Have you ever had a picky eater? I know that I have, and I have also been a picky eater. This article will share delicious healthy easy recipes for picky eaters. Just as food makes us grow and provides nutrients to our bodies, food can also play a vital role in an individual’s life. Food has been claimed to affect one’s mood and overall attitude. There is nothing more delightful than preparing a scrumptious meal for your family to enjoy together. Serve your loved ones dishes that are nutritious and healthy by following some of these easy recipes for picky eaters.
family-friendly dinner recipes the kids will love
Finding food that feeds the whole family can be hard. These recipes make it easy.
I don’t know about you, but trying to merge my love of cooking with the dietary whims of young children can feel like a feat. And at the end of a busy school or work day, who wants to be jumping hurdles in the kitchen? Not me!
That’s why we’re rounding up a month’s worth of quick, easy and delicious meals that won’t completely neglect our nutritious hopes and dreams (I’m looking at you, frozen dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets!). Choose from a range of recipes that will satisfy everyone — from healthier, homemade fallbacks for nights when picky eaters prevail (we’re talking staples like mac and cheese and oven-baked chicken tenders) to enticing new ideas that will get the fam gobbling up colorful veggies (hello, burrito bowls!).
And if all else fails, ask that young, stubborn diner to stick out their tongue, and exclaim, “Wow! Look at that! You grew a new taste bud!”
Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken
Sweet, saucy, and oh-so-delicious, this is a dish your whole crew will really enjoy. It’s bright, colorful and packed with protein and other countless nutrients, thanks to the chunks of juicy pineapple, red onion and bell peppers. The best part? This recipe comes together fast on a single sheet pan.
Easy Skillet Chicken Parm
This is a lighter, quicker but just as cheesy version of chicken Parm — no deep-frying required! Melissa Clark’s 12-year-old loves it with a big green salad on the side, so it’s kid-tested and approved
Giada’s Sheet-Pan Eggplant Parmesan
This healthier and simplified version of eggplant Parmesan is a perfect fit for an easy weeknight meal. You can use regular eggplants for this recipe, rather than Japanese eggplants, and just salt them 20 to 30 minutes before.
Katie Lee’s Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta
Love spinach artichoke dip? This dish is basically the same recipe as the classic dip but with pasta. What could be better?!
Vegan Sloppy Joes
This recipe is a home run for people who are worried about walking away from the table unsatisfied. It’s great for large groups and serves up well, year-round. We promise, you won’t miss the meat
Baked Chicken and Ricotta Meatballs with Broccolini
These baked chicken and ricotta meatballs are lighter than their beefy counterparts and don’t require a lot of work. Baking skips the time and mess of browning on the stovetop and leaves you with one mixing bowl and sheet pan to clean at the end — and, most importantly, 20 delicious meatballs.
Tater Tot Chicken Potpie
A combo of two of Molly Yeh’s favorite dishes, this recipe is everything you could ever want on a cold winter’s day. You’ve got veggies, protein and carbs in one warming dish that can feed a crowd. And it’s got Tater Tots, one of the jolliest foods in the world!
Sheet-Pan Gnocchi
Packaged gnocchi are one of Ree Drummond’s go-to ingredients during what she calls “this need-things-to-be-easier season.” The meatless marvel is both a cinch and a revelation: soft and tender gnocchi pillows roasted on a sheet pan with the best variety of veggies and topped with Parmesan and basil.
Sheet Pan Chicken Parm with Garlic Bread and Broccoli
This sheet-pan Parm skips the frying step and adds roasted garlic bread and broccoli to make it a complete meal with very little cleanup.
Marjorie Meek-Bradley’s Ratatouille
For any family who loves the Disney movie, “Ratatouille,” make this dish to wow the kids for weeks. Made by chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley to look and taste just like Remy’s famous ratatouille in the film, it’s definitely a fun way to entice kids to eat more vegetables … especially on movie night!
Family Friendly Dinner Ideas
22 Family Friendly Dinner Ideas to make menu planning a breeze! These recipes are kid AND adult approved!
Tortilla Crusted Chicken Tenders
Ranch Ham and Cheese Pasta
Taco Casserole
Crispy Chicken Nuggets
Baja Fish Taco Recipe
Mock Lasagna Recipe
Sloppy Joe Mac n Cheese
Cheesy Vegetable Chowder
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Taco Pasta Toss
easy family dinners
Plan your monthly menu in advance with these delicious dinner ideas.
11Chicken and eggplant parmigiana
Is there anything better than crispy, golden crumb-coated chicken topped with a rich tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese?
1215-minute creamy salmon risoni
Creamy, but made with no cream! Salmon risoni is brilliant for weeknight meals because it cooks so quickly and can be made in one pot.
13Apricot chicken
“Pair sweet/tart apricots with succulent chicken and the saltiness of capers and olives for our modern take on a classic” – Matt Preston
14Shawarma plate
This clever plate of lamb and tahini is perfect for sharing with whoever happens to drop in.
15Zingy tuna and chilli orecchiette
Cherry tomatoes and broccolini will brighten up your tuna orecchiette for a simply irresistible dinner that takes almost no time to prepare!
16Fast pork fried rice
The only thing that needs chopping in this fried rice is the onion. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
17Crispy prawn chow mein
No one can resist these crispy noodles. They are so good!
18Peri peri chicken and grilled pineapple burgers
Quick and easy – you’ll be tucking into this spicy chicken burger in no time at all.
19Vegetable rigatoni ‘n’ cheese
This vegie lasagne is a fabulous way to keep everyone happy, even the kids!
20Fish with creamy lemon and dill sauce
For a quick and light way to finish your day, fish with lemon and dill is a taste match made in heaven.