Winning the Dinner Battle: 29 Recipes for Empty Plates

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Winning the Dinner Battle: 29 Recipes for Empty Plates

Get ready for a fuss-free flavor fiesta with these kid-friendly recipes. Say goodbye to the nighttime stress and hello to delicious simplicity. Imagine cheesy Pizza Rolls and quick-as-a-wink Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups that will make you a kitchen hero. These recipes are not just easy; they’re the secret weapon for satisfying hungry tummies without a fuss.

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Meatballs and Sauce

Image shows Spaghetti and meatballs with a fork twirling pasta in a white bowl.
Meatballs and Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into instant satisfaction with kid-friendly Instant Pot Meatballs and Sauce. Juicy meatballs drenched in a savory tomato sauce, cooked to perfection. A classic, comforting favorite that guarantees seconds for your little ones.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce

Chicken Taco Wraps

Image shows an overhead shot of chicken taco wraps cut into pinwheels and on a wooden skewer.
Chicken Taco Wraps. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Whip up quick and easy kid-friendly Chicken Taco Wraps with leftover rotisserie chicken for a cool and flavorful dinner that your little ones will love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Satisfy cheesy cravings with kid-friendly Cacio e Pepe. This dish delivers fancy-sounding, yet incredibly simple, cheesy pasta perfection in just 15 minutes, offering a taste of luxury that children will enjoy without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Chicken Stew with Biscuits

Image shows an overhead shot of Chicken stew with biscuits in a blue ceramic enameled pot.
Chicken Stew with Biscuits. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in the hearty goodness of kid-friendly chicken stew with biscuits, a comforting and satisfying dish. This recipe combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy biscuits for a wholesome and child-friendly meal that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits

Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Image shows an overhead shot of puff pastry Chicken Empanadas on a white tray.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Impress your kids with the convenience and deliciousness of kid-friendly cheater chicken empanadas – a perfect handheld delight boasting flavorful chicken encased in a golden, flaky crust. These delights enhance any family gathering with their scrumptious appeal.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers

Image shows Asian inspired turkey burger on a blue plate.
Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Amp up your kids’ burger game with flavorful and juicy Asian-inspired Turkey Burgers. This delightful and easy-to-make dinner option brings crunch and bold flavors to a classic favorite in no time, ensuring a child-friendly meal that satisfies their taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers

Honey Glazed Chicken

Image shows Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This delicious and easy-to-make kid-friendly honey glazed chicken is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. The chicken is coated in a sweet and sticky glaze that will have your little ones’ taste buds singing. Serve it with their favorite sides and let them enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Image shows Hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough on a baking sheet.
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Crescent roll bagel dogs are a fun kid-friendly recipe that everyone loves. Delicious for dinner and just as tasty as leftovers, they’re a hit in your child’s school lunch. Wait for them to come home and hear about all the other jealous kids.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Calzones

Image shows an overhead shot of a Calzone cut in half on a wooden board with a small bowl of marinara above it.
Calzones. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Savor budget-friendly Calzones, filled with a mix of tasty ingredients. These pocket-sized wonders make for a satisfying meatless Monday treat that the whole family will love without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Calzones

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Image shows an overhead shot of Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells with a small plate holding one and the rest of the pan next to it.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Delight in Cheesy Stuffed Shells—perfect for meatless Monday, satisfying your cravings with savory goodness. This budget-friendly dinner option lets you enjoy a comforting and affordable meal without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Image shows a shredded bbq chicken sandwich on a wooden board.
Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest & Truly.

Who knew that BBQ and the Instant Pot could go so well together? This delicious kid-friendly BBQ shredded chicken is a cinch to make and perfect for a BBQ chicken sandwich, on a salad, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

savor the tangy flavors of budget-friendly slow cooker tomato lime chicken, a dish that combines juicy chicken with vibrant tomato and lime accents. Let the slow cooker do the work, creating flavorful chicken that pairs well with your favorite sides without straining your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

Canned Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Canned Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into a hassle-free summertime kid-friendly meal with Canned Chicken Salad—refreshing and easy to make. Ideal when paired with greens or as a quick sandwich, this option provides a hassle-free dinner solution that kids will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Salad

Carnitas

Image shows Tongs holding carnitas over a tray.
Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in succulent Instant Pot Carnitas, featuring tender pulled pork infused with spices. Enjoy authentic flavors, perfect for crafting mouthwatering tacos or burritos in the comfort of your home. Get ready for a kid-friendly taste sensation that keeps them coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas

Italian Meatball Soup

Image shows A bowl of italian meatball soup with a basil leaf on top.
Italian Meatball Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Delight in the richness of Italian Meatball Soup—a flavorful concoction brimming with hearty meatballs and savory broth, perfect for a kid-friendly dinner. Enjoy the classic taste of Italian comfort, making it a warm and satisfying choice for children.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup

Ground Turkey Pancakes

Image shows Ground Turkey Pancakes cooking on a griddle.
Ground Turkey Pancakes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your kids’ dinner experience with savory Ground Turkey Pancakes, a twist on traditional pancakes that packs plenty of protein. Surprise your little ones with this unexpected and delicious choice for a child-friendly dinner experience that is both easy to make and pleasantly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Pancakes

Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs

Image shows a baking sheet with a raised tray holding Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs.
Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Discover a kid-friendly twist on meatballs with Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs—a healthier take on a classic dish. This wholesome option offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures for a satisfying and child-approved dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Try the tasty Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole – a mix of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese. It’s a hearty, budget-friendly dish with savory flavors and comforting textures.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Discover the mouthwatering simplicity of kid-friendly Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl—a quick and tasty option perfect for satisfying your little ones.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Pizza Rolls

Image shows a Pizza roll on a white plate in front of a pyrex with the rest of the batch in it.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy a kid-friendly twist on classic cinnamon rolls with rotisserie chicken, spinach, cheese, and sauce Pizza Rolls. Each bite offers the perfect balance of savory ingredients in a fluffy, cinnamon-infused dough, making it a delightful dinner for children.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Potato Gnocchi

Image shows a bowl of Potato Gnocchi with grated cheese atop it.
Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy homemade Potato Gnocchi without spending too much. Easy to make, these dumplings are soft and satisfying. Serve with your favorite sauce or pesto for an affordable and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi

Pizza Pot Pies

Image shows a fork with a great cheese pull taking a bite from a blue ramekin containing a chicken pizza pot pie.
Pizza Pot Pies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Experience the marriage of pizza with kid-friendly pizza pot pies, a delightful twist on a classic favorite. These individual pot pies are filled with savory chicken, gooey cheese, and favorite pizza toppings, all wrapped in a flaky crust that kids will love.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Delight in a bowl of comforting kid-friendly chicken tortellini soup, made even more delightful with leftover rotisserie chicken. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and flavorful broth for a satisfying and child-approved meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Image shows a lasagna roll up on a white plate.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Say goodbye to long baking times and hello to quick lasagna satisfaction with Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups. Perfectly portioned layers of cheese and flavor in minutes provide a kid-friendly version of the comfort of lasagna without straining your time.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Chicken Fried Rice

Images shows a white Bowl of chicken fried rice.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Transform leftover chicken into a flavorful kid-friendly meal with this easy chicken fried rice recipe. A thrifty option that lets you use your favorite veggies for a quick way to satisfy your little ones’ cravings without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Transform your weeknight dinners with mouthwatering cheesy chicken enchiladas made effortlessly using rotisserie chicken. A comforting and flavorful child-approved meal that banishes mealtime stress.
Get the Recipe: Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Lemon Marinated Chicken

Image shows a skewer of lemon marinated chicken held diagonally with green grass in the background.
Lemon Marinated Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken on the grill is so delicious and juicy. It’s even better when you mix it with this simple kid-friendly lemon marinade for more flavor. Skewer it with your favorite veggies for a delicious summer meal that children will love.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken

Southwest Tortilla Pie

Image shows a slice of a Southwest Tortilla Pie sitting on a white plate.
Southwest Tortilla Pie. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Treat your kids to the flavors of the Southwest with a tantalizing kid-friendly Southwest tortilla pie. This layered dish features rotisserie chicken, black beans, corn, and zesty spices, all nestled between crisp tortillas and topped with melted cheese for a child-approved meal.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie

Chicken and Dumplings

Image shows Chicken and dumplings on a spoon with more in the background.
Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy the heartwarming flavors of classic chicken and dumplings, a kid-friendly dish that combines leftover rotisserie chicken, fluffy dumplings made with plenty of eggs, and a savory broth for a homestyle meal that’s perfect for cozy nights in with the family.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

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