Alright, parents, we’ve all been there — it’s dinner time, and the young ones are turning their noses up at the plate you so lovingly prepared. It’s like a culinary dance, isn’t it? Balancing nutrition while catering to the notoriously selective palettes of our kids.
Well, fear not, because we’ve scoured the kitchens and cooked up 15 dinners that are guaranteed to have your kids running to the table! From a simple 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken to a delightful takeout-like Lo Mein, these recipes are downright delicious and kid-approved. So, grab your aprons and let’s turn those mealtime frowns upside down, delving into a world where veggies are sneakily included, and flavors are kid-friendly fun!
Turkey Chili Pie
Combining a leaner turkey chili recipe with a hearty cornbread topping, this skillet baked dish is a balanced, kid-approved dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
This quick stir-fry dinner, featuring thinly sliced shaved beef and a delectable sauce, is a kid-favored alternative to takeout.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Avoiding the need for takeout, this recipe, made in the slow cooker, features a sticky, sweet sauce and pineapple pieces, making it a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops
These are an easy, healthy dinner option packed with lean protein, featuring an easy maple dijon sauce, becoming a go-to for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
This healthier, homemade version is a kid-approved alternative to the deep-fried restaurant variety, serving as a satisfying main dish or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Shrimp Lo Mein
Skip the takeout with this delicious, easy-to-make shrimp lo mein, featuring Chinese noodles, juicy shrimp, and vegetables, tossed in a restaurant-worthy sauce. Swap out the shrimp for chicken if you have picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
These indulgent, meatless quesadillas, oozing with melted cheddar and topped with a creamy BBQ sauce, can be served as a quick, hearty vegetarian option.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken
This recipe, involving beans and cheese, is ideal for a tortilla stuffing or a rice pairing, serving as a straightforward, child-approved dinner.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken
Sloppy Joes
Composed of lean ground beef, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and cheese, ow can any kid disapprove of the classic American recipe — the Sloppy Joe?
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joes
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Featuring taco seasoning, this one-pan meal is easy, flavorful, and can be prepared in 30 minutes, offering a quick, child-friendly dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Cheddar Chicken Bake
Utilizing leftover rotisserie chicken, this easy, healthy casserole combines cheddar and quinoa, making it a convenient dinner for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
This lighter version of the traditional dish maintains the creamy, cheesy comfort but is significantly healthier, making it a guilt-free choice and one you can feel better about putting on the table than the boxed stuff.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
Bomb Meatloaf
Easy to assemble, this meatloaf recipe offers a tender, juicy texture and is topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, becoming a household favorite.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf
Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks
Consisting of just six ingredients, these gluten-free, eggless fish sticks come with an easy dijon remoulade sauce, making them a child-friendly choice. Kids love the crunch and the sauce!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks
Fried Chicken Tacos
These crispy fried chicken tacos merge Southern comfort food with a Mexican twist, presenting a unique, kid-friendly dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken Tacos