Looking for dinner ideas that will have your kids running to the table without the usual fuss? We’ve all been there—struggling to find meals that satisfy both the picky eaters and the grown-ups. These are 17 kid-favorite dinners that, believe it or not, parents love too. From dishes that sneak in the veggies to meals that feel like a treat, we’ve got you covered for a dinner that won’t disappoint anyone at the table!
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Explore the flavors of Mexico with these chicken stuffed poblano peppers. They’re a wonderful combination of melted cheese, black beans, and Mexican spices. This dish is gluten-free and low-carb, offering a decadent comfort food experience in a healthier package. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a spicy and cheesy meal that everyone in the family will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese
This chicken bacon ranch mac and cheese takes a classic dish to a new level. Start with a homemade cheese sauce, then add ranch dressing for an extra flavor boost. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that combines the beloved flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch, making it a sure hit with kids and a nostalgic treat for adults.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese
Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli
Transform a classic into a healthier family favorite with this spaghetti alfredo with broccoli. It’s creamy and cheesy, offering the comfort of traditional alfredo but with a nutritious twist of broccoli. This dish is a fantastic way to introduce veggies to kids in a tempting way, while adults can enjoy a more wholesome version of a beloved dish. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli
Cream Cheese Chicken
Spice up your weeknight dinners with cream cheese chicken. Bursting with a blend of five spices and the creamy richness of cream cheese, this dish is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s an easy yet flavorful meal that brings a new twist to chicken, making it a great option for those busy evenings when you want something quick but appetizing.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Make these ultra-crispy air fryer buffalo chicken tenders for a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version. They’re perfect for an easy and irresistible appetizer or main dish. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, offering the beloved taste of buffalo chicken in a healthier form that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Tiny Tacos
These tiny tacos are a fun and crispy snack, perfect for the air fryer. They’re an ideal choice for an appetizer or a game day treat. Load them up with your favorite toppings for a customizable, bite-sized delight. These tacos are a playful and tasty option for any gathering or family snack time.
Get the Recipe: Tiny Tacos
Sausage Mac and Cheese
This homemade sausage mac and cheese is a surefire hit at any family meal. Its creamy cheese sauce and hearty sausage make it a favorite among kids, while adults can appreciate the homemade touch. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish that proves a classic can always be improved upon. The perfect balance of cheesy goodness and satisfying sausage makes it irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese
Shrimp Lo Mein
Create a delicious shrimp lo mein at home and skip the takeout. This recipe features Chinese egg noodles, juicy shrimp, and vegetables, all tossed in a sauce that rivals restaurant quality. It’s a quick 20-minute meal that’s sure to become a dinner time favorite, offering a delightful blend of flavors that’s both kid-friendly and adult-approved.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein
Chicken Divan
Revisit a classic with this Chicken Divan, a one-pan dish that’s both fulfilling and easy to make. It features tender chicken and broccoli in a creamy sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and cheese, then baked to golden-brown perfection. It’s an ideal choice for a no-fuss weeknight dinner or a simple family meal, offering a balance of wholesome ingredients and straightforward preparation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan
Burger Bowls
These burger bowls bring the fun and familiar taste of a classic burger in a unique, bowl form. They include a homemade sauce, and offer all the flavors kids love, with a healthier approach that parents appreciate. This meal is perfect for a family dinner, providing both nutrition and the joy of a favorite fast-food meal, minus the excess calories.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Enjoy a meatless treat with these smashed white bean and kale quesadillas. Filled with melted cheddar and topped with a creamy BBQ sauce, they’re a delightful option for a vegetarian family meal. It’s a tasty way to get kids to enjoy beans and kale, wrapped in a cheesy, comforting package. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
This grilled Hawaiian chicken recipe brings a tropical twist to your dinner table. Stuffed with ham, fresh pineapple, and melted smoked cheese, and topped with a sweet teriyaki glaze, it’s a mouthwatering meal. It’s a fun way to enjoy chicken, offering a unique flavor combination that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
Sloppy Joes
Rework the classic American Sloppy Joes into a healthier version that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Made with lean ground beef, these Sloppy Joes are perfect for a guilt-free family meal. They capture the essence of the traditional recipe, but in a way that’s better for everyone. It’s a fun, messy, and tasty dish that kids will adore.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joes
Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks
Whip up these crispy homemade air fryer fish sticks for a meal that’s both simple and appealing to kids. With just six ingredients, including gluten-free and eggless options, these fish sticks are a healthier take on a kid’s favorite. They come with an easy dijon remoulade sauce, making them a delightful meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks
Air Fryer Brats
Discover the simplicity and speed of cooking brats in the air fryer. This method brings out the tenderness and juiciness of the brats, impressing even the most dedicated grilling enthusiasts. Ready in under 15 minutes, they’re a quick and delicious option for a family meal, offering a fun twist on traditional grilling.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Say goodbye to takeout with this slow cooker honey garlic chicken. It’s a simple recipe that results in a sticky, sweet sauce, making it a healthier alternative to your usual takeout. The addition of pineapple adds a delightful twist, making it a family favorite. It’s an easy, delicious meal that’s perfect for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Loaded Brisket Potatoes
Dive into these loaded BBQ brisket baked potatoes when you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal. They’re great for using up leftover beef brisket and offer a satisfying experience with each bite. These potatoes are an exciting way to enjoy brisket in a new form, making them both kid-friendly and a hit with the adults.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Brisket Potatoes
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
