15 dinner recipes that will make eating easy for picky eaters

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Finding dinner ideas that please picky eaters can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. These simple, no-fuss recipes are perfect for families dealing with different food preferences. They focus on familiar ingredients and flavors that even the fussiest eaters will enjoy. Say goodbye to mealtime stress with these easy-to-love dinner options.

Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This creamy chicken pot pie is filled with tender chicken, peas, and carrots, all coated in a flavorful tarragon gravy. It takes about an hour to prepare and tastes like classic comfort food with a subtle herb twist. The flaky crust balances the creamy filling, making it a hit with picky eaters. It’s a warm, familiar dish that makes dinner easy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops on a plate with oranges and limes.
Citrus Glazed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These pork chops are coated in a sweet and tangy citrus glaze, making them a bright and flavorful option. Ready in just 30 minutes, they feature oranges and lemons, giving the dish a fresh taste without overwhelming the palate. The glaze adds a subtle sweetness that appeals to even the pickiest of eaters. It’s a quick and easy dinner that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Cilantro lime chicken on a plate next to avocado and cilantro garnish.
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This dish combines zesty lime, cilantro, and perfectly cooked chicken for a light yet flavorful meal. The whole dish is ready in about 35 minutes and features simple ingredients that picky eaters recognize. The cilantro and lime add a fresh twist without being too bold. Serve it with rice for an easy, well-rounded dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Overhead shot of grilled maple mustard chicken.
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This grilled chicken gets a sweet and tangy flavor from maple syrup and mustard, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. It takes about 30 minutes to make, delivering juicy chicken with a caramelized glaze that’s not too overpowering. The maple mustard combo creates a balance of flavors that picky eaters will enjoy. It’s a quick, fuss-free meal that works for any night.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Meaty Tomato Sauce

Meaty tomato sauce on a bed of spaghetti noodles in a white background, with a pan of sauce and a bowl of noodles.
Meaty Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This hearty tomato sauce combines ground beef and pork for a rich flavor that picky eaters will love. Ready in about 45 minutes, it features tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs for a savory, satisfying meal. The meaty sauce pairs well with pasta, delivering a comforting and familiar taste. It’s perfect for those who prefer simple, no-fuss dinners.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Tomato Sauce

Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa

Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This juicy tri-tip is paired with a refreshing pineapple mango salsa that adds a hint of sweetness and spice. The recipe takes about 40 minutes, with the tender beef and fruity salsa making it a delicious, approachable dinner. The flavors are familiar but with a tropical twist that isn’t overwhelming. It’s perfect for those who like simple but tasty meals.
Get the Recipe: Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa

Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon

Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This salmon recipe features garam masala for a warm spice blend that’s mild but flavorful. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and cooked on a cedar plank, giving the fish a subtle smoky flavor. The mild spices and tender salmon make it a good choice for those who like gentle flavors. It’s an easy way to introduce new tastes without being too bold.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These homemade ravioli are filled with a creamy butternut squash mixture that’s sweet and savory at the same time. They take about an hour to prepare, making them a cozy and comforting dinner option. The smooth filling is wrapped in delicate pasta, perfect for picky eaters who enjoy milder flavors. Serve with a simple sauce for a family-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Stuffed shells in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, then baked to perfection. The dish takes around 45 minutes and offers a mild, cheesy taste that’s appealing to picky eaters. The spinach adds a subtle flavor without being overwhelming, while the ricotta provides a rich and creamy base. It’s a satisfying vegetarian option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Buttermilk Brined Turkey

A buttermilk brined roasted surrounded by festive holiday side dishes.
Buttermilk Brined Turkey. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This turkey is brined in buttermilk, making it juicy and flavorful without needing heavy seasoning. It takes a bit of planning with a 24-hour brine, but the cooking time is about 2 hours. The result is tender turkey with a slight tang that even picky eaters will enjoy. It’s an easy way to serve turkey without the dryness.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey

Panko Crusted Rockfish

panko crusted rockfish on a plate with spinach.
Panko Crusted Rockfish. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This panko-crusted rockfish offers a crunchy, golden coating with tender fish inside, making it appealing to seafood lovers and picky eaters alike. It’s ready in 25 minutes and features mild rockfish with a crispy breading. The light flavor and satisfying crunch make it an approachable seafood option. Serve with lemon for a simple, fresh finish.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Rockfish

Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Pork chops with blackberry applesauce on a gray plate.
Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These pork chops are served with a sweet applesauce and a hint of blackberry, adding a fruity balance to the savory meat. The recipe takes about 35 minutes, delivering tender pork with a familiar, kid-friendly taste. The applesauce adds a natural sweetness, making it more enjoyable for picky eaters. It’s a fun, flavor-packed dinner that feels comforting.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These pork chops are smothered in a creamy mustard shallot gravy, making them a comforting dinner option. It takes about 30 minutes to make and pairs tender pork with a mild, savory gravy that picky eaters can appreciate. The mustard and shallot add flavor without being too strong. Serve it with mashed potatoes for a classic, comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

Chicken Shawarma Plate

Chicken Shawarma Plate. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This chicken shawarma is seasoned with mild spices and served with rice, veggies, and a yogurt sauce, making it a well-rounded meal. The recipe takes about 40 minutes, offering tender, flavorful chicken that’s approachable for picky eaters. The yogurt sauce adds a cool, creamy element without being too rich. It’s a simple, balanced dinner with familiar flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate

Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast

Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This turkey breast is coated in a crunchy hazelnut crust, offering a unique texture while keeping the meat tender. It’s ready in about an hour, delivering a nutty, savory flavor that’s still mild enough for picky eaters. The hazelnut crust adds a delicious crunch without overpowering the turkey. It’s a fun twist on a classic dinner staple.
Get the Recipe: Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast

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