15 Kid-Friendly Dinners Even Picky Eaters Love

Mini Chicken Parmesan Sliders

These Mini Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a perfect blend of crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese, all nestled in a soft bun that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 12 slider buns
• Olive oil for cooking

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix ground chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
3. Shape into small patties and cook in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown.
4. Place chicken patties on slider buns, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
5. Arrange sliders on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a comforting dish packed with nutrients and flavors that kids will adore.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, and half the cheese.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Taco Stuffed Peppers

These Taco Stuffed Peppers are full of flavor and fun to eat, making them an exciting dinner option for kids.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salsa for serving

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet and add taco seasoning.
3. Stir in corn and half the cheese.
4. Stuff each bell pepper half with beef mixture.
5. Top with remaining cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes.
6. Serve with salsa.

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are easy to make and packed with flavors that kids love.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking method:

1. Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet, spread chicken and sprinkle with cheese.
4. Top with another tortilla and cook until golden, flip and repeat.
5. Slice and serve.

Spaghetti Carbonara Bites

These Spaghetti Carbonara Bites transform a classic pasta dish into a handheld treat that's fun for kids.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for greasing

Cooking method:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
2. In a bowl, whisk eggs and mix with Parmesan, bacon, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine with spaghetti.
4. Grease a muffin tin with olive oil and fill with spaghetti mixture.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Veggie-Packed Mac and Cheese

This Veggie-Packed Mac and Cheese sneaks in healthy vegetables while maintaining the cheesy flavor kids crave.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 ½ cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, broccoli)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook macaroni as per package instructions and drain.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in milk.
3. Add cheese and stir until melted.
4. Stir in macaroni and vegetables, season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm.

Pancake Skewers with Fruit

Turn breakfast into dinner with these Pancake Skewers with Fruit, a colorful and delicious meal for kids.

Ingredients:

• 1 batch pancake batter
• 1 cup mixed berries
• 1 banana, sliced
• Maple syrup for serving

Cooking method:

1. Cook small pancakes using your favorite batter.
2. Alternate pancakes and fruit slices on skewers.
3. Serve with maple syrup for dipping.

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Roll up these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels for a simple and tasty dinner that children will love to devour.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 6 slices ham
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 egg, beaten

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread mustard over puff pastry, layer with ham and cheese.
3. Roll tightly and slice into pinwheels.
4. Brush with beaten egg and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Sweet and Sour Chicken Nuggets

These Sweet and Sour Chicken Nuggets are crispy, tangy, and perfect for little hands to hold.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into nuggets
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup sweet and sour sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Dip chicken pieces in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
3. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Toss with sweet and sour sauce before serving.

Homemade Fish Sticks

These Homemade Fish Sticks are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and sure to be a kid favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound white fish fillets
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and lemon zest to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Slice fish into strips, season with salt and lemon zest.
3. Coat in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
4. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.