36 Recipes Your Kids Will Love

I know how frustrating it can be to cook a meal only for it to be pushed around on the plate. These recipes are the ones that actually get eaten without a fight and sometimes even requested again. Whether you’re packing lunches, planning dinner, or just trying to keep things simple, these meals help make feeding kids a little easier.

Air Fryer Steak Tips

These steak tips are bite-sized, quick to cook, and full of flavor without needing a grill. They’re a good option for weeknight dinners when you want something hearty but not too heavy. Their size makes them easy for kids to eat and enjoy. It’s a great way to serve beef in a format that younger ones are more likely to go for.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Tips

Chicken Roll Ups

These roll ups combine chicken and cheese in a fun, hand-held format that works well for lunch or dinner. They bake quickly and use simple ingredients most kids already enjoy. The shape alone makes them more appealing to younger eaters. It’s a helpful recipe when you’re short on time and still want something that gets eaten without complaints.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Roll Ups

Taco Spaghetti Skillet

This one-pan meal mixes two kid-favorite dinners—tacos and spaghetti—into one dish that’s easy to serve. It’s ready fast, with minimal cleanup and big flavor. The texture and mix-ins keep things interesting without being overwhelming. It’s a solid choice for families trying to switch things up without going too far from what kids already like.
Get the Recipe: Taco Spaghetti Skillet

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

With a crisp outside and juicy center, this BBQ chicken is quick to cook and doesn’t need the grill. It’s coated in sauce that’s sweet and smoky, which tends to go over well with kids. Serve it with rice or bread for a full meal in less than 30 minutes. It’s a practical dinner that checks both flavor and texture boxes for younger eaters.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

This creamy mac and cheese has a richer flavor than the boxed version, but still lands well with kids. It’s easy to prep and works as either a side dish or a full meal. The cheese sauce is thick and smooth, which helps it feel more filling. It’s a nice option when you’re looking for something a little extra without making a fuss.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Tomato Egg Drop Soup

This warm, brothy soup is simple, light, and easy to eat with a spoon, making it great for younger kids. The egg ribbons give it a fun texture while still being gentle in flavor. It comes together quickly and can be paired with rice or bread. It’s a comforting meal that’s both budget-friendly and kid-appropriate.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Beef Pot Pie

This pie has a flaky crust and a warm filling full of beef and vegetables, baked in a format that feels cozy. It’s a solid weeknight meal that reheats well for lunch the next day. The soft filling and familiar flavors make it easier for kids to try. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table without needing extra encouragement.
Get the Recipe: Beef Pot Pie

Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

These chicken breasts come out tender with a flavorful crust and are ready in less than 30 minutes. They slice easily for sandwiches or rice bowls, making them versatile for different meals. The quick cook time works well for busy evenings. It’s a no-fuss protein that fits right in with what kids already enjoy eating.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

Creamy Chicken Thighs Skillet

This creamy chicken dish cooks in one pan and pairs well with pasta, rice, or bread. It’s rich but not overwhelming, making it easier to introduce new flavors to kids. The sauce coats the chicken in a way that makes each bite tender. It’s a helpful option when you need dinner to feel like more without adding effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs Skillet

Chicken Pot Pie

This classic pie has a buttery crust and a creamy chicken filling that’s easy for kids to dig into. It’s warm, comforting, and makes for good leftovers. Each slice has everything already built in—meat, veggies, and sauce. It’s a solid pick for when you want one dish that everyone will eat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Meatball Pasta Bake

This baked dish layers meatballs, pasta, and sauce into a cheesy, oven-ready meal. It’s hearty and familiar, which makes it a smart dinner for picky eaters. The texture is soft and easy to portion out. It works especially well on nights when you want to get dinner in the oven and focus on other things.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

This version of meatloaf is tender and flavorful, baked with a simple glaze that’s kid-friendly. It slices cleanly and pairs well with mashed potatoes or rice. It’s a dependable dinner that feels like comfort food without being too heavy. Kids who like burgers tend to enjoy this one without much resistance.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These tenders are golden and crisp on the outside, soft inside, and ready fast without using oil. They’re ideal for lunches, snacks, or dinners with dipping sauces. Their shape and texture are familiar to kids, which makes them easier to serve without pushback. It’s a homemade option that still hits the same notes as takeout.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

These chicken thighs cook low and slow until they’re tender and fall-apart soft. They work well over rice or noodles, especially on busy days when you want dinner waiting. The flavors are mild enough to work for kids but still rich enough for adults. It’s a simple way to make a full meal with very little hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Beef Quesadillas

These quesadillas are packed with seasoned beef and cheese, then crisped up for a warm, gooey center. They cook quickly and slice into neat wedges for smaller hands. The familiar format and melted filling make them an easy sell at the table. They’re also great for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

This ham has a sweet, sticky glaze and cooks in the air fryer for quicker prep and cleanup. The thin slices are easy for kids to eat and enjoy with basic sides. The orange flavor adds something extra without being too bold. It’s a nice way to offer a holiday-style dish on a regular weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

This whole chicken roasts up with crispy skin and juicy meat in under an hour. It’s easy to carve and can be served with any number of side dishes. The familiar flavor makes it approachable for kids, even without heavy seasoning. It’s a smart way to make dinner stretch into lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Alfredo Steak Pasta

This pasta combines creamy Alfredo sauce with slices of beef for a filling, family-style meal. It’s comforting without being too rich, and easy to portion out. The soft noodles and mild sauce work well with younger eaters. It’s a solid dinner option when you want to change things up from plain spaghetti.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

These chicken legs cook up with crisp skin and juicy meat in the air fryer, no oil needed. They’re quick to prep and cook, with very little cleanup after. The shape makes them easy for kids to grab and eat. They’re a dinner option that feels like a treat but is simple enough for any night.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Cream Cheese Chicken

This dish is creamy, cheesy, and goes well over pasta or rice, making it filling and kid-appropriate. It’s easy to make in one pan and reheats well the next day. The flavors are mild but rich, which helps it go over well with the whole family. It’s a good way to serve something comforting without getting complicated.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

This casserole has chicken, pasta, cheese, and bacon all baked together in one dish. The flavor combo is one most kids already like, and the texture is soft and creamy. It’s great for making ahead and feeding a crowd. It’s also a smart way to get dinner done with minimal extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

These nuggets are crisp outside and tender inside, made quickly in the air fryer with basic ingredients. They’re easy to portion out and pair with any dipping sauce. Kids love the shape and bite-size pieces, and parents appreciate how quick they are to make. It’s a recipe that keeps everyone happy with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Sloppy Joe Casserole

This casserole combines ground beef, sauce, and bread into one baked dish that’s both easy and filling. It brings all the flavors of a sandwich without the mess. The texture is soft but not soggy, and it’s easy to scoop and serve. It’s a great way to switch up dinner while staying within familiar flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Crock Pot Tomato Soup

This smooth, warm tomato soup simmers slowly until the flavor deepens, making it a comforting meal for all ages. It’s simple, affordable, and pairs well with grilled cheese or crackers. The texture is easy for kids to enjoy and doesn’t require any cutting or chewing. It’s a reliable option when you want something warm that comes together without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Tomato Soup

Penne Pasta Bake

This baked pasta is loaded with cheese and sauce, making it hearty and kid-approved. It goes from oven to table in one dish and works well for leftovers. The penne holds up nicely, so it’s easy to serve and eat. It’s one of those dinners that feels familiar and still fills everyone up.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pasta Bake

Frito Chili Pie

This casserole combines seasoned ground beef, cheese, and crunchy corn chips for a mix of textures kids tend to like. It’s quick to layer and bake, perfect for weeknight dinners. The ingredients are basic but come together in a way that keeps it fun to eat. It’s an easy win for families who want something different that still feels safe.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This creamy soup is packed with soft gnocchi, chicken, and vegetables, making it filling without being heavy. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to reheat and great for leftovers. The gnocchi adds a texture that younger kids usually enjoy. It’s a nice alternative when you want something warm besides the usual noodle soups.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

These chicken kabobs cook fast in the air fryer and can be served with rice or veggies for a full meal. The small, bite-sized pieces are easy for kids to eat without much mess. They also make a fun change from basic chicken dishes. It’s a great way to get dinner on the table quickly while offering something that looks a little different.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

This one-pan pasta dish is simple to make and full of familiar flavors that tend to go over well with kids. It’s saucy, cheesy, and quick to clean up. The texture is soft and easy to portion. It’s a reliable pick for busy nights when you still want a warm dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Personal Pizza

These small pizzas let everyone have their own, which helps avoid picky eating battles. They cook quickly and can be topped with just cheese or anything else your kids like. The small size makes them fun and manageable for younger hands. It’s an easy dinner or lunch that feels like a treat without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Personal Pizza

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

These pork chops are coated in crispy panko and baked or air fried for a crunch that holds up well. They slice easily into strips for kids and pair with mashed potatoes or veggies. The coating adds texture without needing a lot of seasoning. It’s a straightforward dinner option that works when you want something different from chicken.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

This version of mac and cheese cooks slowly in the crock pot, leaving you with creamy noodles and a smooth sauce. It’s perfect for hands-off cooking on busy days. The cheesy flavor and soft texture make it one of those meals kids rarely complain about. It’s a dependable side or main dish that fits right into the weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Pancit Bihon Guisado

This Filipino noodle dish is packed with vegetables, meat, and light seasoning, cooked in one pan. The thin noodles are easy for kids to eat and pick through for their favorite parts. It’s a good way to introduce different flavors in a format that’s not too unfamiliar. It works well for lunch or dinner and stretches to feed a group.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon Guisado

Popcorn Chicken

These small chicken bites are crisp, flavorful, and perfect for dipping, making them great for kids’ meals or snacks. They cook fast and can be made in batches for the week. The size and texture are familiar and easy to handle. They’re a strong option when you want something simple that still feels like a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Individual Lasagna

These mini lasagnas bake in single portions, which keeps serving clean and easy. The layers of cheese, pasta, and sauce hold together well and are familiar enough for most kids. They’re freezer-friendly and reheat well, making them good for planning ahead. It’s a fun twist on a classic that gives everyone their own slice.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli

This lasagna layers chicken, cheese, and broccoli for a balanced meal in one dish. The broccoli blends in smoothly, which helps get veggies in without fuss. It’s creamy, filling, and works well for leftovers. It’s a helpful recipe when you want a baked meal that covers all the bases without needing side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli

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