You can make chicken recipes for kids in new (and easy!) ways, like meatballs and nuggets, as well as in the Instant Pot and slow cooker. (Bonus: Parents will enjoy them too!).
Chicken breast is a versatile and healthy ingredient that can be used to make a variety of delicious family-friendly meals. As a parent I’m always looking for new ways to cook chicken breast that my kids will actually eat. Chicken tenders nuggets and fingers are tasty, but getting creative with seasonings and cooking methods keeps mealtime interesting.
The great thing about chicken breast is that it cooks quickly, pairs well with so many flavors, and is a lean protein that provides nutrients growing kids need. When shopping look for chicken labeled “air-chilled” rather than “water-chilled” for maximum juiciness and flavor. Here are 12 of my favorite kid-approved recipes for cooking chicken breast in fun craveable ways the whole family will love
1. Chicken Fajitas
Sizzling chicken fajitas are an easy crowd-pleaser. Kids love DIY assembly with tortillas, cheese, salsa and more. Quick-cook thinly sliced chicken breast is seasoned with lime, chili powder and cumin. Onions and bell peppers make it extra tasty.
2. Chicken Parmesan
This classic Italian dish, made with chicken cutlets, is sure to be a hit. Tomato sauce and melted cheese cover crispy breaded chicken, so what’s not to love? For a quick family dinner, serve over pasta or zucchini noodles.
3. Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce wraps are fun finger food. Shredded chicken breast is sautéed with a sweet and tangy Asian sauce. Kids will gobble up these fresh, low-carb lettuce bundles. Add peanuts or rice noodles for extra crunch and flavor.
4. Chicken Caesar Salad
Serve Caesar parts separately to turn chicken salad into an interactive meal. Kids can make their own salads with romaine lettuce, chicken shreds, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and creamy dressing. Adults can enjoy with a glass of wine or a cold beer.
5. Chicken Quesadillas
An easy Tex-Mex favorite, quesadillas are great for picky eaters. Put taco seasoning on the chicken and cook it. Then, put cheese and chicken into tortillas. Kids can dip triangles in sour cream or guacamole. Add beans, corn or veggies too.
6. Chicken Piccata
This classic Italian dish features golden pan-fried chicken cutlets draped in a bright, lemony butter sauce. Kids love the combination of savory chicken with tangy citrus flavors. Serve over angel hair pasta or garlic mashed potatoes.
7. Chicken Pot Pie
Comforting chicken pot pie with flaky crust is a cold weather family favorite. Cook chicken breast with carrots, peas and onions in a creamy sauce, then top with pie dough before baking. Easy to make ahead or use leftover roasted chicken.
8. Chicken Fried Rice
Takeout-style fried rice with lots of chicken and vegetables is a lifesaver during the week. Make the rice ahead of time, and then quickly stir-fry the chicken and frozen mixed vegetables. Kids will devour this flavorful dish. Add soy, sesame oil and eggs.
9. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Kids go crazy over this cheesy, tomatoey Mexican soup loaded with tasty bites of chicken, corn and black beans. Garnish bowls with crunchy tortilla chips, avocado and cilantro. The flavorful broth is also delicious with rice or quinoa added.
10. Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Transform chicken parm into hand-held slider sandwiches. Pound chicken breast thin, bread with panko, cook, then top with tomato sauce and mozzarella. Slide into mini rolls and serve warm right off the pan. Irresistible comfort food kids can pick up and dip in marinara.
11. Chicken Teriyaki Noodles
Make weeknight teriyaki chicken fast by using tenderloins or thin breast cutlets. Toss with noodles, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and ginger. Add snap peas or broccoli for crunch. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle on green onions.
12. Chicken Enchiladas
Cheesy chicken enchiladas are always a win. Shred or dice cooked chicken and roll up in corn tortillas with Monterey Jack cheese. Smother with enchilada sauce and more cheese, then bake until hot and bubbly. Top with avocado, cilantro and sour cream for an easy family meal.
Chicken breast is endlessly versatile for making kid-friendly meals that grown-ups will also relish. Experiment with new seasonings, sauces, global flavors and fun presentations like sliders or lettuce wraps. Involving kids in preparing and customizing their chicken dishes also makes them more likely to try new foods. With a bit of creativity, the whole family can enjoy healthy chicken meals without resorting to nuggets every night.
Tips for Choosing Kids Chicken Recipes
When trying a new recipe, I would recommend taking the age of the kids into consideration—older babies and younger toddlers will find it easier to chew softer meats such as nuggets made with ground chicken and shredded chicken.
Older kids shouldn’t have any issues with chewing diced up breast or thighs, so you have more options the older the kids get.
Chicken thighs, either whole or in very thick finger-size pieces, can be a great option for Baby Led Weaning (they are high in iron and fat, which babies need). And they are often really moist and tender for any age.
If your kids like to dip their food, add a dip. Also, if a kid doesn’t like a certain kind of meat, make sure it’s easy for them to eat first. And second, know that there’s no kiddo who likes every food. (The approach known as the Division of Responsibility can help with perspective on this. ).
TIP: Learn more about beneficial fats for kids and the nutrients toddlers need in their weekly diets.
Easy Family Chicken Recipes
Each of these recipes is appropriate for a toddler, but should also be appealing to the entire family—kids and parents alike! I always aim to have recipes that appeal to everyone to help reduce the amount of overall cooking we have to do. Fingers crossed anyway!.
These are so simple to make and taste great. The outside is crispy and the inside is soft. They’re a forever hit.
Recreate chicken tenders at home with this super simple method. (There are 2 options for the crispy coating, so pick the one that sounds best!).
My kid’s Favorite Food❗ Quick and Easy Chicken Breast Dinner!
FAQ
What to make kids with chicken breasts easy?
Kids’ chicken recipesChicken nacho grills. A star rating of 4. 8 out of 5. Satay chicken & mango wraps. A star rating of 4. 4 out of 5. BBQ chicken with corn rice. A star rating of 4. 3 out of 5. Chicken taco salad. Sweet & sticky chicken noodles. Crumbly chicken & mixed vegetable pie. Chicken roll-ups. Mild chicken curry.
What meal can I make with chicken breasts easily?
Chicken breast recipesChicken pasta bake. A star rating of 4. 6 out of 5. ‘Marry me’ chicken. A star rating of 4. 7 out of 5. Easy chicken fajitas. A star rating of 4. 7 out of 5. Mustard-stuffed chicken. Crunchy garlic chicken. Chicken & chorizo jambalaya. Chicken & bacon pasta. App onlyChicken schnitzel caesar salad.
What meal can I make with a cooked chicken breast?
Fresh ideas for leftover chickenChicken & tzatziki wraps. Chicken, bacon & watercress baguettes. Easy coronation chicken. Mexican chicken & black bean wraps. Caesar pitta. Herby chicken & butter bean soup. Spiced black bean & chicken soup with kale. Chicken & sweetcorn soup.
What can I stuff a chicken breast with easily?
Stuffed chicken breast recipesChicken stuffed with herby mascarpone. A star rating of 4. 7 out of 5. Mustard-stuffed chicken. A star rating of 4. 6 out of 5. Goat’s cheese & thyme stuffed chicken. Italian stuffed chicken. Spinach & feta stuffed chicken. Festive stuffed chicken. Balmoral chicken. Chicken kyivs.