36 Recipes Your Kids Won't Hate

As a parent, I know how tough it can be to find meals that everyone in the family will actually enjoy. That’s why I’ve pulled together recipes that are simple to make, use familiar ingredients, and appeal to even the pickiest eaters. These are the kinds of meals that make dinner feel less like a struggle and more like a time to relax together.

A slice of creamy lasagna on a white plate with a fork and a basil garnish. — Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and bacon in a white dish, with a serving on a plate beside it. — Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This creamy mac and cheese brings a restaurant-style comfort food to your own kitchen. It’s rich, cheesy, and easy to put together without a long list of ingredients. Since it’s a classic that kids already enjoy, it makes mealtime easier for everyone. Pair it with simple sides or serve it on its own for a quick dinner that feels special without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

Sliced grilled chicken breast garnished with parsley on a white plate. — Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

These marinated chicken breasts cook quickly in the air fryer, making them a great option for busy nights. The flavor is well-rounded without being overwhelming, which makes them a good pick for younger eaters. Since the air fryer does most of the work, cleanup is simple too. Serve with vegetables or rice for a balanced family meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

Air Fryer Steak Tips

A bowl of seasoned meat cubes garnished with chopped herbs, with a fork resting on the side. — Air Fryer Steak Tips. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Steak tips made in the air fryer are tender and ready in less than 20 minutes. They have a mild flavor that pairs well with many sides, making them appealing for kids. Since they cook quickly, this is a dependable option for weeknights. It’s an easy way to serve beef without a lot of extra prep or mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Tips

Tomato Egg Drop Soup

This soup is light, warm, and comes together in very little time. The eggs blend smoothly with the tomato base, creating a gentle taste that works well for kids. It’s filling without being heavy, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner starter. You can make a big batch and reheat easily for another meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Chicken Roll Ups

A wooden spoon holds a piece of cheesy lasagna above a glass baking dish, garnished with fresh parsley. — Chicken Roll Ups. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Chicken roll ups are simple to prepare and use familiar ingredients that most families already have on hand. The soft texture and cheesy filling are especially appealing for kids. They work well as a main dish with a salad or vegetable on the side. This is one of those meals that feels comforting but doesn’t take much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Roll Ups

Beef Pot Pie

Beef pot pie is a hearty dinner with tender beef, vegetables, and a flaky crust. It’s a great way to serve a balanced meal in one dish. The mild flavors and comforting texture make it something kids will look forward to. Since it reheats well, leftovers won’t go to waste either.
Get the Recipe: Beef Pot Pie

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Sliced grilled chicken breast in a white dish, with whole pieces on another plate in the background, next to a fork and dark cloth napkin. — Air Fryer BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

BBQ chicken made in the air fryer is quick, juicy, and ready with little cleanup. The sauce gives it a familiar flavor that kids usually enjoy. Since it doesn’t require the oven or grill, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Serve it with fries, rice, or veggies for a simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Taco Spaghetti Skillet

A plate of spaghetti with ground meat, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions. A black skillet containing more of the dish is partially visible in the background. — Taco Spaghetti Skillet. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This one-pan dish combines the flavor of tacos with the comfort of spaghetti. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and doesn’t require multiple pots. The mix of pasta and seasoned beef is always a kid-friendly choice. It’s also easy to adjust by adding or leaving out ingredients depending on your family’s tastes.
Get the Recipe: Taco Spaghetti Skillet

Creamy Chicken Thighs Skillet

Seasoned chicken thighs cooked in tomato sauce with bell peppers and herbs, served in a cast-iron skillet. Fresh parsley, garlic, and a tomato are nearby. — Creamy Chicken Thighs Skillet. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This skillet meal is rich, creamy, and comes together in about 30 minutes. The sauce adds a comforting flavor without being too strong, making it easy for kids to enjoy. Since it’s cooked in one pan, cleanup is quick and simple. Pair with rice, noodles, or bread to round out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs Skillet

Frito Chili Pie

A plate of Fritos topped with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, beans, and green onions. — Frito Chili Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Frito chili pie layers crunchy chips with seasoned chili and cheese for a fun and filling meal. The crunchy texture and cheesy topping are always appealing to kids. It’s easy to assemble and works well for a casual dinner or weekend lunch. You can even let kids help layer it, making mealtime more engaging.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Pancit Bihon Guisado

A fork lifting a portion of chicken and noodles from a bowl of stir-fry. — Pancit Bihon Guisado. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This noodle dish is a family-style favorite with tender noodles, vegetables, and chicken. The flavors are balanced, making it approachable for kids while still being hearty enough for adults. It’s quick to prepare and often served for gatherings, which makes it feel special at home. Since it’s made in one pan, cleanup is minimal.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon Guisado

Beef Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate. — Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Beef quesadillas are a quick go-to option for lunch or dinner. The crispy tortilla with melted cheese and seasoned beef is something kids enjoy without hesitation. They can be cut into small wedges for easy eating. Best of all, they’re ready in minutes and don’t require many ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Alfredo steak pasta combines creamy sauce with tender steak slices and pasta. The familiar creaminess of the sauce helps kids enjoy the dish while still getting some protein. It’s a hearty meal that works well for both weeknights and weekends. Since it all comes together in one dish, it makes planning dinner easier.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker. — Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This slow cooker version of mac and cheese means you can set it and forget it until dinnertime. The creamy and cheesy texture makes it a family favorite, especially for kids. It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t want to spend time at the stove. Serve it as a main dish or alongside meats and veggies.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Crock Pot Tomato Soup

Top view of a bowl of creamy tomato soup garnished with basil, served with a spoon and sunglasses on the side. — Crock Pot Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Tomato soup in the crock pot is warm, smooth, and easy to prepare. The slow cooking brings out a deeper flavor while still being mild enough for kids. Pair it with grilled cheese sandwiches for a simple dinner. Since it cooks in the slow cooker, it’s hands-off and ready when you need it.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Tomato Soup

Popcorn Chicken

Bite-sized popcorn chicken pieces are crispy outside and tender inside. Their small size makes them easy for kids to enjoy at lunch or dinner. They cook quickly and can be paired with dipping sauces for extra fun. Serve with fries, rice, or veggies for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A blue bowl of cooked chicken breasts garnished with chopped herbs on a light fabric backdrop. — Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken thighs cook up tender and flavorful in the slow cooker with very little effort. The mild seasonings keep the dish approachable for kids. It’s a dependable choice for nights when you want dinner ready without rushing. Since it’s made in one pot, cleanup is simple.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it. — Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This chicken dish uses a creamy sauce that blends well with pasta, rice, or vegetables. The smooth texture makes it an easy option for kids. It’s quick to put together and doesn’t need a long ingredient list. Leftovers reheat well, making it practical for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Hand dipping a breaded nugget into a bowl of ketchup. — Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken nuggets in the air fryer are crisp on the outside and tender inside. They’re ready in minutes and avoid the mess of frying in oil. Kids love them because they’re familiar and easy to eat. Pair them with dipping sauces and sides for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Individual Lasagna

Lasagna for One in small 10-ounce square baking pan. — Individual Lasagna. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Individual lasagna portions make serving easy while still delivering that classic comfort food taste. Kids enjoy having their own serving without waiting for slices to be cut. They can be baked ahead of time and reheated for quick dinners. This is a smart way to make lasagna without the long prep of a full pan.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Cheesy hashbrown topped casserole in baking pan. — Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This casserole version of a sloppy joe makes serving easier while keeping the same flavor kids love. It’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Since it’s baked in one dish, cleanup is minimal. Leftovers store well for another meal.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Panko pork chop on plate with greens. — Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These pork chops are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The light crunch makes them appealing to kids who like finger-friendly foods. They’re quick to cook and pair well with rice, potatoes, or vegetables. It’s a simple meal that feels like comfort food without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

This casserole combines chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors into a hearty family dish. The familiar ingredients make it easy for kids to enjoy without fuss. It’s baked in one dish, which helps on busy nights. Since it’s filling on its own, you don’t need many extras to complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate with a fork. — Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This meatloaf is a classic comfort dish with a flavorful glaze on top. The tender texture and balanced taste make it approachable for kids. It’s a dependable option for weeknight dinners or Sunday meals. Leftovers can be used in sandwiches for another easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken tenders in the air fryer cook quickly and stay juicy inside. Their familiar flavor makes them a reliable choice for kids. Since they don’t need oil frying, cleanup is much easier. Pair them with dipping sauces for a simple family meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie combines chicken, vegetables, and a flaky crust in one dish. The creamy filling and soft texture make it easy for kids to enjoy. It’s a hearty meal that works well for family dinners. Leftovers warm up nicely, making it practical for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Close-up of a crispy air fried chicken drumstick on a white plate garnished with parsley, with hot sauce in the background. — Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken legs in the air fryer come out with a crispy skin and juicy meat. They’re ready in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for weeknights. Kids enjoy the easy-to-hold pieces, which makes dinner less fussy. Serve them with your choice of sides for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers. — Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These kabobs cook quickly in the air fryer and use bite-sized pieces of chicken and vegetables. The small portions and mild flavor are great for kids. They’re fun to serve and easy to eat, especially for family dinners. Cleanup is quick since everything is cooked on skewers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Personal Pizza

Close-up of a pepperoni pizza slice being lifted, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce. — Personal Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Personal pizzas let each person enjoy their own customized mini pie. Kids especially like them because they can choose their own toppings. They bake quickly and make dinner more engaging. This is a practical option for nights when you want a fun meal without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Personal Pizza

Penne Pasta Bake

Penne pasta bake combines pasta, sauce, and cheese into one comforting dish. The cheesy topping makes it especially kid-friendly. It’s baked in one dish, which makes prep and cleanup easy. Serve it on its own or with bread for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pasta Bake

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

This skillet meal blends ground beef, pasta, and sauce into a quick dinner. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes and uses ingredients you likely already have. The simple flavors make it a dependable choice for kids. Since it’s made in one pan, cleanup is quick.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Sliced ham with orange slices and grapes, garnished with parsley on a platter. — Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This ham cooks evenly in the air fryer and is coated with a sweet glaze. The mild sweetness makes it appealing for kids while still being a hearty meal. It’s a great option for holidays or family dinners. Leftovers can be used for sandwiches or breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Meatball Pasta Bake

A casserole dish with meatballs and pasta. — Meatball Pasta Bake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Meatball pasta bake combines pasta, cheese, and hearty meatballs into one dish. The familiar flavors make it especially good for kids. It’s baked all in one pan, which saves time on cleanup. It also reheats well for another easy meal during the week.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A bowl of chicken and spinach soup with a spoon. — Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken gnocchi soup is warm, creamy, and filled with soft dumplings that kids enjoy. It’s hearty enough for a main meal but still easy to prepare. Since it reheats well, it’s good for making ahead. Serve it with bread or a salad for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots on a white plate. — Whole Chicken in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer makes it crisp on the outside and juicy inside. It’s a practical way to prepare dinner without heating the oven. The mild flavor works well for kids, especially when paired with simple sides. Leftovers can be used for sandwiches, salads, or wraps.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli

A slice of lasagna on a white plate, garnished with basil leaves, and a fork beside it. — Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This lasagna layers pasta, chicken, broccoli, and creamy sauce into a family-friendly dish. The cheese and pasta help balance the broccoli, making it easier for kids to enjoy. It’s baked in one pan and works well for both weeknight and weekend dinners. Leftovers keep well for another meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli