Many people find it challenging to get a kid-friendly dinner that is healthy and tasty on the table during the busy weeknight rush.
However, with a bit of planning and this collection of easy 30 minute kid-friendly dinners, it is possible to whip up family-friendly meals that both kids and parents will enjoy without spending hours in the kitchen!
I’ve compiled a list of over 60 delicious recipes that come together in 30 minutes or less. With options ranging from no-fuss sheet pan suppers to easy pasta dishes, flavorful stir fries, eggs, tacos, and more, you'll find plenty of inspiration for new go-to weeknight recipes!
I’ve done the work to find quick meals that don’t rely on chicken nuggets or boxed mac and cheese. Just cook up one of these satisfying dishes that utilize nutritious ingredients, and you can feel good about gathering around the dinner table even on your busiest evenings.
Enjoy browsing through, and make sure you bookmark this page so you can easily come back again whenever you need to figure out what's for dinner!
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Chicken
1. Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Quick and easy Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are a crispy, cheesy, delicious option for dinner (or lunch). You only need five ingredients to make this flavorful meal your whole family will love and request again and again!
2. Baked Chicken Tenders
These kid-friendly chicken tenders are baked instead of deep-fried, but don’t worry, they’re still crispy, golden, and packed with flavor. Baking is a lot easier than deep-frying and it requires a lot less supervision. This recipe cooks up in just 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.
3. Chicken Grilled Cheese
With only six ingredients, it's so easy to put together the cheesy chicken filling for these grilled sandwiches. Easy to customize and sure to please the whole family, you may never even go back to a plain grilled cheese!
4. Cheesy BBQ Chicken Bacon Pinwheels
These fun and delicious pinwheels start with a crescent roll "crust" topped with cheese, BBQ sauce, chicken, and bacon. For extra fast preparation, start with rotisserie chicken. If your picky eaters don't like barbecue sauce, try the Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Pinwheels, which is a similar recipe with slightly different ingredients.
5. Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
This Cranberry Chicken recipe is a perfect example of a low-prep, high-reward meal. The combination of ingredients yields a delicious and complex dish that will shock you with how easy and tasty it is. Serve it over rice or noodles, or with some fresh bread or biscuits on the side.
6. Ranch Baked Greek Yogurt Chicken With Bacon And Cheese
This delicious chicken recipe will soon become a family favorite. Who can resist the flavor combination of ranch dressing, bacon, and cheese? This delicious chicken recipe will soon become a family favorite. And even better than that, it only takes 10 minutes of preparation to get in the oven.
7. Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets
These Cajun Chicken Cutlets are perfect for a quick and tasty meal that's sure to satisfy. Serve them with a side of potatoes, pasta, or green beans, on buns with your favorite toppings, or on salads with all the fixings.
8. Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are easy to whip up. Just mix a few ingredients with ground chicken, shape, bake, and eat! The garlic blue cheese sauce adds a ton of flavor, and the blue cheese can also be swapped out for ranch dressing.
9. Chicken And Broccoli Alfredo Quesadillas
Homemade Alfredo sauce adds a kid-friendly, creamy deliciousness to these quesadillas that your family will love. Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to get dinner on the table even faster.
10. Chicken Caruso
Make this Chicken Caruso recipe with chicken, peas, bacon, and cheese, served over pasta. It's a simple but delicious combination that will make everyone happy at dinner.
11. Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid
Busy weeknights don't usually include time to make a delicious Chicken Pot Pie, but this recipe is a cooking shortcut that lets you put something on the dinner table that you can feel good about. The result is so striking that it could be served to company.
12. Honey Mustard Chicken Stir Fry
Chicken strips, zucchini, and asparagus are cooked in a delicious honey mustard sauce and served over rice or quinoa for a quick and tasty dinner that the whole family will love.
13. Grilled Sesame Lime Chicken With A Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce
The nutty flavor from the chicken combined with the Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce will take you straight to Thailand in one bite. It's so good, you might want to consider making a double batch of the sauce!
14. Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Chicken Pot Pie Pasta has all the comfort food goodness of chicken pot pie mixed with short cut orzo pasta, which resembles rice but has better taste and consistency. It only take about 10 minutes of prep time to make this delicious dinner.
15. Garlic Chicken Tacos With Corn Salsa
Take tacos up a notch with delicious garlic chicken and corn salsa flavored with onion, cilantro, and lime juice. The corn salsa can be prepared ahead of time to get this meal on the table even faster.
16. Fried Rice With Greens And Chicken
This quick dinner idea will soon become a family favorite that is even better than takeout. Use any of a wide range of greens such as Bok Choy or any type of cabbage. The chicken, egg, and veggies are all combined with a delicious rice before the sesame oil sauce is stirred in and voila! Dinner is ready.
17. Chinese Cabbage And Chicken Rollups
Ground chicken, Chinese cabbage, and mushrooms with hoisin sauce are rolled up in Mu Shu wrappers or tortillas. You could even serve this savory mixture over hot cooked rice. Either way, you'll make this tangy dish over and over.
18. Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joe Sandwiches
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joe Sandwiches are pure comfort food. Using ground chicken is a healthier option than regular sloppy joes and they are packed with veggies. They have a little heat but aren't overwhelmingly spicy - they are like sloppy joes with a hot sauce kick.
19. Southwest Chicken Skillet
This delicious skillet meal warms up beautifully for a quick meal on a weeknight or any time. Using Rotel in this dish adds a flavor explosion but any diced tomatoes can be used. The recipe also offers a lot of great swaps and customizations to make this the perfect meal.
20. Fiesta Chicken
If you want a simple, healthy, delicious meal that is ready ASAP, this recipe is for you. Fresh ingredients are combined with pantry staples for a Tex-Mex- inspired skillet dinner. And since the leftovers are even better, cook once and eat all week!
21. Sweet And Sour Chicken
This dinner is made of pieces of crispy chicken thighs or breasts, tossed in a sticky, sweet sauce that features pineapples, bell peppers, and onion. Sweet and Sour Chicken makes a stellar all-in-one meal because it provides protein, vegetables, and even fruit in a single large skillet!
22. Corn Chicken Chowder
The healthy and satisfying soup is quick and easy to make and even better as leftovers. Cayenne pepper gives this version an extra kick and Greek yogurt makes it super creamy and delicious.
Ground Beef And Ground Turkey
23. Easy Johnny Marzetti Casserole
Also known as American Goulash, this popular casserole is delicious and easy to make. Any type of noodle and cheese can be used depending on your preference. Serve this delicious dish with a green salad.
24. Homemade Hamburger Helper
This is a perfect quick-and-easy dinner. All you need are some key ingredients, many of which you probably already have on hand. In less than 30 minutes, you have a filling dinner that everyone will love.
25. Gourmet Cowboy Hamburger Sliders
A classic Cowboy Burger is a ground beef burger with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, tangy BBQ Sauce, and fried crispy onion straws. This version is lightened up a bit with 93/7 beef, crispy pancetta (instead of bacon), balsamic caramelized onions (instead of BBQ sauce and crispy fried onion straws), and mashed avocado. They will be one of the best burgers you have ever eaten!
26. Homemade Sloppy Joe Sandwich
If you like Sloppy Joes, you'll love this homemade version. Use a skillet to brown the ground beef and add chopped onion and green pepper, which you can chop in advance to save time. You can customize the sauce and seasoning added to your taste.
27. Meatball Sub Casserole
Use pre-made or frozen meatballs layered on top of baguette bread to create this delicious cheesy casserole. With three kinds of cheese and breadcrumbs, this will be a popular dinner in your house.
28. Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Burgers
These burgers are so juicy and delicious, plus so quick and easy to make. The burger patties can be prepared up to a day ahead of time and then tightly wrapped and stored (or even frozen) until you're ready to cook them.
29. Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Pinwheels
Pinwheels are kind of awesome. They start with a crescent roll “crust” and from there you just add your favorite pizza toppings. You don’t have to go the bacon cheeseburger route - you can add peppers, onions, olives, pepperoni – anything at all!
30. Cajun Sloppy Joes
These Sloppy Joe sandwiches are a fantastic choice for a busy weeknight - easy, quick, and tasty. The bell pepper and seasonings take it from the kid realm into something the adults will love too.
31. Taco Pasta Bake
Taco Pasta Bake is an easy, family-friendly dinner with taco-inspired flavors that make it a real crowd-pleaser. This budget-friendly recipe is made with ground beef, pasta, and canned goods. It's also a freezer-friendly casserole if you need to make it ahead of time.
32. Bubble And Squeak
Bubble And Squeak was traditionally made by British housewives as a creative way to feed their families during the difficult days of rationed foods in World War II. The name comes from the sound the dish made as it bubbled and squeaked in the fat while cooking. The recipe is easy and very forgiving - it can be made with many substitute ingredients depending on what you have on hand.
33. Quick Weeknight Lasagna Soup
This soup is quite versatile. You can throw in any leftover veggies you may have on hand such as diced zucchini or bell peppers. You could also top the soup with Parmesan cheese or a dollop of ricotta cheese. Serve with a green salad or a chunk of crusty bread for a delicious weekenight meal.
34. Ground Turkey Alfredo Casserole
This healthier meal uses pantry ingredients and it's so comforting and delicious, it will quickly become a family favorite. And best of all, you can get it on the table in 30 minutes with minimal prep time and cleanup.
35. Healthy Turkey Meatballs
Healthy Turkey Meatballs are made with nice lean ground turkey, and they are baked on a cooling rack, so that all the fat drips off and they aren’t fried in oil. Once you pop them in the oven and you put a pot of water on the stove for the pasta, you are nearly done!
36. Thai Turkey Burgers
These Thai turkey burgers take it to a whole other level that will make your mouth water. The classic goodness of a burger meets the light yet slightly dusky taste of turkey meat on the grill with a sweet yet spicy Asian twist.
Fish/Shrimp
37. White Wine Shrimp Pasta With Arugula
Make this White Wine Shrimp Pasta for a simple but elegant meal any night of the week. This light meal is still filling enough to satisfy your hungry family. It’s ready in just 30 minutes for a fantastically easy dinner!
38. General Tso's Sweet Chili Shrimp
This Asian-inspired recipe pairs shrimp and broccoli with a sweet chili sauce, which is served over rice for a healthy, mouthwatering dinner that is even better than takeout.
39. Creamy Rice And Shrimp
With only ten minutes of prep time needed, this Creamy Rice and Shrimp recipe is quick and easy to make! It's also delicious and packed with nutrients. Best of all, you can make this dish all in one pan so cleanup is a breeze.
40. Grilled Tilapia Bowls With Chipotle Avocado Crema
In these scrumptious bowls, quinoa, beans, corn, tomatoes, and grilled tilapia are drizzled with the creamiest chipotle avocado topping! They are kind of like a Chipotle burrito bowl except they have fish as well as an amazing avocado crema sauce, which can be made in advance to save time.
41. Shrimp Curry With Broccoli And Rice
The whole family will enjoy this unique and delicious Shrimp Curry recipe! It is quick and easy to make and filled with flavor. Packed with veggies and creamy coconut milk, it's delicious and hearty. Use microwaveable brown rice to get dinner on the table quickly!
42. Healthier Fish Sticks
This recipe makes fish sticks healthier by using tilapia, which is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamin B-12, vitamin D, niacin, choline, phosphorus, and selenium. Plain yogurt is used in the breading process, and they are baked to delicious, flaky perfection.
43. Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
With a tangy homemade bang bang sauce and crispy fried shrimp, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit! The shrimp can be served on tortillas for tacos or over pasta or rice. The recipe also includes tips on what ingredients you can prepare ahead to save time during your busy week.
44. Potato Crusted Cod
This recipe is a great way to get the kids to eat cod without any drama and adults love it too. Coat the fish fillets with a mixture of cheese, crushed potato chips, and caesar salad dressing and bake it to crispy perfection.
Pasta
45. Easy One Pot Lemon Pasta
This satisfying pasta dish is easy to make and sure to please any crowd! You can make it with ingredients already found in your pantry, so this pasta with lemon is good for a quick meal if you're in need of something easy and reliable.
46. 15 Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta
This pasta dish is made with a fresh avocado sauce that is simple to make and delicious to eat. You will love how fast you can get this dinner on the table for even the busiest nights, and your family will love to eat it.
47. One Pot Broccoli Mac And Cheese
With macaroni, cauliflower, broccoli, and flavorful cheddar, this is a healthy and filling take on mac and cheese the whole family will devour. You’ll love the harmony of savory flavors that you can achieve with just five ingredients!
48. Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet
The chicken sausage is the star in this delicious recipe and mozzarella cheese is a close second. The best thing is that you can swap many of the ingredients for whatever you have on hand; for example, use any precooked sausage, vegetables, and cheese that you prefer.
Vegetarian
49. Cheesy Zucchini Spinach Quesadillas
These Cheesy Zucchini Spinach Quesadillas are quick and easy to prepare and require no other side dishes. It's a delicious way to get your veggies.
50. Healthy Egg Salad Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Typically egg salad is made with mayonaise, but in this recipe, Greek yogurt is used instead to make it healthier and higher in protein. Add it on a grilled sandwich with cheese and other spices, and you will want to eat this sandwich for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
51. BBQ Quinoa Kale + Corn Veggie Burgers With Old Bay Cheddar
These hearty veggie burgers are baked in the oven until golden brown, then topped with cheese. They are great to make ahead and freeze later, and they turn out awesome when reheated on a grill. Either wrap them in lettuce for low-carb or put them on a bun with all the toppings.
52. Baked Cheesy Bean And Rice Burritos
These simple vegetarian burritos filled with beans, Mexican rice, and melted cheese are a healthier version of Taco Bell’s Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos. They are an excellent choice when you need a budget-friendly recipe that will quickly feed a crowd. You can also freeze them to get them on the table even quicker.
53. Green Bean "Pasta" With Fresh Heirloom Cherry Tomato Marinara
This faux pasta dish is packed with flavor from garlic, onions, basil, and oregano. Pair it with a green salad or a chunk of crusty bread for a healthy dinner that is ready in a snap.
54. Salsa Egg Tacos
Wrapped in golden tortillas with any toppings you can dream up, this satisfying Mexican-style meal is a versatile dinner with four main ingredients: tortillas, eggs, salsa, and cheese. The options for additions are endless including avocado, chicken, peppers, spinach, or anything else you have on hand.
55. Vegetarian Burrito
This easy Vegetarian Burrito recipe is ready in 30 minutes and needs only one big skillet to prepare. Brown rice and black beans provide fiber and protein while the sauteed vegetables turn the burritos into an all-in-one-meal.
56. Grilled Peanut Butter Honey Banana Waffle Sandwiches
These grilled sandwiches are a great option for a super quick dinner or even a dinner-on-the-go. The sandwich gets lightly grilled and becomes absolute perfection!
Pork/Ham/Hot Dogs
57. Blue Cheese Crusted Pork Chops
Make these Blue Cheese Crusted Pork Chops for a flavorful and comforting dinner any night of the week! You wil love the tangy taste of the blue cheese dressing mix combined with the mellow pork chop flavor and complementary zing of the pepper. These cheesy pork chops are a simple way to add a savory twist to a familiar dish.
58. Easy Caribbean Tacos
These Caribbean Tacos are a quick and easy dinner that you can make in less than 30 minutes! They are full of fresh flavors including mango, lime, and cilantro and also a bit sweet and a bit spicy! Each component of the recipe can also be made ahead of time so you can get dinner ready even faster.
59. Cheesy Bacon Air Fryer Taquitos
WIth only five ingredients, these taquitos are super simple and easy to make! Smokey bacon and cheese are wrapped in yummy corn tortillas and air fried until crispy and delicious.
60. Hawaiian Scrambled Eggs
These cheesy eggs with ham, tomatoes, and pineapple may sound like a crazy combination. But you are sure to love this rich and savory dish with just the perfect hint of sweetness. It makes a great breakfast for dinner.
61. Yakisoba
Yakisoba is a popular Japanese stir fry noodle dish that typically consists of ramen noodles, pork or beef, and vegetables all cooked in a thickened and flavorful sauce. Ham is used in this version that you can whip in in a jiffy. The sweet, salty, savory flavors and crispy textures make it a satisfying dish.
62. Easy Homemade Kid Friendly Mini Corn Dogs
Both kids and adults will love these mini hot dogs that are dipped in a cornbread batter and fried, and they are a breeze to make in under 30 minutes.
Pizza
63. Easy And Quick Pan Pizza
This 9x13 pizza dough recipe is the perfect way to switch up your pizza night! Complete with your favorite pizza toppings and customize this recipe to your content. It's so easy to make homemade pizza from store bought dough!
64. Mini Deep Dish Pizza
Whole wheat dough, lots of fresh veggies, just a little reduced-fat cheese, and maybe a bit of lean meat all add up to a much healthier pizza than any pizza shop. And your whole family will love it since everyone can pick their own individuals toppings.
65. Steak And Blue Cheese Pizza
Easy to make and even better than delivery, this artisan pizza is bursting with flavor. Caramelized onions and mushrooms make for an incredible combination with the classic duo of steak and blue cheese!
66. Pesto Caprese French Bread Pizza
This pizza is so easy and quick to make, and it is packed with delicious flavors. Serve it with a side of fruit or a salad.
67. Easy Pepperoni Pizza Waffle Pockets
These fun pizza pockets are made in the waffle maker, not the oven, so they turn out golden brown and crispy on the outside. In the pocket, there is cheese, pizza sauce, and any kind of toppings you want.
68. BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza
This recipe is incredibly fast and easy to put together since there is no pizza crust involved. A loaf of French bread is topped with chicken, mozzarella, and red onion and baked to meltly perfection.
Did you see anything that you know your family will love? I know that I did!
With so many great ideas, I can't wait to start working my way through the list!
Thanks so much for reading! I also invite you to follow me on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, or INSTAGRAM to keep up with what's going on in my kitchen.
And you might want to check out my Dizzy Busy and Hungry store on Amazon for a whole bunch of great kitchen products I love!
Happy cooking!
Tammy Northrup says
What an awesome round up Kristin! I remember when all of the kids were little (six of them), going back to school was a hectic time!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
Man oh man, so much goodness is one place! Thanks for including my Cheesy Bacon Chicken and Honey Mustard Stir fry!! Pinned!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
What an awesome list, Kristin! I am always on the lookout for fast and easy dinners! Pinning this and I am going to stumble too!
Miriam @ OvertimeCook says
What a fabulous roundup! I want to make everything on this list!
Thanks for sharing my mini quinoa pizzas!