16 Family-Friendly Dinner Recipes Even Picky Kids Will Devour

Mealtimes can be a challenge, especially when you have picky eaters at home. You want to make sure everyone enjoys their meal, but it’s not always easy. You’re likely searching for ways to please even the pickiest eaters, and that’s where we come in.

We’ve got some great options for you, from classic mac and cheese to tasty chicken nuggets, that are sure to become new favorites.

These crowd-pleasing recipes are perfect for families with kids who can be a bit tricky to feed. They’re easy to make and fun to eat, so you can relax and enjoy mealtime with your family.

Chicken Nuggets and Dipping Sauces

Crispy chicken nuggets served with delicious dipping sauces.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Dipping sauces of choice

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into nugget-sized pieces and set aside.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. In a separate dish, beat the eggs.
4. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
5. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Fry the chicken nuggets until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
8. Remove the nuggets from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Serve the chicken nuggets hot with dipping sauces of choice.

Macaroni and Cheese With Hidden Veggies

A classic comfort food with a nutritious twist, hiding veggies in the cheesy sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound macaroni
• 2 cups mixed veggies (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Steam the mixed veggies until tender, then blend into a puree.
4. In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux.
5. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Add the veggie puree to the cheese sauce and mix well.
9. Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce, then transfer to a baking dish.
10. Top with additional grated cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tacos With All the Fixings

Delicious tacos filled with seasoned ground beef, crunchy lettuce, and creamy cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 8-10 taco shells
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Salsa

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until translucent.
3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the ground beef and onion, stirring to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer the taco meat for 5-10 minutes.
5. Prepare the taco shells according to the package instructions.
6. Assemble the tacos by spooning the taco meat into the shells and topping with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Baked Chicken and Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy sweet potato fries paired with baked chicken make a delicious dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the sweet potatoes into long, thin strips and place them in a bowl.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the sweet potato strips and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Toss the sweet potato strips to coat them evenly with the oil and spices.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the sweet potato strips in a single layer.
6. Bake the sweet potato fries for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy.
7. Season the chicken breasts with thyme and rosemary.
8. Place the chicken breasts on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake the chicken in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
10. Serve the baked chicken with the sweet potato fries.

Breakfast for Dinner Recipes

Scrambled eggs and pancakes make a delicious breakfast for dinner.

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Butter or oil for greasing

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and grease with butter or oil.
5. Drop the batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the pan and cook until bubbles appear on the surface.
6. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk together 6 eggs and a pinch of salt.
8. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
9. Pour in the eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
10. Serve the scrambled eggs with the pancakes and enjoy.

Homemade Pizza Night

Homemade pizza night is a fun and interactive dinner option for the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of choice

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl, and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into as many portions as desired.
7. Roll out each portion into a thin circle and place it on a baking sheet.
8. Spread pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Add shredded mozzarella cheese and desired toppings.
10. Bake the pizzas in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Chicken Quesadillas and Sour Cream

Crispy chicken quesadillas served with a side of sour cream.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 4 large tortillas
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until they are tender.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chicken and cook until it is fully cooked and shredded.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken and shredded cheese.
6. Place a large tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle a quarter of the chicken and cheese mixture onto half of the tortilla.
7. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
8. Flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until it is also crispy and the cheese is melted.
9. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
10. Serve the quesadillas hot with a side of sour cream.

Meatball Subs With Marinara Sauce

Tasty meatball subs with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 4 sub rolls
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Mix well with hands until just combined.
4. Form into meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
7. Slice the sub rolls in half and place on a baking sheet.
8. Once the meatballs are done, place 3-4 meatballs on each sub roll half.
9. Spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs.
10. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
11. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Roasted Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Delicious roasted chicken and mashed potatoes, a classic comfort food dish.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken
• 3-4 large potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes.
6. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender.
7. Drain the potatoes and mash with butter, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
8. Serve the roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and enjoy.

Spaghetti With Meatballs and Garlic Bread

Classic Italian dish with tender meatballs and flavorful garlic bread.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1 loaf Italian bread
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, and breadcrumbs.
3. Mix well with hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
4. Use hands to shape mixture into small meatballs.
5. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake meatballs in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. While meatballs are baking, cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente.
8. In a large skillet, combine marinara sauce and cooked meatballs.
9. Simmer sauce and meatballs over low heat while spaghetti cooks.
10. Slice Italian bread into 1-inch thick slices and butter each slice.
11. Season garlic bread with salt and pepper to taste.
12. Serve spaghetti with meatballs and marinara sauce, accompanied by garlic bread.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Tomato Soup

A classic comfort food combination perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 slices of bread
• 1-2 slices of cheese
• 2 cups of tomato soup
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet.
4. Add one or two slices of cheese to the bread in the skillet.
5. Place the second slice of bread, buttered side up, on top of the cheese.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
8. While the sandwich is cooking, heat the tomato soup in a saucepan over medium heat.
9. Add diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and dried basil to the saucepan and stir to combine.
10. Reduce heat to low and let simmer until the sandwich is ready.
11. Serve the grilled cheese sandwich with a bowl of hot tomato soup.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry With Rice

Quick and easy beef and broccoli stir-fry with rice.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced beef
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
5. Add the broccoli florets and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and oyster sauce.
8. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli, and stir to combine.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve the beef and broccoli mixture over the cooked rice.

Chicken and Vegetable Kabobs With Dip

Delicious and colorful kabobs with a tasty dip.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken breast
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 onion
• 2 zucchinis
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dip of choice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the chicken, bell pepper, onion, and zucchinis into bite-sized pieces.
3. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
4. Brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill the kabobs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
6. Serve the kabobs with a side of dip.
7. Enjoy the kabobs hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Personal Pizzas With Pre-Made Crusts

Easy and customizable personal pizzas made with pre-made crusts.

Ingredients

• 1 package of pre-made pizza crusts
• 1 jar of pizza sauce
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• Toppings of choice (e.g. pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, olives)
• Cooking spray or oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spray or brush the pre-made crusts with cooking spray or oil.
3. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the sauce.
5. Add desired toppings, being mindful not to overload the crust.
6. Place the pizzas on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Chicken and Rice Casserole With Peas

A classic comfort food dish made with chicken, rice, and peas in a creamy sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, sauté the chicken in butter until browned.
4. Add the frozen peas, chicken broth, milk, and thyme to the skillet.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, chicken mixture, and season with salt and pepper.
7. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Sliders and Sides for a Fun Family Dinner

Mini beef sliders with tasty sides make for a fun family dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 hamburger buns
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup sliced tomatoes
• 1 cup sliced cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced onions
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal parts and shape into patties.
3. Season the patties with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
5. Toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
6. Assemble the sliders with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onions, mayonnaise, and ketchup.
7. Serve the sliders with your choice of sides, such as fries or salad.

Conclusion

You’ll create meals kids love, you’ll make mealtime fun, and you’ll enjoy family dinners together, all with these easy, delicious recipes that cater to picky eaters, offering variety, flavor, and nutrition, making you a hero, saving you time, and bringing everyone joy.