Are you tired of trying to please the picky eaters in your family? Cooking meals that everyone will enjoy can be a challenge, especially when it comes to chicken dishes. But fear not; we’ve got you covered! I am about to show you the 15 best chicken recipes for picky eaters that are sure to please the whole family.
From classic favourites to new and exciting flavours, these recipes will have everyone at the dinner table asking for seconds. So, let’s get cooking!
What is a Picky Eater?
A picky eater is someone who is selective about the foods they eat. They may have strong preferences for certain foods and avoid others. Picky eaters may also have difficulty trying new foods or may be sensitive to certain textures, smells, or tastes.
If you have a picky eater in your family, mealtimes can be a challenge. Picky eaters are often hesitant to try new foods and may have a limited range of foods they are willing to eat. Understanding picky eaters can help you create meals that are more appealing to them.
How to Deal with Picky Eaters
If you have a picky eater in your family, there are several things you can do to make mealtimes more enjoyable:
- Involve your child in meal planning and preparation.
- Offer a variety of foods at each meal, including foods your child already likes and new foods to try.
- Be patient, and don’t force your child to eat anything they don’t want to.
- Offer small portions of new foods and encourage your child to try them.
- Make meals fun and enjoyable by using colourful plates and fun utensils.
Nutrition for Picky Eaters
It’s important for picky eaters to get a variety of nutrients in their diet. If your child is a picky eater, try to offer a variety of healthy foods at each meal, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
If your child is hesitant to try new foods, you can try introducing new foods gradually. For example, you can start by adding small amounts of new food to a dish your child already likes.
Over time, you can increase the amount of the new food until your child is comfortable eating it on its own.
Check these cold chicken recipes for picnics
Encouraging Adventurous Eating
Encouraging adventurous eating can help picky eaters expand their palates and try new foods. You can do this by:
- Offering a variety of foods at each meal.
- Introducing new foods gradually.
- Encouraging your child to try new foods, but not forcing them.
- Making mealtimes fun and enjoyable.
- Being a good role model by trying new foods yourself.
By understanding picky eaters and taking steps to make mealtimes more enjoyable, you can help your child develop a healthy relationship with food and expand their palate over time.
Easy Chicken Recipes for Picky Eaters
When it comes to feeding picky eaters, chicken is a great option because it’s versatile and can be prepared in so many different ways. Here are some quick and easy chicken recipes that even the pickiest eaters will love!
1. Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are a classic kid-friendly meal that is also super easy to make. To make homemade chicken nuggets, simply cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, dip them in beaten egg, coat them in seasoned breadcrumbs, and bake them in the oven until crispy. You can also try making healthier baked chicken nuggets by using almond flour or panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
2. Chicken Fingers
Chicken fingers are another easy and delicious option that picky eaters will love. To make chicken fingers, cut chicken breasts into strips, dip them in beaten egg, coat them in seasoned breadcrumbs, and fry them in a pan until golden brown. You can also try baking them in the oven for a healthier option.
3. Popcorn Chicken
Popcorn chicken is a fun and tasty twist on traditional chicken nuggets.
To make popcorn chicken, cut chicken breasts into small pieces, dip them in beaten egg, coat them in seasoned flour, and fry them in a pan until crispy.
You can also try baking them in the oven for a healthier option. Serve them with your favourite dipping sauce for a fun and easy meal.
Overall, chicken is a great option for easy weeknight dinners that picky eaters will love. Whether you’re making chicken nuggets, chicken fingers, or popcorn chicken, there are plenty of simple recipes that you can try.
So next time you’re struggling to come up with a quick and easy meal, just remember that chicken is always a great choice!
Cheesy Chicken Delights Recipes For Picky Eaters
Looking for some cheesy chicken recipes that even your picky eaters will love? Look no further than these two delicious options: Cheesy Chicken Alfredo and Grilled Cheese and Chicken Sandwich.
4. Cheesy Chicken Alfredo
This classic Italian dish is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. And with this easy recipe, you can whip up a batch in no time.
To make Cheesy Chicken Alfredo, start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions.
While the pasta is cooking, heat up some butter in a pan and cook your chicken until it’s no longer pink.
Then, add some garlic and cream cheese to the pan and stir until the cream cheese is melted.
Next, add some heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the pan and stir until everything is combined.
Finally, add your cooked pasta to the pan and toss until it’s coated in the delicious sauce. Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley on top.
5. Grilled Cheese and Chicken Sandwich
For a more casual take on cheesy chicken, try this Grilled Cheese and Chicken Sandwich recipe.
It’s the perfect combination of gooey cheese and tender chicken, all sandwiched between two slices of crispy bread.
To make this sandwich, start by grilling your chicken until it’s cooked through. Then, assemble your sandwich by placing a slice of cheese on one slice of bread, followed by the chicken, and then another slice of cheese.
Top with the other slice of bread.
Next, heat up some butter in a pan and grill your sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Serve hot with a side of your favourite dipping sauce.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic Italian or a more casual sandwich, these Cheesy Chicken Delights are sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
So why not give them a try tonight?
Chicken Recipes with Sauces for Picky Eaters
If you’re looking for easy chicken recipes with sauces that your picky eaters will love, you’ve come to the right place! Here are two delicious options that are sure to please.
6. Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that is perfect for a family dinner. To make them, you’ll need cooked shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, tortillas, and your favourite toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
To assemble the enchiladas, simply fill each tortilla with chicken and roll it up. Place the rolled tortillas in a baking dish and cover them with enchilada sauce.
Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
You can also make these enchiladas ahead of time and freeze them for later. Just be sure to thaw them before baking.
7. Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is always a hit with picky eaters. To make it, you’ll need breaded chicken breasts, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
To assemble the dish, place the breaded chicken breasts in a baking dish and cover them with tomato sauce.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
You can also serve this dish with a side of pasta or a salad for a complete meal.
Both of these chicken recipes with sauces are easy to make and are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So go ahead and give them a try!
Healthy Chicken Dinners for Picky Eaters.
When it comes to feeding your picky eaters, it can be challenging to find healthy and tasty meals that they will enjoy. Luckily, chicken dinners are a versatile and protein-packed option that can be prepared in many different ways. Here are some healthy chicken dinner ideas that your family will love.
8. Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is a classic comfort food that is perfect for cold winter days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
It’s also a great way to sneak in some veggies for your picky eaters. Here’s a simple recipe for chicken soup that you can customize to your family’s taste:
- In a large pot, sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add diced cooked chicken, noodles or rice, and any other veggies you like (such as peas or corn).
- Simmer until the noodles are cooked, and the veggies are tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary to taste.
9. Taco Salad with Shredded Chicken
If your family loves Mexican food, try making a taco salad with shredded chicken for a healthy and flavorful dinner. Here’s how to make it:
- Cook shredded chicken in a skillet with taco seasoning.
- Assemble a salad with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and any other veggies you like.
- Top with the cooked chicken, shredded cheese, and crushed tortilla chips.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or salsa on top.
These healthy chicken dinners are easy to make and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Try them out, and let us know which one is your family’s favourite.
Oven-Baked Chicken Recipes for Picky Eaters
If you’re looking for a simple and delicious chicken recipe that’s both easy to make and picky-eater-approved, then oven-baked chicken is the way to go. Not only is it a healthy option, but it’s also a great way to use up any ingredients you have lying around in your kitchen. Here are two oven-baked chicken recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
10. Baked Chicken with Bell Peppers
This oven-baked chicken recipe is perfect for those picky eaters. You can serve it with mashed potatoes or steamed white rice.
Or pair it with their favour carb option. You have covered the protein already and the veggies with the bell peppers.
11. Rosemary Chicken
This oven-baked chicken recipe is perfect for those picky eaters who prefer a milder flavour. To make this dish, you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, chopped rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss until they are coated with the mixture.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Both of these oven-baked chicken recipes are easy to make and are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, they’re a great way to get your daily dose of protein without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
Other delicious chicken recipes for picky eaters.
12. Chicken Quesadilla
One of my favourite chicken recipes for picky eaters is quesadillas. They are super easy to cook, and no one can resist their incredibly tasty cheesy and meaty flavour.
You can camouflage some vegetables to increase the dish’s nutritional value, and they won’t notice it. I like to add spinach, I finally shopped them to get my son to eat more veggies. It works.
13. Chicken Empanadas
Chicken empanadas are labour intense, but they make the perfect chicken recipes for picky eaters.
This recipe is a simple chicken empanada recipe that features a robust and flavorful filling consisting of tender, succulent shredded chicken combined with onions, peppers, and garlic.
14. Chicken and pepper jack taquitos
Even for those with specific tastes, these mild pepper jack chicken taquitos work well as a main course or a starter.
They feature creamy chicken and chipotle salsa enclosed in a crunchy fried corn tortilla, perfect for dipping into some guacamole. Sounds delicious, right?
15. Chicken Chimichanga
Chicken Chimichangas are easy and mild in flavour, perfect for the pickiest of eaters.
These flour tortillas are filled with a delectable, expertly seasoned chicken and bean mixture and then fried until they’re wonderfully crispy and golden.
These fried burritos can even be prepared ahead and stored in the freezer, making them a convenient meal option!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy and healthy chicken recipes for picky eaters?
If you’re looking for easy and healthy chicken recipes for picky eaters, you might want to try chicken and vegetable stir-fry, baked chicken tenders, or chicken and rice casserole. These recipes are simple to make, packed with nutrients, and are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Can you recommend some chicken recipes for a family with picky eaters?
If you’re cooking for a family with picky eaters, you might want to try chicken fajitas, chicken parmesan, or chicken and vegetable skewers. These recipes are easy to customize to individual tastes and are sure to please even the most finicky eaters.
What are some simple and delicious chicken recipes with few ingredients?
If you’re short on time or ingredients, you might want to try chicken and broccoli stir-fry, lemon garlic chicken, or honey mustard chicken. These recipes are simple to make, require only a handful of ingredients, and are sure to be a hit with picky eaters.
How can I make my chicken dishes more flavorful for picky eaters?
If you’re looking to add more flavour to your chicken dishes, you might want to try marinating your chicken in a flavorful sauce or seasoning blend before cooking. You can also try adding herbs and spices to your chicken dishes, such as garlic, rosemary, or thyme.
What are some budget-friendly chicken recipes for picky eaters?
If you’re on a budget, you might want to try chicken and vegetable soup, chicken and rice casserole, or chicken and broccoli stir-fry. These recipes are easy on the wallet, packed with nutrients, and are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Are there any tricks to making chicken breast soft and tender like restaurants do?
If you’re looking to make your chicken breast soft and tender, you might want to try pounding your chicken breast to an even thickness before cooking or brining your chicken in a saltwater solution before cooking. These methods can help to tenderize your chicken and make it more flavorful.
