15 dinners that are ready before your kids start whining

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Silence the “hangry” chorus before it starts! This guide features 17 delicious dinners that are ready in a flash, keeping both little tummies and big appetites happy. Forget the pre-dinner meltdown and enjoy stress-free evenings with quick, easy recipes that are guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Happy kids, happy you!

A plate of shredded chicken and green beans served with a garnish of herbs, accompanied by lemon slices and bowls of food in the background.
Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce

Thai chicken lettuce wraps with peanut sauce on a white plate.
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Craving a quick and flavorful meal with an Asian twist? Look no further! These Thai chicken lettuce wraps are packed with zesty flavors and come together in minutes. Tender chicken, a creamy peanut sauce, and crisp lettuce leaves make them a refreshing and healthy option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce

Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

Chicken Caprese with tomato and basil on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Caprese Chicken. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Ditch the boring chicken routine! This air fryer Caprese chicken is a game-changer. Juicy chicken is layered with classic Caprese flavors like tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. It’s a quick and easy meal that feels fancy and tastes incredible – way better than anything you’d get from a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

Mushroom Hummus

Hummus with mushrooms and crackers on a white plate.
Mushroom Hummus. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Skip the store-bought dips and impress your family with this homemade mushroom hummus. Packed with savory goodness, it’s a healthy and flavorful appetizer or side dish that’s easy to make and sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Hummus

Healthy Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata with lemon and capers on a plate.
Healthy Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

This ain’t your grandma’s chicken piccata! This light and flavorful dish features a tangy lemon sauce that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Plus, it goes with anything you have on hand, making it a dinnertime lifesaver.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Piccata

Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Front view of 2 stuffed chicken Crescent rolls on a white plate garnished with parsley.
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Forget takeout and wow your family with these easy chicken-stuffed crescent rolls. Packed with tender chicken and creamy cheese, they’re a crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together in minutes. Plus, they’re super versatile and pair perfectly with any side dish you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

A bowl of chicken and dumplings with a spoon and parsley.
Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Bring the comfort of Cracker Barrel straight to your kitchen with this quick chicken and dumplings recipe. Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings simmer in a flavorful broth, creating a cozy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Skip the takeout line and enjoy this delicious and familiar dish instead.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans on a plate with a fork.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Kids love chicken nuggets and you’re craving that classic Cracker Barrel comfort food? This copycat recipe delivers! Crispy, flavorful chicken just like the restaurant’s Sunday Homestyle dish is within reach. Perfect for nights when cooking feels like a chore, it’s a familiar and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole

A serving spoon scoops into a baked casserole with penne pasta, cheese, jalapeños, and bacon pieces.
Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Need a quick and flavorful dinner with a kick? This jalapeno popper chicken casserole is your answer. Creamy cheese combines with fiery jalapenos for a dish that’s sure to spice up your weeknight routine. It’s easy to throw together and perfect for satisfying those cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole

Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo

Salmon fillets stacked on a plate with lemons and herbs in the background.
Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Short on time but still want a delicious and healthy meal? This baked salmon with mayo is your new go-to. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have perfectly cooked salmon ready in no time. It’s a light and flavorful option that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo

Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach

Chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and dates on a white plate.
Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Ditch the takeout and try these easy stuffed chicken breasts. Packed with fresh spinach and a touch of sweetness from dates, they’re a healthy and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, they come together in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach

TikTok Egg Boil

A plate of hard-boiled eggs in spicy butter sauce.
TikTok Egg Boil. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Join the TikTok trend with this spicy twist on hard-boiled eggs. Bathed in a flavorful spicy butter sauce, these eggs are a must-try for spice lovers looking for something new. They’re a simple addition to your menu that adds excitement to mealtime, perfect for those who want to spice up their dinner routine without a complicated recipe.
Get the Recipe: TikTok Egg Boil

Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets

A plate with puff pastry cheese pockets on it.
Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Treat your family to a fun and easy dinner sdie! These puff pastry cheese pockets are filled with melty cheese and have a flaky golden crust. They’re a delicious alternative to takeout that’s perfect for picky eaters and can be whipped up in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets

Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt

A plate of shredded chicken and green beans served with a garnish of herbs, accompanied by lemon slices and bowls of food in the background.
Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Busy weeknight blues? This recipe is your hero! Simply toss chicken in a creamy Greek yogurt marinade, let your slow cooker work its magic, and dinner practically cooks itself. Tender, flavorful chicken awaits, perfect for those nights when you crave a delicious and hassle-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt

Spicy Cauliflower Bites

A plate of baked spicy cauliflower bites with red sauce next to it.
Spicy Cauliflower Bites. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Craving a side dish with a kick? Look no further than these crispy, flavorful cauliflower bites. Baked to perfection and infused with a touch of heat, they’ll add a burst of excitement to your meals. Healthy and delicious, they’re the perfect way to spice things up without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cauliflower Bites

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

A white plate with vegan stuffed portobello mushrooms garnished with cherry tomatoes and parsley.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Tired of the same old dinner routine? These stuffed portobello mushrooms are here to shake things up! Packed with delicious ingredients and bursting with Italian flavors, they’re a show-stopping option that’s surprisingly easy to make. No complicated cooking involved! Serve them as an appetizer or a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

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