Are you tired of the dinnertime duel with your discerning little diners? These 21 kid-friendly meals will banish those dinner battles and have even the pickiest eaters asking for seconds!
From sneaky veggie-packed favorites to twists on classic comfort food, these recipes are designed to please the palates of even the most resistant children. So prepare to claim victory in the kitchen with meals that can be a secret weapon to banish those dinner battles.
Walking Taco Casserole
Who needs a plate when you can have Walking Taco Casserole, a dish that packs all the punch of a handheld snack in a spoonable form? Kids will go nuts for the fun layers of beef, cheese, veggies, and Fritos, making dinner a playful affair.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
When the grill’s hibernating, the air fryer steps up to bring BBQ chicken to the table any time of the year. It’s a finger-licking favorite that’s done in 30 minutes. Plus, slathering on the BBQ sauce is so easy, the kids can help make their own saucy masterpiece.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks are a garlicky, cheesy delight that’ll have everyone licking their fingers. They’re simple to whip up for a quick dinner, and who doesn’t love food you can eat with your hands? Plus, they’re keto-friendly, so the whole family can indulge guilt-free.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks
Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti
Enjoy the creamy, dreamy world of Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti, where pasta and chicken cuddle up in a cheesy sauce. It’s a slow-cooked wonder that gives you the freedom to relax until dinner’s ready. And let’s face it, spaghetti is the noodle that makes every kid’s heart twirl with joy.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
From zero to hero in under 15 minutes, Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders are the golden, crispy heroes of a hectic weeknight. They’re perfect for little hands to dip, dunk, and devour with their favorite sauces.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Wrap up a hot dog in a bacon blanket, and you’ve got a meal that’s a surefire hit with the kids. It’s a sizzling twist on a classic that’ll have them begging for seconds—and maybe even thirds. Fire up the air fryer and watch these Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs disappear faster than a magician’s rabbit.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Taco Rice Skillet
Taco night just got an upgrade with this one-skillet wonder that’s as colorful as it is tasty. Taco Rice Skillet is the superhero dinner that saves the day in just 20 minutes, using only 8 simple ingredients. It’s a dish that’ll have the kids building their perfect bite while they unknowingly gobble up all the good stuff.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet
Slow Cooker Chili Mac
Combine the magic of chili with the gooey goodness of mac & cheese, and you’ve got Slow Cooker Chili Mac. It’s a one-pot wonder for pleasing picky palates and warming up after playtime in the park. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing while you conquer the rest of your to-do list.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
Bring the fun to your table with minimal effort thanks to these honey-lime Crock Pot Chicken Tacos. They’re so easy to make, you’ll have time to whip up a batch of guac while the slow cooker works its magic. It’s the stress-free way to spice up Taco Tuesday—or any day, really.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich
Who needs a drive-thru when you can make a chicken sandwich that’s just as crispy, juicy, and totally drool-worthy at home? This copycat Chick-Fil-A recipe is a fast-food favorite without the fast-food guilt.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich
Ham, Egg and Cheese Waffle Sandwiches
Breakfast for dinner? Yes, please! Ham, Egg, and Cheese Waffle Sandwiches are the stackable, snackable meal that’s ready in a flash. They’re the perfect combo of sweet and savory, and they come together fast.
Get the Recipe: Ham, Egg and Cheese Waffle Sandwiches
Air Fryer Meatballs
In the land of speedy suppers, Air Fryer Meatballs reign supreme with their quick cook time and versatility. Whether you’re serving them solo, slapping them on a sub, or twirling them with pasta, these meaty morsels are a hit. And they’re ready in about 20 minutes, which is just about the time it takes to settle the great toy debate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Meatballs
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs are the set-it-and-forget-it meal that’ll have the family flocking to the table. They’re sticky, smoky, and just messy enough to require extra napkins, which is all part of the fun. Plus, they’re so tender, even the tiniest of teeth can take a bite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is the one-pot wonder that’s a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s the all-in-one meal that combines homemade meatballs with pasta and sauce, cooking up a storm while you’re helping with homework. And when the pressure’s on, this dish is a delicious way to decompress.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Air Fryer Burgers
Air Fryer Burgers are the quick and juicy meal that’ll have you crowned as the family grill master, no grill required. Learn the secrets to crafting the perfect patty and watch as dinner goes from prep to plate in no time. It’s like having a backyard cookout in your kitchen, without the mosquitos.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Burgers
Chicken and Waffle Casserole
Combine crispy chicken with fluffy waffles, and you’ve got a Chicken and Waffle Casserole that’s the talk of the breakfast-for-dinner town. With just 5 ingredients, this sweet and savory dish is a fun twist on a classic that’s sure to get two thumbs up. It’s the ultimate comfort food casserole that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken
On those days when everyone’s schedule is crazier than a roller coaster ride, Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken is your ticket to a calm dinner time. A few quick steps in the morning mean you can come back to a creamy, dreamy chicken dish that’s ready to serve. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together—even if the laundry says otherwise.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan brings the classic Italian dinner to your table with a crispy outside, a juicy inside, and a cheesy top that’s hard to resist. It’s the heartwarming meal that’s also heart-healthy, and it’s ready before you can finish that game of Go Fish. So go ahead, give the oven a break and let the air fryer show you what it’s got!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Air Fryer Ham Steak with Pineapple
Sweet, smoky, and a little bit tangy, this Air Fryer Ham Steak with Pineapple is a tropical twist on a classic dinner. In just minutes, the air fryer turns this duo into a caramelized delight, perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but craving something special. It’s like a mini luau on a plate, and the kids will love the sweet pineapple surprise!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steak with Pineapple
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Forget stirring a pot for hours; Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is here to save the day with its creamy, cheesy goodness. This slow cooker sensation turns a favorite side dish into the main event with absolutely zero fuss.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Bring a taste of Italy home with this Olive Garden Chicken Pasta that’s so fall-apart tender, it practically melts in your mouth. Simmered all day in a creamy, cheesy sauce, this slow cooker copycat is delicious. It’s the easy-peasy way to enjoy a restaurant favorite without having to leave the house.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Pasta