10 Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas for Picky Eaters

Cooking for picky eaters can be daunting, especially when it comes to preparing enjoyable and nutritious meals that cater to their specific tastes. Many kids and some adults have a limited palate that can make family meals challenging. However, with a handful of quick and easy dinner ideas, you can create meals that even the most discerning of eaters will love. Below are ten delicious recipes that are sure to please picky eaters while making your dinner preparation a breeze.

1. Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a fantastic option for picky eaters as they can be easily customized.

• • Ingredients: Tortillas, shredded chicken, cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), and optional veggies (like bell peppers or spinach).

• • Instructions:
    • • Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
    • • Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle cheese and chicken on one half, and fold the other half over.
    • • Cook until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden, then flip and cook the other side.
    • • Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or sour cream.

2. Pasta with Butter and Parmesan

A classic that never fails!

• • Ingredients: Pasta of choice, butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and salt.

• • Instructions:
    • • Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
    • • Drain and return it to the pot, add butter and allow it to melt before stirring in the Parmesan.
    • • Serve hot with an optional sprinkle of salt.

3. Mini Pizzas

Let your picky eaters have fun with their food!

• • Ingredients: English muffins or pita bread, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, and toppings of choice (like pepperoni or veggies).

• • Instructions:
    • • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • • Spread marinara sauce on the muffins or pita, sprinkle cheese, and add toppings.
    • • Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling. Slice and enjoy!

4. Scrambled Eggs with Toast

An easy and nutritious meal that can be served any time of day.

• • Ingredients: Eggs, milk, butter, and your choice of bread.

• • Instructions:
    • • In a bowl, whisk together eggs and a splash of milk.
    • • Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then pour in the egg mixture.
    • • Stir occasionally until the eggs are softly scrambled.
    • • Serve with toasted bread on the side.

5. Taco Bar

A fun way for picky eaters to build their own meals!

• • Ingredients: Taco shells, seasoned ground beef or beans, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

• • Instructions:
    • • Cook the ground beef or warm the beans with taco seasoning.
    • • Set up a taco bar with taco shells and all the toppings.
    • • Let everyone create their own tacos based on their preferences.

6. Chicken Nuggets with Steamed Veggies

An easy and widely accepted option for picky eaters.

• • Ingredients: Frozen chicken nuggets and your choice of fresh or frozen vegetables.

• • Instructions:
    • • Cook the chicken nuggets according to package instructions.
    • • Steam vegetables until tender (about 5-7 minutes).
    • • Serve together for a healthy and appealing dinner.

7. Cheese and Broccoli Rice Casserole

Easy to prepare and great for getting some veggies in!

• • Ingredients: Cooked rice, broccoli florets, shredded cheese, and cream of mushroom soup.

• • Instructions:
    • • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • • In a large bowl, combine rice, broccoli, cheese, and soup.
    • • Transfer to a baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

8. French Toast Sticks

Perfect for dinner and great for dipping!

• • Ingredients: Bread, eggs, milk, and cinnamon.

• • Instructions:
    • • In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cinnamon.
    • • Cut the bread into sticks, then dip in the egg mixture.
    • • Cook on a skillet until golden brown on all sides. Serve with syrup.

9. DIY Sushi Rolls

Fun to make and eat! Perfect for adventurous picky eaters.

• • Ingredients: Sushi rice, nori sheets, and fillings (like cucumber, avocado, and cooked shrimp or chicken).

• • Instructions:
    • • Cook the sushi rice as per package instructions.
    • • Lay a nori sheet on a bamboo mat, spread rice, and add your desired fillings.
    • • Roll tightly, slice, and serve with soy sauce for dipping.

10. Smoothie Bowl

A nutritious and colorful option that looks appealing.

• • Ingredients: Frozen fruits (like bananas and berries), yogurt, and toppings (such as granola or nuts).

• • Instructions:
    • • Blend frozen fruits with yogurt until smooth.
    • • Pour into a bowl and top with granola, nuts, or additional fruit.