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    Home / Roundups

    21 Kid-Approved Dinners That Make Weeknight Cooking Too Easy

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Oct 20, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    As a parent, I know how hectic weeknights can be, and finding dinner options that kids will actually eat can feel like a challenge. That’s why I’m excited to share some delicious, kid-approved dinners that make weeknight cooking a breeze. These meals are not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavors that will keep the whole family happy at the dinner table.

    A close-up of a hand holding a crispy, breaded chicken drumette with more drumettes in the background on a white plate.
    Chicken lollipops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    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 is a game-changer for weeknight meals. It results in tender meat with crispy skin, all in about an hour. This one-pan dish makes for easy cleanup, and the leftovers can be transformed into lunches or additional dinners. Children will appreciate the juicy flavor, making it a hit at the table. Quick, delicious, and family-friendly, this recipe checks all the boxes for effortless cooking.
    Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

    Buffalo Chicken Dip

    A hand holding a tortilla chip dipped in creamy Buffalo chicken dip, garnished with slices of green onion.
    Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Buffalo chicken dip brings bold flavors to the dinner table without requiring hours in the kitchen. This creamy, cheesy dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick family meal or a snack. Pair it with veggies or chips for a fun twist that kids will love. It’s a straightforward dish that packs a punch, keeping the excitement in weeknight dinners. This recipe is sure to be a favorite among your family.
    Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Broccoli Cheese Soup

    A bowl of creamy broccoli cheese soup beside fresh broccoli and shredded cheese, with a slow cooker in the background.
    Broccoli Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Broccoli cheese soup is a warm, comforting dish that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, it’s perfect for busy evenings. Kids enjoy the cheesy goodness, making it a great way to sneak in some veggies. Serve it with crusty bread for a filling meal that everyone will love. This soup is both easy to make and wonderfully satisfying for the whole family.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

    Sloppy Joe Casserole

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

    Sloppy Joe casserole is a hearty meal that brings all the classic flavors together in one dish. This easy-to-make recipe is ready in about 30 minutes and requires minimal prep work, making it ideal for busy nights. The combination of ground meat and sweet sauce, topped with biscuits, appeals to kids and adults alike. It’s a fun twist on a traditional favorite that guarantees satisfaction at the dinner table. Comfort food made easy!
    Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

    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.

    Crock pot mac and cheese takes all the work out of preparing this family favorite. With just a few ingredients and a couple of hours in the slow cooker, you’ll have creamy, cheesy pasta that pleases kids and adults alike. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something comforting and easy. Pair it with a side salad for a balanced meal. It’s a no-fuss recipe that turns ordinary dinners into special moments.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

    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 and easy dinner option that kids will love. With just a few ingredients, you can have these cheesy, meaty delights ready in about 20 minutes. They are perfect for using up leftover beef and can be customized with your family’s favorite toppings. Serve them with salsa or guacamole for added fun. This dish is simple enough for weeknight cooking but still delivers on flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

    Chicken bacon ranch casserole in baking dish.
    Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken bacon ranch casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that makes weeknight dinners incredibly simple. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, it’s a meal that kids can’t resist. This one-dish wonder comes together quickly and bakes to bubbly perfection in under an hour. Serve it with a side of veggies for a complete dinner. It’s an easy recipe that makes family mealtime a breeze.
    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.

    Cracker Barrel meatloaf is a comforting dish that brings homey flavors to your dinner table. This easy recipe takes less than an hour to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings. The blend of meats and seasonings appeals to kids, ensuring they'll enjoy every bite. Pair it with mashed potatoes or a side of veggies for a hearty meal. It’s a great option for weeknight cooking that feels like a family favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

    Cream Cheese Chicken

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

    Cream cheese chicken is a quick and creamy dinner option that brings comfort to your table. With minimal prep and cooking time, this dish is ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes. The rich flavors and tender chicken make it appealing to kids, ensuring they’ll eat their dinner without fuss. Serve it with rice or pasta for a filling meal. This recipe makes weeknight cooking simple and satisfying for the whole family.
    Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

    Chicken Lollipops

    A close-up of a hand holding a crispy breaded chicken drumstick, with more drumsticks on a white plate in the background.
    Chicken Lollipops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken lollipops are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy chicken for dinner. This kid-friendly dish cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The unique presentation and juicy meat appeal to younger diners, ensuring they enjoy their meal. Serve them with dipping sauces for added excitement, and watch your kids come back for seconds. This recipe makes cooking and enjoying dinner together a breeze.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Lollipops

    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.

    Chicken skewers in the air fryer make for an easy and fun dinner option. They cook quickly and evenly, with flavorful seasonings that kids will enjoy. This dish can be customized with various veggies and served with rice or pita for a complete meal. Preparing these kabobs takes minimal time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a simple recipe that guarantees a delicious and engaging dining experience.
    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 are a fantastic way to let kids get creative with their dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, each person can customize their toppings for a fun family meal. This recipe is simple to prepare and requires minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy evenings. Kids love the hands-on experience, ensuring they eat their meal with enthusiasm. It’s an easy option that brings excitement to weeknight dinners.
    Get the Recipe: Personal Pizza

    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 combines bold flavors in a quick and easy dish that kids will enjoy. In under 30 minutes, you can create a hearty meal that everyone can dig into. This one-dish wonder is perfect for busy nights and can be easily customized with various toppings. Kids love the crunchy Fritos paired with the warm chili, making it a fun dinner option. This recipe simplifies cooking while keeping family mealtime enjoyable.
    Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

    Chicken Pot Pie

    Small serving of chicken pot pie casserole on plate with fork.
    Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken pot pie is a comforting dish that brings warmth to any dinner table. With a flaky crust and hearty filling, it comes together easily, making it perfect for weeknight cooking. Kids appreciate the creamy filling and tender chicken, ensuring they’ll enjoy every bite. This recipe can be prepared in about an hour, providing a satisfying meal for the whole family. It’s an easy way to serve up comfort food any night of the week.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

    Easy Scalloped Potatoes

    Close-up of a cheesy scalloped potatoes dish in a white baking dish, garnished with parsley.
    Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Easy scalloped potatoes make a creamy and comforting side dish for family dinners. With simple ingredients and a straightforward prep, you can have this side ready in under an hour. The layers of potatoes and cheese are always a hit with kids, ensuring they finish their plates. Serve it alongside your favorite protein for a complete meal. This recipe adds a touch of comfort to your weeknight cooking routine.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

    Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

    A ladle serving vegetable soup with tomatoes, potatoes, and green peas into a white bowl, with a blurred bowl in the background.
    Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Slow cooker vegetable soup is an effortless way to create a warm and nourishing meal. Packed with colorful veggies, it cooks low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal prep and provides a hearty meal. Kids will enjoy the variety of flavors and textures, making it a great way to get them to eat their veggies. This recipe simplifies cooking while nourishing the family.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

    Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    Fried potato wedges with ketchup and parsley.
    Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Air fryer potato wedges are a simple and quick side that pairs perfectly with any meal. They cook up crispy and golden in about 30 minutes, making them a convenient option for weeknight dinners. Kids appreciate the familiar flavors, making it easy to round out a family meal. This recipe allows for customization with your choice of seasonings, ensuring everyone can enjoy their favorite taste. It’s an effortless way to serve up potatoes.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

    Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish.
    Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Cheesy loaded twice baked potatoes are a comforting dish that makes weeknight dinners fun and easy. With a creamy filling packed with cheese, bacon, and green onions, they’re a hit with kids. This recipe requires minimal prep and bakes in about an hour, making it perfect for busy nights. Pair these potatoes with a simple salad or protein for a satisfying meal. It’s an easy option that brings excitement to the dinner table.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

    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.

    Crock pot tomato soup is a warm, comforting dish that’s simple to prepare. Just set it in the slow cooker, and in a few hours, you’ll have a rich soup that pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches. Kids love the creamy texture and familiar flavors, making it an ideal choice for family dinners. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nourishing meal with minimal effort. It’s an easy way to serve up comfort food.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Tomato Soup

    Air Fryer French Toast

    Air fryer french toast slices with syrup and blueberries on plate.
    Air Fryer French Toast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Air fryer French toast is a quick and easy breakfast or dinner option. This recipe takes less than 30 minutes and results in fluffy, golden slices that kids love. Top it with syrup, fruit, or whipped cream for a fun twist that makes meals exciting. It’s a straightforward dish that requires minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy nights. This recipe ensures everyone enjoys a sweet treat without the fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Toast

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

    Air fryer chicken tenders are a fantastic choice for quick weeknight dinners. They cook up crispy and golden in about 20 minutes, providing a fun meal that kids will love. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces and a side of veggies for a balanced dinner. This dish is easy to make and requires minimal prep, keeping mealtime stress-free. It’s an effortless way to bring a family favorite to the table.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

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