15 Kid-Friendly Dinners That Are Healthy Too
Mealtime with kids doesn’t have to mean endless negotiations or separate meals for picky eaters. With the right recipes, you can create dinners that satisfy little ones and keep parents happy too. We’ve rounded up 15 kid-friendly dinners that sneak in nutrition while staying big on flavor. From veggie-packed pasta to better-for-you chicken tenders, these meals make weeknights easier and healthier. Say goodbye to dinnertime drama and hello to happy plates all around!
Cheesy Turkey Taco Skillet
Taco night has never been so tasty! This dish is as easy as can be and is loaded with cheesy ground turkey, black beans, corn, and plenty of taco toppings to make a one-dish meal that can fill up a hungry family. You can have this quick meal on the table in just about 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Turkey Taco Skillet.
Feel-Good Minestrone
You’ll love this healthy soup recipe and so will the kids! Loaded with vegetables (8 different ones to be exact) and beans (3 different types) this minestrone soup simmers away in a rich tomato broth and is both hearty and healthy at the same time. It’s cozy, comforting, delicious, and nutritious on a cold day or chilly night.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup.
Dinner-Worthy Snack Board
Who says you can’t have a mini charcuterie board for dinner? This snack board has such a delicious assortment of deli meats, cheese, fresh fruit, and veggies. It has all of the variety we look for in a meal, with minimal prep. Kids love this meal!
Get the Recipe: Dinner Worthy Snack Board.
Easy Udon Noodles
Save your time and money on a busy weeknight. These easy udon noodles taste even better than takeout! Made with snow peas, broccoli, and peppers, this pan-fried noodle dish is loaded with veggies and flavor. Naturally vegetarian, you could add some protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu if desired.
Get the Recipe: Easy Udon Noodles.
Chicken Fajita Quesadilla
Made from simple ingredients, this quesadilla fajita is incredibly flavorful and has everything you need in a meal: protein, produce, carbs, and flavor. It’s a great weeknight meal option too since you can have it on the table in 30 minutes. Serve with fresh toppings or black beans on the side. If your kids don’t want the vegetables, you can leave them out.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Quesadilla.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
If you could benefit from some cozy comfort food, this chicken noodle soup is the recipe to make. It is a classic chicken noodle soup but with a rich drizzle of heavy cream for ultra-delicious flavor and texture. Each bite has a creamy flavor and chunks of chicken and veggies with plenty of noodles. Serve with a simple green salad or toasty bread.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup.
Cheesy Beef Quesadillas
Meet my kid’s favorite quesadilla – it’s beefy and cheesy and there’s a lot to love. Ground beef cooks up quickly with a homemade blend of taco spices and is stuffed between tortillas with plenty of cheese. Serve with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, and jalapenos.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas.
Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry
This 20-minute stir fry makes a great weeknight dinner. The sweet and savory chunks of chicken taste just as good as the dish from your local Chinese restaurant. Serve it over rice or with stir-fried veggies for a take-out fake-out dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry.
Dumpling Soup
Save your money and skip the takeout because you can make this delicious and easy dumpling soup at home in just 15 minutes. Frozen dumplings cook in a garlic and ginger broth and spinach wilts in the last few minutes of cooking for a light, but satisfying soup. Top with chili crisp oil and sesame oil for more flavor.
Get the Recipe: Dumpling Soup.
Chicken Taco Soup
This flavorful soup might taste like it took all day to simmer, but it puts a shortcut ingredient to work to make it so easy you can serve it on a weeknight. With chicken, taco spices, and the best tomato-studded broth, this soup will have your family coming back for a second bowl. Serve with your favorite taco toppings like cheese, avocado, cilantro, and lime.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Soup.
Pepper Steak Stir Fry
This easy pepper and steak stir fry recipe, comes together in just 30 minutes and it’s better than takeout! It’s got everything I look for in a meal (from both a nutrition and an enjoyment standpoint): carbs, veggies, protein, and FLAVOR! It’s a meal my kids request all the time.
Get the Recipe: Pepper Steak Stir Fry.
Turkey Tacos
Ground turkey is seasoned with a mix of spices and simmered with salsa to add another layer of flavor for juicy and delicious taco meat every time that gets approval from the kids. Stuff into tortillas and add your favorite fresh toppings. This turkey taco recipe is quick and easy to make, made with simple ingredients, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tacos.
Pizza Chicken Bake
Your family is going to love this mash-up meal. We’re giving chicken breasts the pizza treatment with layers of sauce, cheese, and pepperoni! Serve with a green or Italian salad on the side.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Chicken Bake.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
If you are craving takeout at home, try this slow-cooker recipe for chicken teriyaki! You’ll have a flavorful and easy dinner waiting for you – with minimal work. Chicken is coated in a jarred teriyaki sauce for a true dump-and-go recipe! Serve with rice and a veggie.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki.
Shrimp Fajitas
Not only is this meal nutritious and delicious, but it’s also totally easy to make, making it a great option for weeknight dinners. Shrimp is seasoned with a homemade fajita seasoning blend and cooks with bell peppers, onions, and garlic for maximum flavor. Put out a bunch of fresh toppings like lettuce, pico de Gallo, and sour cream, and let everyone build their own fajita.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Fajitas.
