{"id":38070,"date":"2020-12-02T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-02T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/?p=38070"},"modified":"2020-12-02T12:01:53","modified_gmt":"2020-12-02T17:01:53","slug":"kid-friendly-dinners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/kid-friendly-dinners\/","title":{"rendered":"30+ Kid-Friendly Dinners"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>These Kid-Friendly Dinners come highly recommended and are perfect to try with your picky eaters. They&#8217;re simple, easy and can be served with a variety of side dishes.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38132 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/kid-friendly-dinners.jpg\" alt=\"kid-friendly dinners even the pickiest eaters will love\" width=\"680\" height=\"880\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/kid-friendly-dinners.jpg 680w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/kid-friendly-dinners-155x200.jpg 155w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/kid-friendly-dinners-425x550.jpg 425w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Hi friends!<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s talk kid-friendly dinners, shall we? Lately, I&#8217;ve been in a little bit of a dinner rut when it comes to feeding my family. Survival seems to be the name of the game lately and I don&#8217;t have a lot of energy left over for dinner planning. Add in that I&#8217;ve got a couple of kids who aren&#8217;t the most adventurous eaters and it has me falling into the trap of serving many of the same things over and over.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>I decided it was time to learn what some kid-friendly favorites were in other houses so I reached out to my Instagram community and made a list! Of course, some of the responses were the &#8220;stereotypical kid dinners&#8221;, yet even so, they&#8217;re still good ideas! I haven&#8217;t made pulled pork sliders in forever and my oldest loves them. So here are 10 easy ideas that don&#8217;t even need a recipe:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Spaghetti with Meatballs<\/li>\n<li>Tacos\/Nachos<\/li>\n<li>Breakfast for Dinner<\/li>\n<li>Mac and Cheese<\/li>\n<li>Hot Dogs\/Pigs in a Blanket<\/li>\n<li>Hamburgers<\/li>\n<li>Quesadillas<\/li>\n<li>Pizza<\/li>\n<li>Chicken Noodle Soup<\/li>\n<li>BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Then I made a list of specific types of recipes that were recommended several times like lemon chicken and hamburger helper and asked people to submit links to a specific recipe if they use one and it&#8217;s a hit with their family. Here are some fan favorites:<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Kid-Friendly Dinners<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38126 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/5-Ingredient-Cheesy-Ham-and-Broccoli-Rice-Skillet-iowagirleats-04.jpg\" alt=\"cheesy ham and rice casserole\" width=\"680\" height=\"884\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/5-Ingredient-Cheesy-Ham-and-Broccoli-Rice-Skillet-iowagirleats-04.jpg 680w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/5-Ingredient-Cheesy-Ham-and-Broccoli-Rice-Skillet-iowagirleats-04-154x200.jpg 154w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/5-Ingredient-Cheesy-Ham-and-Broccoli-Rice-Skillet-iowagirleats-04-423x550.jpg 423w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/iowagirleats.com\/cheesy-ham-and-broccoli-rice-skillet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cheesy Ham and Rice via Iowa Girl Eats<\/a> (pictured above)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foodnetwork.com\/recipes\/ina-garten\/lemon-chicken-breasts-recipe-1923711\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lemon Chicken via Ina Garten<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelazygeniuscollective.com\/blog\/shawarma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Change Your Life Chicken Shawarma via The Lazy Genius<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/crockpot-turkey-white-bean-pumpkin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili via Skinny Taste <\/a>&#8211; top with cheese and Fritos or serve with tortilla chips for scooping<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.spendwithpennies.com\/pizza-pasta-bake\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pizza Pasta Bake via Spend with Pennies<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38127 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/quick-pasta-e-ceci-pasta-with-chickpeas.jpg\" alt=\"pasta e cici\" width=\"680\" height=\"453\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/quick-pasta-e-ceci-pasta-with-chickpeas.jpg 680w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/quick-pasta-e-ceci-pasta-with-chickpeas-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/quick-pasta-e-ceci-pasta-with-chickpeas-550x366.jpg 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/smittenkitchen.com\/2017\/10\/quick-pasta-and-chickpeas-pasta-e-ceci\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pasta with Chickpeas via Smitten Kitchen<\/a> (pictured above)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pinchofyum.com\/creamy-chicken-quinoa-broccoli-casserole\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Creamy Chicken Quinoa Broccoli Casserole via Pinch of Yum<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thedefineddish.com\/one-pot-hamburger-helper\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">One-Pot Hamburger Helper via The Defined Dish<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/double-crust-chicken-pot-pie\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie via Sally&#8217;s Baking Addiction<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pillsbury.com\/recipes\/classic-chicken-pot-pie\/1401d418-ac0b-4b50-ad09-c6f1243fb992\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">this one from Pillsbury<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/easy-chicken-marinade-only-4-ingredients\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Easy Chicken Marinade via The Lean Green Bean <\/a>&#8211; after marinating I cook in a pan with carrots and serve with orzo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38128 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/finished-chicken-in-slow-cooker.jpg\" alt=\"slow cooker whole chicken\" width=\"680\" height=\"1018\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/finished-chicken-in-slow-cooker.jpg 680w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/finished-chicken-in-slow-cooker-134x200.jpg 134w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/finished-chicken-in-slow-cooker-367x550.jpg 367w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wholefully.com\/fall-apart-slow-cooker-chicken\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Fall Apart Slow Cooker Chicken via Wholefully <\/a>(pictured above)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/slow-cooker-pesto-chicken-tortellini\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pesto Chicken Tortellini via The Lean Green Bean <\/a>(make this even easier by using chicken sausage and just mixing it with pasta, pesto and peas)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/iowagirleats.com\/skillet-tater-tot-casserole\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Skillet Tater Tot Casserole via Iowa Girl Eats<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thedefineddish.com\/greek-style-marinated-chicken\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Greek-Style Chicken via The Defined Dish<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tasty.co\/recipe\/honey-soy-glazed-salmon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Honey Soy Salmon<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38129 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Broccoli-Cauliflower-Cheese-Soup-Web-4-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"cheesy broccoli cauliflower soup\" width=\"680\" height=\"1020\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Broccoli-Cauliflower-Cheese-Soup-Web-4-scaled-1.jpg 680w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Broccoli-Cauliflower-Cheese-Soup-Web-4-scaled-1-133x200.jpg 133w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Broccoli-Cauliflower-Cheese-Soup-Web-4-scaled-1-367x550.jpg 367w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/modernminimalism.com\/best-broccoli-cauliflower-cheese-soup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Best Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup via Modern Minimalism<\/a> (pictured above) Serve with crusty bread for dipping!<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/divascancook.com\/best-sloppy-joes-recipe-easy-homemade\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sloppy Joes via Divas Can Cook<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barilla.com\/en-us\/recipes\/blue-box\/barilla-three-layer-lasagna\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three Layer Lasagna via Barilla<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.julieseatsandtreats.com\/instant-pot-pressure-cooker-hamburger-stroganoff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Instant Pot Hamburger Stroganoff via Julie&#8217;s Eats &amp; Treats<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/paleo-shrimp-scampi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shrimp Scampi<\/a> (replace zoodles with regular noodles if you want. You can also sub chicken for shrimp)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38130 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Oven-Baked-Chicken-Parmesan-with-Panko-breadcrumbs.jpg\" alt=\"oven baked chicken parmesan\" width=\"680\" height=\"913\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Oven-Baked-Chicken-Parmesan-with-Panko-breadcrumbs.jpg 680w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Oven-Baked-Chicken-Parmesan-with-Panko-breadcrumbs-149x200.jpg 149w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Oven-Baked-Chicken-Parmesan-with-Panko-breadcrumbs-410x550.jpg 410w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellplated.com\/baked-chicken-parmesan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chicken Parmesan via Well Plated <\/a>(pictured above)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thewholesomedish.com\/the-best-classic-meatloaf\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Meatloaf via The Wholesome Dish<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plainchicken.com\/instant-pot-crack-chicken-pasta\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta via Plain Chicken<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.craftymorning.com\/chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta via Crafty Morning<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/damndelicious.net\/2014\/02\/21\/swedish-meatballs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swedish Meatballs via Damn Delicious<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A few more ideas to try:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicken Tortilla Soup &#8211; especially served with tortilla chips for dipping<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Fish Sticks &#8211; you could make your own. I buy mine premade. Easy way to get fish into all 3 kids at my house.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chow Mein &#8211; I loved this dish as a kid and I was a VERY picky eater<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stuffed Shells &#8211; start simple with just sausage and cheese and then you can start working some veggies in!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Let&#8217;s chat:<\/p>\n<p>Do your kids have a favorite recipe?<\/p>\n<p>Enjoy!<br \/>\n&#8211;Lindsay&#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>These Kid-Friendly Dinners come highly recommended and are perfect to try with your picky eaters. They&#8217;re simple, easy and can be served with a variety of side dishes.&nbsp; Hi friends! Let&#8217;s talk kid-friendly dinners, shall we? Lately, I&#8217;ve been in a little bit of a dinner rut when it comes to feeding my family. Survival [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38133,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[76,67],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-38070","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-dinner","8":"category-kids","9":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38070","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38070"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38070\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38135,"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38070\/revisions\/38135"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38133"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38070"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38070"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38070"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}