15. Lemon Garlic Shrimp
A light and flavorful dinner option featuring shrimp marinated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce and quickly cooked on the stovetop, offering a quick and tasty meal for kids.
16. Cheesy Chicken Casserole
A cheesy and comforting dinner option featuring cooked chicken, pasta, and vegetables baked in a creamy cheese sauce until bubbly and golden brown, offering a satisfying meal for kids.
17. Turkey Burgers
A healthier alternative to beef burgers, featuring seasoned ground turkey formed into patties and grilled or cooked on the stovetop, offering a tasty and lean protein option for kids.
18. Chicken Tenders
A kid-favorite dinner option featuring breaded and baked or fried chicken tenders served with dipping sauces like barbecue, honey mustard, or ranch, offering a tasty and easy-to-eat meal.
19. Baked Salmon
A nutritious and flavorful dinner option featuring seasoned salmon fillets baked until tender and flaky, offering a delicious source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein for kids.
20. Turkey Chili
A hearty and warming dinner option featuring ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and spices simmered together until flavorful and comforting, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal for kids.
21. Spaghetti and Meatballs
A classic and beloved dinner option featuring cooked spaghetti topped with marinara sauce and homemade or store-bought meatballs, offering a comforting and satisfying meal for kids.
22. Homemade Mac and Cheese
A creamy and cheesy dinner option featuring cooked pasta tossed in a homemade cheese sauce made with cheddar, milk, and butter, offering a comforting and indulgent meal for kids.
23. Chicken and Rice Soup
A comforting and nourishing dinner option featuring cooked chicken, rice, vegetables, and broth simmered together until flavorful and tender, offering a soothing and satisfying meal for kids.
24. Mini Meatball Sliders
A fun and delicious dinner option featuring mini meatballs served on slider buns with marinara sauce and melted cheese, offering a kid-friendly twist on classic meatball sandwiches.
25. Vegetable Fried Rice
A flavorful and nutritious dinner option featuring cooked rice stir-fried with scrambled eggs, mixed vegetables, and soy sauce, offering a tasty and satisfying meal for kids.
26. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
A creamy and indulgent dinner option featuring cooked pasta tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce made with cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese, topped with grilled chicken for added protein.
27. Mini Corn Dog Muffins
A fun and portable dinner option featuring mini cornbread muffins baked with bite-sized pieces of hot dog inside, offering a kid-friendly twist on classic corn dogs.
28. Honey Glazed Chicken
A sweet and sticky dinner option featuring chicken drumsticks or thighs glazed with honey, soy sauce, and garlic, baked until caramelized and delicious, offering a flavorful and hands-on meal for kids.
29. BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
A tasty and satisfying dinner option featuring shredded chicken cooked in barbecue sauce and served on hamburger buns, offering a flavorful and messy meal for kids.
30. Mini Meatball Pizzas
A fun and flavorful dinner option featuring mini pizza crusts topped with marinara sauce, mini meatballs, and cheese, offering a kid-friendly twist on classic pizza.
31. Veggie-loaded Quesadillas
A nutritious and flavorful dinner option featuring whole wheat tortillas filled with cheese, beans, and a variety of chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach, offering a tasty and balanced meal for kids.
32. Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Casserole
A comforting and creamy dinner option featuring cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli tossed in Alfredo sauce, baked until bubbly and golden brown, offering a delicious and satisfying meal for kids.
33. Tater Tot Casserole
A hearty and comforting dinner option featuring cooked ground beef or turkey, vegetables, and tater tots baked together in a creamy sauce until bubbly and golden brown, offering a delicious and kid-friendly meal.
34. Hawaiian Pizza
A sweet and savory dinner option featuring pizza crust topped with marinara sauce, cheese, ham, pineapple, and optionally bacon or bell peppers, offering a tropical twist on classic pizza flavors.
35. Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas
A flavorful and cheesy dinner option featuring shredded chicken, cheese, and enchilada sauce rolled in corn tortillas, baked until bubbly and served with toppings like sour cream and salsa, offering a delicious and satisfying meal for kids.
Final Thoughts,
No more dinnertime tantrums! With this arsenal of 35 Easy Kid-Friendly Dinners, you’ve conquered picky eating and transformed mealtimes into a breeze.
These delicious and creative recipes offer something for every young adventurer at the table, from exciting takes on classics to fun and colorful presentations.
Not only will your little ones be begging for seconds, but they’ll also be getting the essential nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the peace (and maybe even some quiet chewing) that comes with successful mealtimes. With these recipes in your back pocket, you’re a certified picky-eater pro!
