Finding a dinner your family actually wants to eat can feel like a guessing game. One night they love something, the next, they turn up their noses. These 25 simple recipes take the guesswork out of mealtime. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and most importantly, kid-approved. When dinner is this good, you won’t have to ask twice if they want seconds.
Southwest Tortilla Pie. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy, cheesy goodness make for a satisfying and comforting meal that kids will love. The rich, gooey filling pairs perfectly with marinara sauce, making every bite packed with flavor and warmth. This is an easy-to-make kid-friendly dinner that turns any night into something special.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Gooey cheese and rich marinara sauce get rolled into pasta for a fun take on traditional lasagna that’s perfect for kids. Each roll is packed with flavor, easy to serve, and simple to make on even the busiest nights. This is a great go-to when a kid-friendly dinner is needed without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Honey Glazed Chicken
Sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor, this chicken is coated in a caramelized honey glaze that makes it an instant favorite for kids. The balance of savory and sweet gives this meal a fun twist while still being easy to make. This kid-friendly dinner is a simple way to bring a big flavor to the table with hardly any effort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Meatballs and Sauce
Juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce make for a hearty and comforting dinner that’s always a hit with kids. This classic meal is easy to prepare, filling, and perfect for little hands that love dipping bread into something saucy. A kid-friendly dinner like this keeps things simple while still feeling special.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Southwest Tortilla Pie
Layers of crispy tortillas, seasoned chicken, black beans, and gooey cheese create a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. Every bite is packed with bold flavors, and it’s easy to slice and serve, making it a great kid-friendly dinner option. This is a simple meal that brings a big flavor to the table without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie
Chicken Fried Rice
Rice, juicy chicken, and crisp vegetables come together in a meal that’s filling, easy to make, and great for using up leftovers. The mix of flavors makes it a favorite for kids, and it comes together quickly for a no-fuss dinner. This is an easy kid-friendly meal that delivers big flavor without spending hours cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Carnitas
Slow-cooked pork that’s juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor makes for an easy dinner that kids will love. The meat is tender and seasoned just right, making it perfect for tacos, rice bowls, or even just eating on its own. A kid-friendly dinner like this keeps things simple while still delivering bold and delicious bites.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Tomato Lime Chicken
Tender chicken coated in a tangy, savory sauce makes for a dinner that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. It works great in tacos, rice bowls, or as a main dish, giving plenty of options for a stress-free kid-friendly meal. This is a simple way to add a big taste to dinner without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Flaky pastry filled with seasoned chicken makes these handheld pockets a fun and easy dinner option for kids. The crispy crust and savory filling create the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making this a meal everyone will love. This is a simple kid-friendly dinner that turns basic ingredients into something exciting.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
Juicy turkey meatballs with a hint of sweetness from mashed sweet potatoes make for a delicious and unique kid-friendly dinner. The combination of flavors is both nutritious and satisfying, making it a great option for even the pickiest eaters. These meatballs are easy to make and perfect for nights when a filling, stress-free meal is needed.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Smoky, tender chicken coated in a rich barbecue sauce makes for an easy, satisfying meal that’s great for sandwiches, wraps, or just piling onto a plate. The bold flavors make it a favorite for kids, and it’s simple enough to throw together on any busy night. A kid-friendly dinner like this keeps things easy while still being packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Rotisserie chicken, melted cheese, and flavorful sauce come together in these enchiladas that make dinner both easy and delicious. The flavors are bold but still kid-friendly, making this a great meal for the whole family. This is a simple dinner that delivers on taste without requiring much effort.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers
Juicy turkey patties packed with bold flavors turn burger night into something a little different while still being easy to make. Topped with crispy veggies and a flavorful sauce, these burgers are fun to eat and perfect for a quick kid-friendly meal. This is a great way to switch things up while keeping dinner simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers
Chicken and Dumplings
Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth create a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for kids. The soft dumplings soak up all the delicious flavors, making this dish a favorite for the whole family. A kid-friendly dinner like this is great for nights when something warm and filling is needed without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Juicy chicken skewers with a bright, citrusy marinade make for a fresh and flavorful dinner that’s easy to prepare. The combination of chicken and colorful veggies makes this a fun, kid-friendly meal that’s simple to eat. This is a great way to bring bold flavors to the table without making things complicated.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Cacio e Pepe
A rich, cheesy pasta with just the right amount of black pepper turns simple ingredients into something special that kids will love. The creamy sauce coats every bite, making this dish perfect for pasta lovers who want something a little different. A kid-friendly dinner like this is quick to make and always satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Ground Turkey Pancakes
Savory turkey pancakes bring something different to the table while still being easy to make and packed with protein. The crispy edges and flavorful interior make them a fun twist on traditional meals, perfect for kids who like something new. This is a simple, kid-friendly dinner that turns an ordinary night into something special.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Pancakes
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Fluffy quinoa, black beans, salsa, and bold seasonings come together in a one-pan meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. It’s hearty enough to keep everyone full while still being simple to prepare on a busy night. A kid-friendly dinner like this is a great way to keep things interesting while keeping prep work to a minimum.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Pizza Rolls
Flaky dough filled with melty cheese, chicken, and spinach turns pizza night into something fun and handheld. These rolls are perfect for kids who love pizza but want something easy to eat without the mess. A kid-friendly dinner like this makes mealtime simple while still being packed with cheesy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls
Chicken Tortellini Soup
A rich, savory broth filled with tender chicken and cheesy tortellini makes this soup a warm and hearty meal that kids will love. The comforting flavors make it an easy favorite, and it’s filling enough to satisfy everyone at the table. A kid-friendly dinner like this is great for nights when something cozy is needed without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Calzones
A golden, flaky crust surrounds melty cheese and whatever fillings the family loves most in these homemade calzones. These handheld pockets are fun to make, easy to customize, and perfect for kids who like picking their own ingredients. A kid-friendly dinner like this makes mealtime interactive and delicious without a lot of prep work.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Chicken Taco Wraps
Juicy rotisserie chicken wrapped in soft tortillas with all the best toppings makes for a fun and easy meal that kids will enjoy. Everyone can customize their wrap, making this a great option for picky eaters who like choosing their own ingredients. A kid-friendly dinner like this keeps things simple while still being packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
Buttery, flaky crescent dough wrapped around savory hot dogs makes for a kid-friendly favorite that’s both fun and easy to eat. The golden crust adds a crispy texture, making these a hit for quick dinners. A simple meal like this is perfect for nights when something fast and satisfying is needed.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
Italian Meatball Soup
A rich, flavorful broth filled with tender meatballs and pasta makes this soup a warm and satisfying meal for kids and adults alike. It’s an easy way to serve something filling without spending too much time in the kitchen. A kid-friendly dinner like this makes for a cozy and comforting meal anytime.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Shredded chicken mixed with a creamy, flavorful dressing makes this a great option for sandwiches, wraps, or even just eating with a fork. The rich, satisfying texture pairs well with crisp lettuce, buttery croissants, or soft tortillas, making it a versatile meal that fits any craving. This is a great go-to when there’s not much time to cook but something hearty, filling, and full of flavor is needed.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad