When it comes to dinner time, pleasing the whole family can sometimes feel like an impossible task. With picky eaters and different taste preferences, finding a meal that satisfies everyone can be a challenge. But fear not, because we've got you covered with these 5 kid-approved dinner recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!
Let's start with Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders. These crispy chicken tenders are coated in a delicious blend of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Bake them in the oven until golden brown and serve with a side of homemade honey mustard sauce. Kids will love the cheesy goodness, and parents will appreciate the healthier twist on a classic favorite.
Next up, we have Veggie-packed Spaghetti Bolognese. This recipe is a sneaky way to get some extra veggies into your little one's diet. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, then add ground beef and tomatoes. Let it simmer until the flavors meld together, and serve over whole wheat spaghetti. Your little ones won't even notice the added vegetables!
For something fun and bite-sized, try Mini Meatball Sliders. Make bite-sized meatballs with a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Brown them in a skillet, then place them on slider buns with a dollop of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. It's a fun twist on the classic meatball sub that kids will love!
If your family enjoys seafood, Crispy Baked Fish Sticks are a must-try. Skip the frozen fish sticks and make your own healthier version at home. Coat strips of white fish in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and spices, then bake them in the oven until crispy. Serve with a side of tartar sauce or ketchup for dipping. These homemade fish sticks are a hit with kids and adults alike!
Lastly, we have BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos. Slow-cook chicken breasts in a tangy BBQ sauce until they're tender and easily shreddable. Serve the pulled chicken in soft tortillas with toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. It's a delicious twist on taco night that everyone will love!
These kid-approved dinner recipes are not only tasty but also easy to make. They are sure to please the whole family and make dinner time a breeze. So, gather your ingredients and get cooking!
Following are a few recommended recipes you can try at home.
Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders
Looking for a kid-friendly dinner recipe that the whole family will love? These Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders are a crowd-pleaser that combines the deliciousness of crispy chicken with the irresistible cheesiness of Parmesan. Plus, they're baked instead of fried for a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Serve them with a side of homemade honey mustard sauce for dipping, and you have a meal that will please even the pickiest eaters!
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 25 mins | 40 mins | 4 servings |
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (453 grams) chicken tenders
- 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray
- Honey Mustard Sauce for serving
Special Notes: You can use store-bought chicken tenders or cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips to make your own.
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
- Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- While the chicken tenders are baking, prepare the honey mustard sauce by mixing equal parts honey and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Adjust the ratio to taste.
- Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders with the homemade honey mustard sauce for dipping.
Serving Suggestions:
These Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even as a party appetizer. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. They're also great for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying as leftovers. Get ready to enjoy a cheesy, crispy, and oh-so-delicious chicken dish that will become a family favorite!
Veggie-packed Spaghetti Bolognese
Looking for a delicious way to sneak in some extra veggies? This hearty spaghetti bolognese recipe is the perfect solution! Not only is it packed with flavor, but it's also a great way to get your little ones to eat their vegetables without even noticing.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 4 servings |
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Serve the spaghetti topped with the vegetable and meat sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This veggie-packed spaghetti bolognese is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side salad or garlic bread. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or even for entertaining guests. The leftovers also make a delicious lunch the next day. Enjoy!
Mini Meatball Sliders
Looking for a fun and delicious dinner option that your kids will love? These mini meatball sliders are the perfect choice! Made with bite-sized meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, these sliders are both tasty and kid-friendly. They are great for family dinners or even as a party appetizer. Get ready to enjoy these adorable and flavorful sliders that will surely please the whole family!
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 25 mins | 40 mins | 4-6 servings |
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce
- 12 slider buns
- 1 cup (115 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the meatballs to a baking dish and pour the marinara sauce over them. Gently toss to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, slice the slider buns in half and place them on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for a few minutes until lightly golden.
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and place one meatball on each slider bun. Top with a spoonful of marinara sauce from the baking dish and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return the sliders to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
These mini meatball sliders are perfect for a casual family dinner or even as a party appetizer. Serve them with a side of crispy french fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. They are also great for potlucks or game day gatherings. Enjoy these sliders on any occasion that calls for a tasty and crowd-pleasing dish!
Looking for a healthier alternative to frozen fish sticks? Try making these crispy baked fish sticks at home! They're easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for both kids and adults. Skip the deep fryer and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that the whole family will love.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 20 mins | 35 mins | 4 servings |
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) white fish fillets, cut into strips
- 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray
Special Note: You can use any white fish fillets such as cod, haddock, or tilapia for this recipe. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Dip each fish strip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the fish in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the coated fish strips on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops of the fish sticks with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish sticks are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Remove from the oven and let the fish sticks cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with tartar sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the crispy baked fish sticks as a main dish with a side of roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables.
- They are also great in fish tacos! Simply wrap the fish sticks in warm tortillas and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime.
- This recipe is perfect for family dinners, parties, or even as a fun and tasty snack.
Enjoy the homemade goodness of these crispy baked fish sticks and savor a healthier twist on a classic favorite!
BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos
Looking for a delicious twist on taco night? These BBQ pulled chicken tacos are a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love. Tender, tangy pulled chicken is served in soft tortillas and topped with fresh veggies and a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing. It's a flavor-packed meal that's perfect for any occasion!
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 4 hrs | 4 hrs 10 mins | 4-6 servings |
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (907g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (240ml) BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5g) onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8-12 small flour tortillas
- Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and ranch dressing for serving
Note: Feel free to adjust the amount of BBQ sauce and spices according to your taste preferences. You can also add a touch of hot sauce if you like it spicy!
Cooking Instructions:
- In a slow cooker, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and coat them evenly with the sauce mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining sauce.
- Heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable.
- To assemble the tacos, place a generous amount of pulled chicken onto each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
- Serve the BBQ pulled chicken tacos immediately and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
These BBQ pulled chicken tacos are perfect for casual family dinners, game day gatherings, or even potluck parties. Serve them alongside some corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal. They're also great for taco bars or build-your-own taco nights where everyone can customize their toppings to their liking. Enjoy the delicious combination of tangy BBQ chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy ranch dressing in every bite!
