Long days and busy schedules don’t leave much room for complicated dinners. That’s why these 25 meals are perfect for parents who need something quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to please hungry kids. From hearty classics to fun, kid-approved twists, these recipes take the stress out of mealtime while keeping everyone at the table happy.
Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Try Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas for a fun, hand-held meal that’s easy to make and delicious for the whole family. The flaky crust filled with savory chicken makes this dish both flavorful and simple to eat. This is a great kid-friendly recipe for busy nights when you want a satisfying, tasty meal in no time.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Calzones
Make Calzones for a customizable, fun meal that kids will love. With a golden, flaky crust and gooey cheese inside, these calzones are packed with whatever fillings the family enjoys most. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Chicken Taco Wraps
Chicken Taco Wraps are a great option when you need something quick and fun. With rotisserie chicken and a variety of toppings, this meal lets everyone customize their wrap just the way they like it. This simple recipe is perfect for picky eaters and busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Serve Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs for a fun, colorful meal that kids will enjoy. The skewered chicken and veggies are both delicious and easy to eat, making this recipe a hit with the whole family. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a kid-friendly dinner that guarantees seconds.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Meatballs and Sauce
Meatballs and Sauce is a classic family favorite that never disappoints. The juicy meatballs in savory tomato sauce make for a satisfying meal that’s loved by kids of all ages. This simple, quick recipe will be a hit on any busy night.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Prepare Shortcut Chicken Salad for a quick and versatile meal that works great in sandwiches or over fresh greens. This filling dish is light yet satisfying, making it an easy go-to for busy days when kids need a hearty meal. It’s a great option when you want a kid-friendly recipe that requires minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Ground Turkey Pancakes
Ground Turkey Pancakes are a fun and unique twist on dinner. These savory pancakes are packed with protein and flavor, making them both filling and enjoyable for kids. It’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare, and sure to be a favorite at the table.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Pancakes
Pizza Pot Pies
Pizza Pot Pies offer a fun twist on pizza that’s perfect for kids. The flaky crusts are filled with cheese, chicken, and all the best pizza toppings, creating a satisfying and quick meal. This individual-sized meal is sure to keep everyone happy and make dinnertime easy.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies
Carnitas
Carnitas are a flavorful and simple meal that’s perfect for tacos. The tender, pulled pork is seasoned just right, making it a kid-approved dinner that’s full of flavor. It’s an easy recipe that works great for busy nights when you need a quick, satisfying meal for the family.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Make Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole for a filling dinner that the whole family will enjoy. Ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese come together in one dish to create a hearty meal. It’s an easy, kid-friendly recipe that will become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers
Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers are a fun twist on the classic burger. With juicy turkey, flavorful spices, and crispy toppings, these burgers are both exciting and kid-friendly. This quick meal is a perfect option when you want something different but still satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers
Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs are a healthy yet flavorful option that kids will love. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory turkey, making each bite delicious and nutritious. These meatballs are great for picky eaters and perfect for a filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e Pepe is a simple, comforting dish that kids will enjoy. With just a few ingredients, this cheesy pasta is rich in flavor and easy to make. It’s a great kid-friendly option when you need a quick, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Shredded BBQ Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy nights. The tender, smoky chicken is great for sandwiches, tacos, or salads, making it a versatile dinner option. This dish is simple to prepare and always a hit with kids.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and customizable meal that’s perfect for using up leftover chicken. Packed with rice, veggies, and savory flavors, it’s a filling and satisfying dish that kids will enjoy. This easy recipe makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas are the perfect balance of convenience and flavor. Using rotisserie chicken helps cut down on prep time while still delivering bold, cheesy flavors that kids love. This easy-to-make recipe is a great choice for busy nights when you want a satisfying, hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Southwest Tortilla Pie
Southwest Tortilla Pie is a bold, satisfying meal that kids will love. Layers of crispy tortillas, chicken, black beans, and melted cheese create a delicious dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. It’s the perfect go-to recipe for busy nights when everyone wants something filling.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Cheesy Stuffed Shells are a comforting, satisfying dinner that kids will look forward to. These shells are stuffed with creamy, cheesy goodness, making them both delicious and filling. This easy recipe is a great choice for family dinners when you need something hearty and simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings is a hearty, comforting meal that kids will love. Tender chicken and soft, pillowy dumplings create a dish that’s both filling and satisfying. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something cozy and quick.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl is a kid-friendly take on the classic egg roll. With tender chicken and crispy veggies, this meal is flavorful, fun, and easy to make. It’s a quick and simple dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup is a hearty, cheesy meal that kids will devour. The combination of tender chicken and cheesy tortellini in a rich broth makes this soup both comforting and satisfying. This quick-to-make dish is perfect when you need a filling, kid-friendly meal in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Pizza Rolls
Pizza Rolls are a fun, easy-to-make twist on pizza that kids will love. Filled with cheese, chicken, and spinach, these rolls offer a fresh take on a favorite meal. They’re perfect for busy nights when you need a quick, satisfying, and kid-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs are a quick and fun dinner that kids will enjoy. Savory hot dogs wrapped in flaky dough make these handheld treats the perfect meal for busy nights. This simple recipe is satisfying, delicious, and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
Italian Meatball Soup
Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty, satisfying meal that kids will enjoy. The tender meatballs in savory broth make this soup both comforting and filling. It’s a great option for busy nights when you need something warm and easy to prepare for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Tomato Lime Chicken
Tomato Lime Chicken is a flavorful dish that’s perfect for multiple meals. The tangy, savory chicken works great in tacos, rice bowls, or as a main dish, making it versatile and kid-friendly. This quick-to-make recipe guarantees big flavors with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken