13 kid pleasing meals that are easy to make

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The days of staring blankly into your fridge wondering what to cook are over. Keep reading for 13 speedy, crave-worthy meals that’ll make your kids ask for seconds.

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Three slow cooker tacos with chicken, lime, avocado and tomatoes.
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Crock Pot Chicken Tacos have a sweet and tangy honey-lime twist. Your kids will be doing the dinner dance as they build their own tacos, and you’ll be the hero of the kitchen with this set-it-and-forget-it meal. It’s a win-win where you get to take all the credit.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Pieces of chicken on a plate of spaghetti.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered in melty cheese – this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a home run in the kid-friendly meal league. It’s the classic Italian go-to without the hassle of frying, making it a healthier option that still delivers on taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Say goodbye to the blue box and hello to creamy, dreamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese that cooks itself to cheesy bliss. This comfort food staple just got a whole lot easier, giving you all the brownie points with the little ones without chaining you to the stove.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Piece of chicken and waffle casserole on a plate.
Chicken and Waffle Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Mix up your mealtime routine with a Chicken and Waffle Casserole that’s a playful mash-up of breakfast and dinner. It’s got all the charm of the Southern classic in a fun, casserole form that’s sure to have the kids asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks

A tray of chicken legs on a blue tablecloth.
Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks are a crispy, finger-licking favorite that’s easy to whip up and a joy to devour. They’re a fuss-free, keto-friendly option for a busy weeknight that’ll have the kids cheering for chicken.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Three bacon wrapped hot dogs in buns topped with cheese and onions.
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Turn the humble hot dog into a culinary masterpiece by wrapping them in bacon, because let’s face it, everything’s better with bacon. It’s a simple twist that ups the ante on flavor and will have the kiddos wide-eyed and drooling.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This slow cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is like bringing the Italian restaurant experience home without having to color on the kids’ menu. Fall-apart chicken bathed in creamy, cheesy sauce simmers while you tackle the rest of your day.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich

Copycat Chick-fil-A sandwich with tomato, lettuce and cheese.
Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Skip the drive-thru and craft your very own crispy, juicy Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich that rivals the fast-food favorite. This copycat Chick-Fil-A recipe is a breeze to make and a delight to bite into, ticking all the boxes for a kid-approved meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get all the fun of a fairground treat without the mess with this Walking Taco Casserole, layering beef, cheese, veggies, and Fritos. It’s a playful, deconstructed take on tacos that’s as entertaining to assemble as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Slow cooker chicken with BBQ sauce in a crock pot with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This 3-ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken is the ultimate in set-it-and-forget-it, making your life easier and their tummies happier. Pile it high on rolls with a side of slaw and pickles for a meal that’s laid-back and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Air Fryer Meatballs

Plate of frozen meatballs with toothpicks sticking out of them.
Air Fryer Meatballs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Whether you’re after a meatball sub, spaghetti topper, or a snackable bite, these Air Fryer Meatballs have got you covered in about 20 minutes. They’re quick, they’re tasty, and they’re ready to party in your kid’s favorite dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Meatballs

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Keep napkins at the ready for these Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs that are fall-off-the-bone tender and smothered in tangy sauce. It’s a hands-off meal that lets you take a break while the slow cooker does the saucy tango with some drumsticks.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti

A crock pot filled with spaghetti and chicken.
Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Who knew spaghetti could get even more fun? Throw chicken into the mix with this Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti, and watch the cheese-pulling smiles ensue. It’s a comforting, cheesy dish that’s a twirl above the rest.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti

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