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    Home / Roundups

    17 Kid-Friendly Meal Ideas That Stop the Whining

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Dec 8, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Are you tired of the constant whining and complaining at mealtime? Well, I've got just the solution for you! I've compiled a collection of kid-friendly meal ideas that are sure to put an end to the fussiness and make dinnertime a breeze. From comforting casseroles to fun finger foods, these recipes are not only delicious but also easy to make, ensuring that both kids and parents alike can enjoy stress-free and satisfying meals together. So say goodbye to mealtime battles and hello to happy, satisfied tummies with these fantastic kid-approved dishes!

    A fork twirling pancit bihon with chicken and vegetables, suggestive of a healthy meal.
    Pancit Bihon Guisado. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

    Close-up of a spoon holding creamy mac and cheese garnished with green onions.
    Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Stop the whining at dinnertime with this creamy, cheesy crockpot mac and cheese that's sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this comfort food classic cooking away in your slow cooker, leaving you free to tackle the rest of your to-do list. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this crowd-pleasing recipe is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

    Creamy baked pasta with melted cheese and bacon bits garnished with herbs in a white ceramic dish.
    Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Put an end to mealtime battles with this flavorful chicken bacon ranch casserole, a kid-friendly dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious. Packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch sauce, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it's the perfect solution for busy parents looking for quick and satisfying meal ideas.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

    Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    A close-up of seasoned potato wedges served with a side of dipping sauce.
    Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Tired of hearing complaints about soggy fries? These crispy air fryer potato wedges are the answer to your prayers, providing a healthier alternative to traditional fried potatoes without sacrificing flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, you can have perfectly seasoned potato wedges ready to serve in no time. A family-friendly side dish that pairs well with any meal, these potato wedges are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    Easy Scalloped Potatoes

    Close-up of creamy scalloped potatoes topped with melted cheese and garnished with parsley in a baking dish.
    Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Put an end to dinnertime complaints with these creamy and comforting scalloped potatoes, a kid-friendly side dish that's perfect for family meals. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have these cheesy potatoes baking away in the oven in no time. Whether served alongside roast chicken or grilled burgers, these scalloped potatoes are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

    Crock Pot Tomato Soup

    Bowl of creamy tomato soup garnished with basil leaves.
    Crock Pot Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Warm up on chilly days with this comforting crockpot tomato soup, a kid-friendly dish that's perfect for lunch or dinner. With its rich, creamy texture and bold tomato flavor, this soup is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, with minimal prep and hands-off cooking in the slow cooker, it's a convenient option for busy parents looking for easy and delicious meal ideas.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Tomato Soup

    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.

    Put a smile on your kids' faces with this fun and flavorful Frito chili pie, a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. With its layers of crunchy Fritos, hearty chili, and gooey cheese, this recipe is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. Quick and easy to make, it's the ultimate comfort food that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
    Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

    Hawaiian Roll Sliders

    A close-up image of a platter of ham and cheese slider sandwiches sprinkled with poppy seeds and garnished with chopped herbs.
    Hawaiian Roll Sliders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Stop the whining with these tasty Hawaiian roll sliders, a fun and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for busy families. With their sweet and savory flavor, these sliders are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, with minimal prep and hands-on time, they're a convenient option for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
    Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

    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.

    Spice up snack time with this creamy and flavorful buffalo chicken dip, a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's perfect for family gatherings or game day parties. With its tangy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, this dip is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, with minimal prep and hands-off cooking in the slow cooker, it's a hassle-free option for busy hosts.
    Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Chicken Lollipops

    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.

    Keep the whining at bay with these fun and flavorful chicken lollipops that are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. With their bite-sized portions and crispy coating, these lollipops are perfect for snacking or as a party appetizer. Plus, with minimal ingredients and simple preparation, they're a convenient option for busy parents looking for quick and easy meal ideas.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Lollipops

    Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

    Sliced meatloaf garnished with parsley on a white plate.
    Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Put a twist on a classic comfort food with this copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe that's sure to please the whole family. With its savory flavor and tender texture, this meatloaf is a comforting meal option that's perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, with minimal prep and hands-off cooking in the oven, it's a convenient option for busy cooks looking for easy and delicious meal ideas.
    Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

    Pancit Bihon Guisado

    A fork twirling pancit bihon with chicken and vegetables, suggestive of a healthy meal.
    Pancit Bihon Guisado. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Transport yourself to the Philippines with this flavorful pancit bihon guisado, a kid-friendly noodle dish that's perfect for family dinners. With its tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, this recipe is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. Plus, with minimal prep and simple ingredients, it's a convenient option for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
    Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon Guisado

    Sloppy Joe Casserole

    A close-up of a serving spoon lifting a portion of sloppy joe casserole showing layers of ground meat, vegetables, and golden-brown hashbrown potatoes.
    Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Put a twist on a classic favorite with this easy-to-make sloppy joe casserole that's perfect for busy families. With its savory meat sauce, gooey cheese, and crispy topping, this casserole is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, with minimal prep and hands-off cooking in the oven, it's a convenient option for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
    Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

    Cream Cheese Chicken

    A fork cutting into a piece of chicken served with green beans and pine nuts on a white plate.
    Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Simplify mealtime with this creamy and flavorful cream cheese chicken recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights. With its tender chicken, rich sauce, and simple ingredients, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, with minimal prep and hands-off cooking in the oven, it's a convenient option for parents looking for quick and easy meal ideas that the whole family will love.
    Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Three crispy breaded chicken tenders on a white plate with a side of honey mustard sauce and garnished with parsley.
    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Put an end to mealtime battles with these crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken tenders that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With their crunchy coating and tender, juicy interior, these tenders are a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. Plus, with minimal prep and hands-on time, they're a convenient option for busy parents looking for kid-friendly meal ideas.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Broccoli Cheese Soup

    A bowl of creamy broccoli soup with chunks of broccoli, served with a spoon.
    Broccoli Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Keep mealtime simple with this comforting and creamy broccoli cheese soup that's perfect for busy weeknights. With its tender broccoli, gooey cheese, and simple ingredients, this soup is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, with minimal prep and hands-off cooking in the slow cooker, it's a convenient option for parents looking for quick and easy meal ideas that the whole family will love.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

    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.

    Simplify mealtime with these crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken legs that are perfect for busy weeknights. With their juicy meat and crispy skin, these chicken legs are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, with minimal prep and hands-on time, they're a convenient option for parents looking for quick and easy meal ideas that the whole family will love.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    Chicken Pot Pie

    A freshly baked chicken pot pie with a golden crust and a portion scooped out, revealing the creamy filling with vegetables.
    Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Warm up on chilly evenings with this comforting and classic chicken pot pie that's perfect for family dinners. With its flaky crust, creamy filling, and tender chicken, this pot pie is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, with minimal prep and hands-off cooking in the oven, it's a convenient option for busy cooks looking for easy and delicious meal ideas.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

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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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