Delicious Kid Friendly Dinner: 5 Easy Recipes to Try

Recipe By:
Daniel Lawson
Updated:

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a kid-friendly dinner wafting through the house. This dish, bursting with flavors and colors, will have your little ones clamoring for seconds, or at least bargaining for dessert first. Picture tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a savory sauce that will make even the pickiest eaters nod in approval.

As I stand in my kitchen, I’m transported back to family dinners where laughter mingled with the scent of garlic and herbs. The kids would dash around the table in delight, their eyes wide with anticipation as I plated our favorite meal. There’s something magical about creating a dish that brings everyone together, making each bite a cause for celebration.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This kid-friendly dinner is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
  • It boasts a delightful flavor profile that pleases both kids and adults alike
  • Visually appealing with its colorful ingredients, it makes dinner feel festive
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on what you have in your pantry

One evening, I served this dish at a family gathering and watched my niece clean her plate faster than I could say “seconds.” Her delighted giggles were music to my ears.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh chicken breasts for tenderness; they cook evenly and soak up flavors beautifully.

  • Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors for visual appeal; they add sweetness and crunch.

  • Onion: A medium onion will provide depth; sauté until soft for the best results.

  • Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the flavor; use 3-4 cloves for an aromatic punch.

  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while adding umami richness.

  • Honey: Balances out flavors nicely; opt for raw honey for a touch of natural sweetness.

  • Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for sautéing; it adds healthy fats and enhances flavors.

  • Rice or Quinoa: Serve as a base; both are nutritious options that soak up delicious sauces well.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing and chopping all your veggies: bell peppers into strips and onions into thin slices. Mince the garlic finely to release its flavor.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add sliced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes.

Add the Vegetables: Toss in the chopped onions and bell peppers into the skillet with chicken. Sauté until they soften slightly—about 3-5 minutes—and begin smelling divine.

Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic until well combined. Pour this luscious mixture over your chicken and veggies in the skillet.

Simmer Together: Allow everything to cook together for another 5 minutes on low heat until it thickens slightly. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom!

Serve It Up!: Fluff your rice or quinoa while waiting. Plate your colorful chicken stir-fry on top of grains. Watch as everyone digs in with smiles!

This kid-friendly dinner not only fills bellies but also creates treasured moments around your dining table! Enjoy every bite knowing you’ve crafted something special that everyone loves!

You Must Know

  • This kid-friendly dinner will not only please your little ones but also make cooking a breeze
  • The vibrant colors and enticing aromas create a delightful dining experience that even picky eaters can’t resist
  • It’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by prepping all your ingredients before cooking. Sauté proteins first, then add veggies and sauce for the best flavor fusion.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out proteins or add extra veggies based on what your kids love. Experiment with spices to give the dish your signature flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to preserve texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For a truly kid-friendly dinner, keep flavors mild and textures appealing
  • Incorporate hidden veggies to boost nutrition without complaints
  • Remember, presentation matters; make it colorful and fun to entice even the fussiest eaters!

Cooking this kid-friendly dinner brings back memories of my nephew’s delight when he discovered he actually liked broccoli—thanks to a cheesy sauce that turned it into a superhero food.

FAQs

FAQ

What can I substitute for chicken in this kid-friendly dinner?

Try turkey, tofu, or chickpeas as protein substitutes for a tasty twist.

How can I make this dish spicier for adults?

Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce during cooking for an adult-friendly kick.

Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep ingredients and store them separately until you’re ready to cook.

Print
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Quick and Colorful Chicken Stir-Fry

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Bring the family together with this vibrant Chicken Stir-Fry, a kid-friendly dinner that combines tender chicken, crunchy bell peppers, and a savory honey-soy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Watch your little ones clean their plates as they enjoy every flavorful bite!

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups mixed bell peppers (sliced)
  • 1 medium onion (sliced)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey (preferably raw)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop bell peppers into strips, slice the onion, and mince garlic.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Add sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet; sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes until softened.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Pour over the chicken and veggies.
  5. Simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Serve hot over fluffy rice or quinoa.
  • Author: DANIEL LAWSON
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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