Try out our Editorial team’s favorite kid friendly dinner ideas! These easy, fun kid-approved dinner ideas will charm even in the …

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5 Kid-Friendly Dinners for Picky Eaters | The Spruce Eats #KidApproved

Feeding picky eaters can often feel like a culinary challenge, but with a little creativity and some well-thought-out meals, you can turn dinner time into a fun and enjoyable experience for your children. Here’s a list of five kid-approved dinners that cater to the whims of picky palettes while still providing nutritious options.

1. Mini Pizzas

Who doesn’t love pizza? Create a DIY mini pizza night where kids can customize their own creations. Start with whole wheat English muffins, pita bread, or store-bought pizza dough for the base.

Ingredients:

• English muffins or pita bread
• Tomato sauce or marinara sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings: pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, or cooked chicken

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Let each child spread their tomato sauce on the base.
3. Encourage them to sprinkle cheese and add their favorite toppings.
4. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.

Not only do the kids get to pick their toppings, but they also learn to make their own meals!

2. Taco Bar

Tacos can be a fun way to introduce new foods, allowing kids to build their own meals with ingredients they actually like.

Ingredients:

• Taco shells or soft tortillas
• Seasoned ground beef, chicken, or beans
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Cheese
• Salsa (optional)
• Avocado or guacamole

Instructions:

1. Prepare your protein of choice and keep it warm.
2. Set up a taco bar with all the toppings in separate bowls.
3. Let each child assemble their taco just how they like it.

This interactive dining experience turns eating into an adventure!

3. Baked Chicken Tenders

Homemade baked chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to store-bought options, plus kids will love the crispy coating.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast, sliced into strips
• Flour
• Eggs, beaten
• Breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
• Seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with seasonings.
3. Dip each chicken strip first in flour, then in egg, and finally coating it with breadcrumbs.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.

Serve these tenders with a side of honey mustard or ketchup for dipping!

4. Vegetable Fried Rice

A great way to sneak in some veggies, this dish is simple, customizable, and can be made in one pan.

Ingredients:

• Cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• Eggs
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil (optional)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Scramble the eggs and set them aside.
2. Add more oil to the pan, then add the vegetables and cook until softened.
3. Add the rice and soy sauce, mixing everything together. Stir in the scrambled eggs.
4. Top with green onions and serve hot.

This colorful dish not only tastes great but also provides a good balance of carbs and vegetables.

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed peppers can be as fun to make as they are to eat and are easily customizable to fit your child’s taste.

Ingredients:

• Bell peppers (any color)
• Ground meat (beef, turkey, or lentils for a vegetarian option)
• Cooked rice or quinoa
• Tomato sauce
• Cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, cooked rice, and some tomato sauce together.
4. Stuff the mixture into the peppers and place them in a baking dish. Pour a bit of leftover tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese if desired.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.

These bright and cheerful meals are as tasty as they are nutritious, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be a struggle.

Conclusion

With these five kid-friendly dinner options, mealtime can be something your picky eaters look forward to. Remember to encourage your kids to help in the kitchen, as involving them in preparing their meals can often pique their interest in trying new foods. Happy cooking!