40 Best Chicken Recipes for Kids That Are Fast and Simple

We couldn't keep all of these tasty recipes cooped up!

chicken recipes for kids cheesy chicken in pan
Mike Garten

Even the pickiest of picky eaters will usually agree to eating chicken: It's a delicious, protein-packed choice for any dinner's main ingredient. This is especially true when it comes to children, who are often known to turn up their noses at anything that isn't macaroni and cheese or chicken nuggets. But if you're looking to whip up a meal that's a bit more exciting than chicken tenders, know that while chicken recipes for kids are easy to find, sometimes it's that ease that makes choosing just the right one a little bit overwhelming. When you factor in wanting to make healthy, balanced dinners for kids, that can make things more complicated, too. That's why we've rounded up the best chicken recipes for kids — so you can find new ways to get creative with quick and healthy dinner recipes that feature chicken.

Whether you are looking for an easy weeknight dinner plan or you're trying to get out of a boring dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets rut (though, let's be honest, those are pretty fun, too), here are some of the best chicken recipes that will keep kids (and adults) satisfied and happy while maybe even sparking their interest in food and cooking, too. From chicken pizza burgers to sheet pan chicken parm, these are recipes that your entire family is sure to ask for week after week.

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1
Everything Chicken Fingers
kid friendly dinner ideas everything chicken fingers with wedge salad
Mike Garten

What kid doesn't like chicken tenders? This recipe is classic kid fare with a twist. Even the salad might be basic enough to please the little ones in your house.

Get the Everything Chicken Fingers with Wedge Salad recipe.

2
Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps
chicken recipes for kids  thai wraps
Mike Garten

If your child is a little more on the adventurous side, these peanut chicken wraps could be a great, super healthy option for an exciting weeknight dinner.

Get the Thai-Style Peanut Chicken Wraps recipe.

3
Spaghetti with Roasted Chicken
chicken recipes for kids spaghetti with chicken
Mike Garten

Spaghetti and chicken are typically two foods which are beloved by kids, so why not combine them?

Get the Spaghetti with Roasted Chicken and Peppers recipe.

4
Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
chicken recipes for kids  chicken nachos
Mike Garten

When in doubt, throw everything onto a sheet pan and call it a day. While some of these ingredients might not be so kid-friendly, feel free to experiment with whatever toppings your family loves.

Get the Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos recipe.

5
Chicken Pitas
chicken recipes for kids  chicken pitas
Mike Garten

This recipe fills a crowd-pleasing pita with chicken and lots of other healthy ingredients, but feel free to experiment with your faves.

Get the Spinach, Chickpea, and Chicken Pitas recipe.

6
Grilled Caesar Salad Flatbreads
chicken recipes for kids  chicken caesar flatbreads
Con Poulus

Trick your kids into eating a healthy salad with this flatbread recipe.

Get the Grilled Caesar Salad Flatbreads recipe.

7
Chicken Kebabs
chicken recipes for kids  chicken kebabs
Con Poulus

There's just something fun about kebabs. Your kids can even help put together their own, if you want to make dinner extra exciting.

Get the Chicken Kebabs recipe.

8
Apricot-Glazed Chicken and Corn
chicken recipes for kids  apricot chicken
Con Poulus

What's not to love about apricot chicken and corn-on-the-cob?

Get the Apricot-Glazed Chicken and Corn recipe.

9
Baked Chicken Cutlets and Pineapple Rice
chicken recipes for kids  chicken and pineapple rice
Christ Court

These baked chicken cutlets look like chicken tenders, while the pineapple rice gives the recipe a sweet twist.

Get the Baked Chicken Cutlets with Pineapple Rice recipe.

10
Zesty Fried Chicken
chicken recipes for kids  zesty fried chicken
Con Poulus

This is food that looks like takeout, but isn't, which will make it that much more appealing to little ones.

Get the Zesty Fried Chicken recipe.

11
Sesame Chicken
chicken recipes for kids  sesame chicken
Chris Court

This chicken recipe replaces traditional breadcrumbs with sesame seeds, which will be a fun change from typical nuggets or chicken tenders.

Get the Sesame Chicken and Chili Lime Slaw recipe.

12
Mediterranean Chicken Pitas
chicken recipes for kids  mediterranean pitas
Con Poulus

If you have one of those kids who just can't get enough of hummus, this would be a great chicken recipe for them and the whole family.

Get the Mediterranean Chicken Pitas recipe.

13
Chicken Caesar Salad
chicken recipes for kids  kale and romaine chicken caesar salad
Chris Court

If there's any salad that's kid friendly, it's probably the savory chicken caesar salad, so this recipe is worth a try.

Get the Kale and Romaine Chicken Caesar Salad recipe.

14
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
chicken recipes for kids  buffalo chicken pizza
Woman's Day

If your kiddos are sensitive to spice, maybe lay off the more intense ingredients in this recipe, but otherwise, this is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Get the Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe.

15
Pasta with Chicken and Bacon
chicken recipes for kids  chicken pasta with bacon
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

This pasta recipe is filled with delicious chicken and bacon, but also green beans and spinach for a healthy dose of vegetables.

Get the Chicken, Green Bean, and Bacon Pasta recipe.

16
Greek Tacos
chicken recipes for kids  greek tacos
Amy Kalyn Sims

Use ground chicken to switch up your boring old taco night with this recipe.

Get the Greek Tacos recipe.

17
Rigatoni with Chicken and Broccoli
chicken recipes for kids  rigatoni with chicken and broccoli
Con Poulus

This is like an elevated, cheesy broccoli casserole, so what's not to love?

Get the Rigatoni with Chicken and Broccoli recipe.

18
Chicken Bolognese
chicken recieps for kids  chicken bolognese
Kate Sears

Everyone (even the pickiest eaters) seems to love bolognese, and using chicken gives this classic recipe a healthier spin.

Get the Chicken Bolognese recipe.

19
Greek Chicken Burgers
chicken recipes for kids  greek chicken burgers
Tara Donne

Everyone loves burgers, so putting a chicken-y spin on things is a great choice.

Get the Greek Chicken Burgers recipe.

20
Crispy Baked Chicken
chicken recipes for kids  crispy baked chicken
Steve Giralt

Just tell your kids that this recipe uses cereal (cornflakes!) and they might be that much more interested in what you're making for dinner.

Get the Crispy Baked Chicken recipe.

21
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Bow Tie Pasta
chicken recipes for kids  creamy chicken and broccoli
Woman's Day

This comforting recipe combines bow tie pasta, chicken, broccoli, cheese, pesto, and cream perfectly.

Get the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pesto Bow Ties recipe.

22
Fajita Chicken Roll-Ups
chicken recipes for kids  fajita roll ups
Chris Court

"Fajita chicken roll-ups" just sounds like it would be a fun recipe. As an added bonus, this one only takes 30 minutes to put together, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Get the Fajita Chicken Roll-Ups recipe.

23
Lemon Chicken and Pea Pasta
chicken recipes for kids  lemon chicken pasta
Con Poulus

This recipe is so creamy and indulgent that the addition of peas won't even phase picky eaters. Plus, it's packed with protein thanks to the chicken.

Get the Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe.

24
Sheet Pan Chickpea Chicken
chicken recipes for kids  sheet pan chicken
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

This bright recipe would be delicious paired with some white rice, and the colors and textures make it a fun, satisfying meal for the whole family.

Get the Sheet Pan Chickpea Chicken recipe.

25
Chicken Burgers
chicken recipes for kids  chicken burgers
The Pioneer Woman

If you're not into the Greek burgers, consider trying a more simple chicken burger recipe.

Get the Chicken Burgers recipe at The Pioneer Woman.

26
Chicken Pizza Burgers
Courtesy of Delish

Two kid favorites combine for a sandwich that's part pizza, part burger.

Get the Chicken Pizza Burger recipe at Delish.

27
One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
Courtesy of The Girl Who Ate Everything

Your youngster won't be able to say no to veggies when they are covered in cheese in this creamy, decadent rice dish.

Get the One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice recipe at The Girl Who Ate Everything.

28
Chicken Avocado Roll-Ups
Jonathan Boulton

Get ready, kiddos will devour these addictive chicken avocado pinwheels, which are great for lunch or an after-school snack.

Get the Chicken Avocado Roll-Up recipe at Delish.

RELATED: 21 Tasty After School Snacks Even Teens Will Deem "Cool"

29
Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan
sheet pan chicken parm
Mike Garten

Skip the freezer section. Hot Pockets can't compare to these homemade bundles of cheesy chicken goodness.

Get the Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan recipe at Good Housekeeping.

30
Skinny Orange Chicken
Courtesy of Gimme Some Oven

No need for takeout. You can now make a healthy version of this favorite Asian-style dish right at home.

Get the Skinny Orange Chicken recipe at Gimme Some Oven.

31
Chicken Pot Pie Pockets
Courtesy of Will Cook for Smiles

These mini chicken pot pies are the perfect size for your little muffin.

Get the Chicken Pot Pie Pockets recipe at Will Cook for Smiles.

32
Baked Popcorn Chicken
Judy Kim

Crushed up cornflakes give these fryer-free chicken bites an extra crunch that kiddos can't get enough of.

Get the Baked Popcorn Chicken recipe at Delish.

33
Chicken Noodle Soup
Judy Kim

This homemade chicken noodle soup is way better than the canned variety.

Get the Chicken Noodle Soup recipe at Delish.

34
Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joes
Chelsea Lupkin

Give this classic kid food a healthy update by switching out the beef for cheesy chicken.

Get the Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe at Delish.

35
Cheesy Chicken Tacos
Jonathan Boulton

This crunchy chicken dish is all your kids will taco 'bout.

Get the Cheesy Chicken Tacos recipe at Delish.

36
Chicken Parm Sliders
Ethan Calabrese

Little hands call for little sandwiches, and we have a feeling they won't be able to stop grabbing for these crispy chicken Parmesan sliders.

Get the Chicken Parm Sliders recipe at Delish.

37
Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders
Courtesy of Delish

Goodbye, breadcrumbs. A cooler coating is in town. Grab a bag of Cool Ranch Doritos for a the ultimate twist on chicken tenders.

Get the Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders recipe at Delish.

38
Chicken Parm Roll-Ups
Ethan Calabrese

"Nothing says lovin' like something from the oven." Especially when it's warm crescent rolls filled with chicken, Parmesan, marinara, and fresh basil.

Get the Chicken Parm Roll-Ups recipe at Delish.

39
Oven Baked Chicken Fingers With Honey Mustard
Anna Watson Carl

A grown-up take on your kid's favorite chicken dish served with sweet and savory honey mustard is sure to win over the whole family.

Get the Oven Baked Chicken Fingers recipe at Delish.

40
Chicken-Bacon-Ranch Baked Penne
Courtesy of Life in the Lofthouse

You'll win "Mom of the Year" when you combine all the kid food favorites—bacon, ranch, and, of course, cheese—into one delicious dish.

Get the Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Penne recipe at Life in the Lofthouse.

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