Are you tired of serving the same old boring chicken dishes to your kids every week? Do they beg for something new and exciting, but you’re stuck in a culinary rut? Look no further! We’ve got 20 delicious and easy-to-make kid-friendly chicken recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
From cheesy baked tenders to sweet and tangy skewers, we’ve rounded up the best of the best when it comes to chicken dishes that kids will love. And the best part? They’re all incredibly easy to make, so you can get dinner on the table in no time.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouth-watering kid-friendly chicken recipes that are perfect for busy families on-the-go. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary newbie, these recipes are sure to become quick favorites with your little ones.
Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders
This recipe yields crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside chicken tenders smothered in a rich and creamy cheese sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
4. Place coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the tenders.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
7. While the tenders are baking, mix shredded cheeses in a microwave-safe bowl.
8. Microwave cheese mixture for 30 seconds to melt.
9. Remove tenders from oven and brush with melted cheese sauce.
10. Return to oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken and Veggie Quesadillas
In just a few minutes, you can create flavorful and satisfying quesadillas packed with chicken, veggies, and melted cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 large flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, cilantro, avocado
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, bell peppers, onion, and garlic.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the chicken-veggie mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Top with half of the shredded cheese.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes or until the other side is also crispy.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
A sweet and savory twist on traditional chicken bites, these Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until coated with the honey-garlic mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss again to coat.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the chicken bites in a single layer.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Nuggets with Hidden Veggies
Get ready to delight your taste buds while sneaking in some extra nutrients with these scrumptious chicken nuggets! With hidden veggies, you can enjoy the fun of finger foods without compromising on nutrition.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
– 1/4 cup finely chopped zucchini
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon whole wheat breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, carrots, zucchini, egg, and breadcrumbs.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small nugget shapes.
4. Place the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the nuggets and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Chicken Pizza Rolls
Savor the flavor of BBQ chicken pizza in a convenient and delicious roll form! This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Spread BBQ sauce evenly over half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top of the BBQ sauce.
5. Add diced chicken breast on top of the cheese.
6. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
7. Brush tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken and Cheese Stuffed Pockets
Elevate your snack or meal game with these easy-to-make Chicken and Cheese Stuffed Pockets! Flaky puff pastry filled with tender chicken, gooey cheese, and savory herbs makes for a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix chicken, cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
4. Spoon chicken mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Fold the other half over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg and cut a few slits for steam to escape.
7. Place pockets on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Simple Oven-Fried Chicken Drumsticks
Satisfy your craving for crispy fried chicken drumsticks with this easy and quick oven-frying method that yields delicious results.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken drumsticks
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each drumstick into the flour mixture, coating evenly.
4. Place coated drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Tips: For extra crispiness, increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking time. Enjoy!
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
A classic comfort food dish that combines the flavors of chicken, broccoli, and pasta with a rich and creamy alfredo sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz. fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add broccoli and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine with the alfredo sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss cooked pasta with the chicken and broccoli mixture, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet and Tangy Chicken Skewers
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these mouthwatering sweet and tangy chicken skewers, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic until well combined.
3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Grill or broil for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Mini Chicken and Corn Muffins
These bite-sized muffins are perfect for a quick snack or as a side dish for your next gathering. Moist and flavorful, they’re packed with chicken, corn, and cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup cooked, diced chicken breast
– 1/2 cup corn kernels
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flours, milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add chicken, corn, and cheese; mix until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
6. Allow to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake
A comforting twist on a classic, this recipe combines tender chicken, al dente macaroni, and a rich cheese sauce baked to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups mixed cheddar and mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
4. In a separate pot, combine milk and shredded cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine cooked macaroni, chicken, and cheese sauce in a baking dish. Mix well to combine.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Strips
Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Strips Recipe
Experience the perfect combination of crispy and flavorful with these Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Strips! Made with tender chicken, crunchy breadcrumbs, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, dried parsley, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, beat the egg. In a separate dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
- Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken strips on a plate or tray. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Enjoy your Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Strips!
Chicken and Rice Casserole
A comforting classic, this Chicken and Rice Casserole is a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chicken, onion, and garlic in olive oil until cooked through.
3. In a separate pot, combine cooked rice, peas and carrots, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
5. Add the cooked chicken mixture to the prepared dish, followed by the rice mixture.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
Experience the sweet and savory flavors of Japan with this quick and easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp honey
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and honey.
2. Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Add remaining 2 tbsp of oil to the pan. Cook onion and garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add bell peppers and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Pour teriyaki sauce mixture into the pan and stir to combine with vegetables.
7. Return chicken to the pan and stir to coat with sauce.
8. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
9. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken and Potato Hash
A hearty and satisfying meal that combines juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and savory flavors. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss together chicken, potatoes, olive oil, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme until well combined.
3. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are crispy.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Hidden Spinach Chicken Meatballs
Elevate your meatball game with the surprising addition of hidden spinach! This recipe yields tender, flavorful meatballs packed with nutritious spinach and chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, spinach, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
4. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each meatball.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Chicken and Cheese Taquitos
Get ready for a flavorful twist on traditional taquitos! This recipe combines tender chicken, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas for a delicious snack or meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8-10 corn tortillas
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and stir in the cream of chicken soup.
- Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle shredded cheese down the center. Add about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture on top of the cheese.
- Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll into a tight cylinder. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Deep-fry the taquitos until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes) or bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta
A bright and citrusy take on classic pasta, this recipe combines the richness of butter and parmesan with the zesty zip of lemon and garlic.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as fettuccine or spaghetti)
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. Pour in lemon juice and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Toss cooked pasta with butter and lemon sauce, then top with parmesan cheese and chopped parsley (if using).
6. Slice cooked chicken into strips and serve atop pasta.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken and Sweet Potato Bites
A delicious twist on traditional chicken bites, these sweet potato and chicken morsels are perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, paprika for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, sweet potato, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Using your hands, shape mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Comforting and flavorful, this classic recipe is a staple for any occasion. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with fluffy, buttery dumplings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken, flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add melted butter, milk, and beaten eggs. Mix until well combined.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, prepare dumplings by whisking together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
5. Gradually add melted butter, mixing until dough forms.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough into pot with chicken mixture, covering the surface.
7. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to delight your kids with these 20 deliciously easy-to-make chicken recipes! From cheesy baked tenders to sweet and tangy skewers, there’s something for every little foodie. Try making chicken and veggie quesadillas, honey garlic bites, or hidden veggies nuggets. For a comforting meal, go for simple oven-fried drumsticks or classic mac and cheese bake. Or get creative with parmesan strips, teriyaki stir-fry, or lemon butter pasta. These kid-friendly recipes are sure to be a hit, so gather the family and start cooking!
