School nights can be tricky when everyone is hungry and time is short. These 15 delicious kid-approved meals make dinner simple and stress-free, even on the busiest evenings. There are plenty of options here that are quick to cook and full of familiar ingredients. They’ll help you get everyone fed without extra hassle.
Chicken Taco Wraps. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chicken Tortellini Soup
This soup combines cheesy tortellini with tender chicken in a savory broth, making a meal that is both filling and easy to enjoy. It comes together quickly, which is perfect for busy school nights when time is tight. Kids will gobble up the cheesy noodles and hearty chicken, asking for seconds before dinner is even done.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Tender shredded chicken is mixed with smoky, flavorful BBQ sauce, making it great for sandwiches, tacos, or rice bowls. The recipe is easy to prepare and works well for feeding the family with little effort. Kids will rush to the table for the sweet and smoky bites that taste like a treat every time.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers
These turkey burgers are seasoned with mild spices and topped with crunchy vegetables for a fresh twist on a classic meal. They are quick to cook and easy to serve for a weeknight dinner. Kids will love the burger shape and fun flavors that make them forget it’s healthy, too.
Get the Recipe: Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers
Chicken Stew with Biscuits
This stew is filled with tender chicken and soft vegetables, all topped with fluffy biscuits that soak up the sauce. It is simple to make and satisfying for a full family dinner. Kids will dig in for the warm, cozy bites and biscuits that disappear in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Potato Gnocchi
Soft potato gnocchi offer a pillowy texture that pairs well with many simple sauces for a quick meal. It is easy to make and fills everyone up without a lot of work. Kids will enjoy picking up each soft bite and dipping it in sauce, making dinner fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Salmon cooks quickly in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that is full of garlic and Parmesan flavor. It is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a fast weeknight meal. Kids will love the creamy sauce coating each piece, turning salmon into a favorite they never expected to like.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Crisp tortillas make a quick pizza base that cooks in just a few minutes, perfect for busy nights. Topped with favorite ingredients, it is easy to customize for everyone at the table. Kids will have fun creating their own mini pizzas and eating them hot and crispy straight from the fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Pasta shells are filled with creamy cheese and baked to a golden finish for a satisfying meal that feels special. The recipe is simple to make, so it works well on busy nights. Kids will dive into the gooey cheese pockets, loving how every bite feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Chicken Taco Wraps
Rotisserie chicken, fresh veggies, and soft tortillas come together for a quick and easy wrap that everyone can build themselves. It is simple to prepare and works well for school-night dinners. Kids will enjoy picking their favorite fillings and making wraps just the way they like.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Pizza Rolls
Bite-sized pizza rolls are filled with gooey cheese, chicken, and spinach, making them easy and fun to eat. They cook quickly and are perfect for hands-on dinners. Kids will love grabbing a handful and finding a little surprise in every roll.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Flaky dough surrounds a savory chicken filling, creating a hand-held meal that is easy to enjoy. The recipe is simple to make and perfect for busy nights when hands-on eating is a plus. Kids will love the crispy crust and hidden chicken inside, making them a meal that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Shortcut Chicken Salad
This chicken salad is light but filling, making it perfect for sandwiches or a simple plate on its own. It is easy to make with minimal effort and works well for a quick dinner. Kids will enjoy scooping up bites of creamy chicken with crackers or bread, making every bite fun.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Calzones
Cheesy calzones stuffed with favorite toppings are easy to make and fun to eat for dinner. They cook quickly and are simple to serve for a weeknight meal. Kids will love unwrapping each hot pocket and pulling the gooey cheese apart with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Meatballs and Sauce
Juicy meatballs simmer in rich tomato sauce for a hearty, satisfying meal that works well with pasta or bread. The recipe is simple and fills the family quickly. Kids will love dunking meatballs into sauce and piling their plate high with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Honey Glazed Chicken
Chicken is cooked with a sweet and savory honey glaze that caramelizes with each bite. The recipe is easy to make and gives a satisfying dinner without a lot of work. Kids will enjoy the sticky, sweet coating that makes them want to lick their fingers clean.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken