Cooking for little ones? Let them help you make a meal the whole family will enjoy.
Maybe you have the whole family home more often than usual, or perhaps you're feeling stressed-out about cooking for the kids on top of all your daily responsibilities. These family-friendly, no-fuss meals are perfect for kids and adults, and best of all, you can let the little ones help out in the kitchen.
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A little bit sweet and plenty savory, this crispy chicken recipe will be a new family favorite. Serve it on rice with a side of vegetables for a perfect meal in no time. Get the recipe for 20-minute honey garlic chicken here.
It's Always Autumn / Via itsalwaysautumn.com
Put your muffin pan to good use by making these individually portioned chicken pot pies. They're deceptively easy and come together with just a few ingredients, thanks to the crescent dough crust. Get the recipe for mini chicken pot pies here.
3. Baked Chicken Parmesan
Organize Yourself Skinny / Via organizeyourselfskinny.com
While it's not fried in oil, these chicken cutlets still manage to get golden brown and crunchy. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, they're irresistible. Get the recipe for baked chicken Parmesan here.
4. Vegetable Ramen Noodle Soup
Supper With Michelle / Via supperwithmichelle.com
This ramen is loaded with vegetables so it's hardy enough to stand on its own, but you can always add some protein from chicken or shrimp to bacon or pork belly. Get the recipe for vegetable ramen noodle soup here.
One Little Project / Via onelittleproject.com
Made with store-bought refrigerated pizza dough and your favorite pizza toppings, these easy pizza pockets will be a quick hit with the kids...and the adults. Get the recipe for homemade pizza pockets here.
6. Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Spinach 4 Breakfast / Via spinach4breakfast.com
Stuffed sweet potatoes are such a versatile meal, and the kids can even get involved by helping to make them. You can use whatever ground meat you have on hand, and add anything from black beans and avocado to pico de gallo and chopped onions. Get the recipe for taco-stuffed sweet potatoes here.
7. Chicken Yakitori
What Great Grandma Ate / Via whatgreatgrandmaate.com
These Japanese-inspired chicken skewers are seriously so juicy and tender. Start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into about one-inch squares for the best flavor. Get the recipe for chicken yakitori here.
Tastes Better From Scratch / Via tastesbetterfromscratch.com
Keep a can or two of cream of mushroom soup on hand, and you can whip up this easy recipe in just half an hour. Add your favorite pasta for a no-fuss weeknight meal. Get the recipe for 30-minute beef stroganoff here.
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If you want to save time and effort, start with a rotisserie chicken and a can of your favorite red enchilada sauce. We won't tell a soul you "cheated." Get the recipe for chicken enchiladas here.
Julia's Album / Via juliasalbum.com
Looking for a balanced dinner the family will request on repeat? This pasta with chicken and broccoli in a creamy Alfredo sauce will be a hit, guaranteed. Get the recipe for creamy chicken and broccoli pasta here.
The Woks of Life / Via thewoksoflife.com
This recipe calls for Chinese sausage, but you can use whatever kind of sausage you have on hand from chorizo to kielbasa. Spice it up with your favorite chopped vegetables like carrots, baby corn, peas, and mushrooms. Get the recipe for Chinese sausage fried rice here.
Fox and Briar / Via foxandbriar.com
Thanks to a breading made with panko, sweetened coconut flakes, and egg whites, this shrimp doesn't taste "fishy" whatsoever. It's slightly sweet, a little bit savory, and delightfully crispy despite the fact that they're cooked from start to finish in the oven. Get the recipe for baked coconut shrimp here.
Destination Delish / Via destinationdelish.com
Getting the kids to eat their vegetables has never been easier, thanks to these roasted zucchini boats that are filled with barbecue shredded chicken and melted cheese. Get the recipe for BBQ chicken zucchini boats here.
Gimme Delicious / Via gimmedelicious.com
If your kids are picky eaters and put up a fuss over eating vegetables, give this broccoli-stuffed chicken a try. It's so creamy and indulgent, they won't even notice the greens. Get the recipe for cheesy broccoli-stuffed chicken here.
15. Beef Lo Mein
Munckin Time / Via munchkintime.com, Munchkin Time / Via munchkintime.com
You can recreate this take-out classic in your own kitchen in just about half an hour. You can always swap out the beef for any protein you prefer, or add a bunch of vegetables and keep it meatless. Get the recipe for beef lo mein here.
Jo Cooks / Via jocooks.com
Get the recipe for cheese and spinach stuffed shells here.
17. Crispy Fish Tacos
Dinner Then Dessert / Via dinnerthendessert.com
Cod gets battered in cornstarch, beer, eggs, flour, and spices, then fried (or baked, if you prefer) until crunchy and crispy. Served in tortillas with your favorite toppings, the kids won't even realize they're eating seafood. Get the recipe for crispy fish tacos here.
18. 30-Minute General Tso's Cauliflower
Savory Bite Recipes / Via savorybitesrecipes.com
This Chinese-inspired dish is typically made with chicken, but cauliflower is the perfect substitute for a meatless meal that everyone will love. The florets are fried until crispy, then tossed in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and more. Get the recipe for 30-minute General Tso's cauliflower here.
The Comfort of Cooking / Via thecomfortofcooking.com, The Comfort Of Cooking / Via thecomfortofcooking.com
Instead of just whipping up the boxed stuff, turn mac 'n' cheese into a gourmet meal with the help of whatever vegetables you have in your kitchen. We love using a mixture of broccoli, cauliflower, and mushrooms. And you can easily adjust the spice level to fit your preferences. Get the recipe for spicy roasted vegetable mac 'n' cheese here.
Aberdeen's Kitchen / Via aberdeenskitchen.com
You can use any firm white fish like cod, haddock, or hake to make this classic comfort food. The fish gets so crispy in the oven, you won't believe it's not fried. Get the recipe for sheet pan baked fish and chips here.
A Farmgirl's Dabble / Via afarmgirlsdabbles.com, A Farmgirl's Dabbles / Via afarmgirlsdabbles.com
Classic chicken noodle soup gets upgraded thanks to creamy coconut milk and lots of aromatic herbs like cilantro, mint, and basil. If your family doesn't like spice, leave out the hot pepper. Get the recipe for Thai chicken soup here.
22. Palak Saag Paneer
Chef De Home / Via chefdehome.com
The kids may put up a fight about eating spinach, but they'll devour it in this Indian-inspired recipe. It's essentially Indian creamed spinach with chunks of fried paneer cheese. Serve it with fluffy naan for a delicious meal. Get the recipe for palak saag paneer here.
23. Neapolitan Pizza
A Couple Cooks / Via acouplecooks.com
DIY pizza night is the perfect way to bring the family together. This Neapolitan pie is deliciously doughy, slightly charred, and you can dress it up with any of your favorite pizza toppings. Get the recipe for Neapolitan pizza here.
