15 Kid-Friendly Dinners Even Picky Eaters Love

Mini Chicken Quesadillas

These bite-sized quesadillas are perfect for little hands and packed with flavor that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1/4 cup mild salsa
• Olive oil spray

Cooking method:

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Lay out 4 tortillas and evenly distribute the shredded chicken, cheese, and salsa among them.
3. Top each with another tortilla, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Lightly spray the skillet with olive oil and cook each quesadilla for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown.
5. Cut each quesadilla into quarters and serve warm.

Cheesy Broccoli & Rice Casserole

A creamy and cheesy casserole that’s both delicious and packed with vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
3. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli, 3/4 cup of cheese, soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

These crispy homemade chicken nuggets are a healthier alternative to the store-bought version and just as tasty.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place the nuggets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through.

Pizza Pockets

These homemade pizza pockets are a fun twist on the classic pizza, perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough and cut into 8 equal squares.
3. Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce onto each square, add cheese and pepperoni.
4. Fold each square into a triangle and press the edges with a fork to seal.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffy.

Sloppy Joe Sliders

These mini sloppy joes are messy but fun for kids to eat, and they come together in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 8 slider buns

Cooking method:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned.
2. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
4. Spoon the meat mixture onto slider buns and serve.

Veggie-Packed Mac & Cheese

A cheesy pasta full of hidden vegetables, making it a hit with kids who may otherwise avoid them.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn), finely chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter

Cooking method:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package directions, adding the vegetables in the last 4 minutes of cooking.
2. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Stir in the butter, milk, and cheese until the cheese is melted and creamy.
4. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top if desired.

Beef and Cheese Taquitos

These crunchy, cheesy taquitos are a great finger food for kids who love a little spice in their meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 10 small corn tortillas
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and cheese, then remove from heat.
4. Warm tortillas in the microwave for easier rolling.
5. Place 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each tortilla and roll tightly.
6. Arrange on a baking sheet seam-side down and bake for 15 minutes until crispy.

Chicken Alfredo Penne

This quick and creamy pasta dish is both comforting and simple to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups penne pasta
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook the penne according to package instructions and drain.
2. In a pan, melt butter and add the heavy cream over low heat.
3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
4. Add the sliced chicken and cooked penne to the sauce and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

These sweet and tangy meatballs are a crowd-pleaser, served with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
• 1/4 cup pineapple chunks (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape into small meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15 minutes until browned.
5. Transfer meatballs to a skillet and cover with sweet and sour sauce.
6. Add pineapple chunks and simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Serve with rice or noodles.

Vegetable Stir-Fry Noodles

A colorful and tasty dish that sneaks in plenty of vegetables with a delicious sauce that kids love.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces rice noodles
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, snap peas, carrots), sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Cooking method:

1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender.
4. Add cooked noodles and soy sauce, tossing well to combine.
5. Serve hot with a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

These recipes are sure to delight even the choosiest little eaters, turning dinnertime into an enjoyable experience for the whole family.