We have tasty ideas the entire family will love.
38 Chicken Recipes for Kids
Chicken Enchilada Bake
Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado
1/38
2/38
Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. The seasoning can also be used on chicken breast halves to make amazing sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 214 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
3/38
Lunch-Box Chicken Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this recipe, and I tweaked a few things to make it healthier. It’s so delicious and quite easy to make! I use it for family gatherings, church functions, care packages ... just about anything. For shortcuts, I sometimes replace the celery and carrots with 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables. The prepackaged rice saves time, too, so you can have the soup ready and waiting even when the kids are busy with activities. —Jean Ann Fairchild, Shelby, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 224 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 741mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
4/38
Homemade Chicken Potpie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Why look for potpie in the frozen food aisle when this easy version tastes much better? The chicken pot pie's crust is so tender and flaky, and underneath you'll find the ultimate comfort food for kids and adults. —Amy Briggs, Gove, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 439 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 526mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
5/38
Chicken Parm Pizza
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty pizza is the perfect combo—quick and easy to make, and a winner with even picky eaters. It's a handy option for a family dinner on a busy night or for the center of the table at a kids' party. —Karen Wittmeier, Parkland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 440 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
6/38
Macaroni and Cheese with Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Prep once and feed the family twice when you double this chicken mac and cheese and freeze half of it. I created it for the people I love most, using ingredients they love most. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 586 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 889mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
7/38
Nacho Chicken
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have been serving this rich and zippy chicken casserole for years, and it's always a favorite of my family and friends. It's sure to disappear quickly at potluck suppers too. —Thom Britton, Three Rivers, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 496 calories, 27g fat (11g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1299mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
8/38
Quick Sesame Chicken Noodles
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love playing around with different ingredients and spices in my stir-fry recipes. As my children get older, I have more evenings when I need to whip up dinner quickly, and this dish with chicken strips and ramen noodles fits the bill deliciously. —Heather Chambers, Largo, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 460 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 1626mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 45g protein.
9/38
Tex-Mex Chicken Strips
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was looking for a way to amp up the flavor of regular chicken strips so I crushed up some leftover corn chips to create a crispy, flavorful coating. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 258 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 351mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein.
10/38
Spicy Mac and Cheese
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been working to perfect a creamy, spicy mac and cheese for years. After adding smoky bacon, jalapenos and spicy cheese, this is the ultimate side dish! —Sarah Gilbert, Aloha, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 673 calories, 50g fat (28g saturated fat), 175mg cholesterol, 705mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
11/38
Taco Pockets
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love these taco-flavored sandwiches made with crescent dough. They make a quick, easy lunch or supper with a bowl of soup or a crisp salad. I also like to cut them into smaller servings for parties. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 pocket: 393 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 16g protein.
12/38
Muffin-Tin Chicken Potpies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made these personalized chicken pot pies in muffin tins for my kids, and they gobbled them up. For the record, the grown-ups did, too! —Melissa Haines, Valparaiso, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini potpies: 330 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 1049mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
13/38
Ranch Chicken Sliders
Total Time
2 hours 55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my grandson was younger, we joked that nothing could make ranch chicken taste better. Then one day Avery’s eyes lit up and he suggested we fry it! Our fried chicken burger was born. You won’t believe how good these little sliders are. —Tamara Hire, Decatur, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 sliders: 705 calories, 40g fat (12g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 1299mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
14/38
Chicken & Bacon Roll-Ups
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My children like these roll-ups so much that they ask for them every day for lunch during the summer. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey breast, this is a delicious way to use it up. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 43 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
15/38
Chicken Fries
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kid-friendly and quick, these crunchy oven-baked chicken fries are coated with a mixture of crushed potato chips, panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Dip them in ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or honey-mustard sauce.—Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 376 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 149mg cholesterol, 761mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
16/38
Chicken Chimichangas
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this quick and easy recipe through trial and error. I used to garnish it with sour cream, but I eliminated it in order to lighten the recipe. My friends all love it when I cook these chimichangas, and they're much healthier than deep-fried. —Rickey Madden, Clinton, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 chimichanga: 269 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 613mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
17/38
Barbecue Chicken Sliders
Total Time
4 hours 55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Brining the meat overnight helps make these BBQ chicken sliders taste exceptionally good. Plus, they're so tender, they melt in your mouth. —Rachel Kunkel, Schell City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 sliders: 424 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 993mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
18/38
Potato Chip Chicken Strips
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This novel recipe is a fast and tasty change from fried chicken.—Sister Judith LaBrozzi, Canton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 625 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 664mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
19/38
Cheese Chicken Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (22/3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids won’t think twice about eating their vegetables after tasting this cheesy soup. —LaVonne Lundgren, Sioux City, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 429 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1464mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
20/38
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic, savory casserole is one of my husband's favorites. He loves the fluffy dumplings with plenty of gravy. The basil adds just the right flavor and makes the whole house smell so good while this dish bakes. —Sue Mackey, Jackson, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 393 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 1313mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
21/38
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone loves this dish—I consider it the best chicken and rice casserole recipe because it's a tasty combination of hearty and crunchy ingredients mixed in a creamy sauce. It's a time-tested classic. —Myrtle Matthews, Marietta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 439 calories, 26g fat (5g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 804mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
22/38
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves Buffalo chicken wings, but the frying makes them unhealthy. This recipe takes out some of the fat yet lets us enjoy the same amazing taste. —Terri McKenzie, Wilmington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 398 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 2212mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
23/38
Chicken and Dumplings
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade chicken and dumplings from scratch hearken back to my childhood and chilly days when we devoured those cute little balls of dough swimming in hot, rich broth. It's one of those types of soup you'll want to eat again and again. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 470 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
24/38
Chicken Parm Sliders
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Sliders are the perfect finger food for any get-together, and this flavorful chicken Parmesan version won’t disappoint. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 428 calories, 26g fat (12g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
25/38
Chicken Noodle Soup
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
10 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My first Wisconsin winter was so cold, all I wanted to eat was homemade chicken noodle soup. Of all the chicken noodle soup recipes out there, this type of soup is my favorite and is in heavy rotation from November to April. It has many incredibly devoted fans.—Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 239 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 1176mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
26/38
Pizza Chicken Roll-Ups
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the chicken roll-ups my mom made for special occasions, filled with spinach and cream cheese. My own kids wouldn't eat those, so I came up with a pizza-flavored variety the whole family enjoys. —Tanja Penquite, Oregon, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 344 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 673mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 37g protein.
27/38
Chicken Parmesan Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A restaurant-quality burger that’s topped with marinara and loaded with cheese—what’s not to love? Fresh basil adds even more flavor if you'd like. —Brooke Petras, Alpine, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 603 calories, 33g fat (10g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 1275mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 38g protein.
28/38
Chicken Chili with Black Beans
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Because it looks different than traditional chili, my family was a little hesitant to try this dish at first. Thanks to the full, hearty flavor, it's become a real favorite around our house. I like to serve it with warm cornbread. —Jeanette Urbom, Louisburg, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 236 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
29/38
Fried Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 543 calories, 33g fat (7g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
30/38
Grilled Chicken Ranch Burgers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of the most fantastic, flavorful burgers I've ever made. Ranch is a favorite in dips and dressings, and believe me, it doesn't disappoint in these burgers, either! —Kari Shifflett, Lake Mills, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 371 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
31/38
Barbecue Chicken Sandwich
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With four small children at home, I need quick yet filling meals. This family-favorite BBQ chicken sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier taste, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to 1 cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 284 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
32/38
Crispy Barbecue Chicken Tenders
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These crunch-coated chicken tenders are a little sweet, a little tangy and a whole lot of fun. In half an hour, your family's new favorite dish is ready to eat. When I have extra time, I roast garlic and add it to the sauce. —Andreann Geise, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with 2 tablespoons sauce: 411 calories, 27g fat (6g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
33/38
Baked Ranch Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A crunchy coating of cornflakes and Parmesan cheese adds delectable flavor to this zesty ranch chicken. The golden, crispy chicken is a mainstay dish I can always count on. —Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 254 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 959mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
34/38
Chicken Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My fun twist on typical pizza is an excellent way to use up leftover pesto. And since it’s loaded with protein-rich chicken and black beans, it’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 419 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 761mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
35/38
Baked Barbecue Chicken Breast
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend made this saucy chicken for us when we had our first child. I pared down the recipe to make it lower in fat and calories. Now it's a family favorite, and even the kids ask for this baked bbq chicken breast. —Marge Wagner, Roselle, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch.
36/38
Parmesan Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My 3-year-old went through a chicken-nuggets-and-french-fries-only stage, so I made these golden nuggets for him. Even the grown-ups like them! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
6 nuggets (calculated without marinara): 191 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 309mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
37/38
Lemon Chicken and Rice
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 casseroles (4 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I couldn’t say who loves this recipe best, because it gets raves every time I serve it! Occasionally I even get a phone call or email from a friend requesting the recipe, and it's certainly a favorite for my grown children and 15 grandchildren. —Maryalice Wood, Langley, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs with 3/4 cup rice mixture: 624 calories, 26g fat (6g saturated fat), 173mg cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 53g protein.
38/38
Barbecue Chicken Tostadas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lots of my recipes (just like this one) start out as fun ways to use leftovers. My kids love tostadas, so this day-after-cookout dinner was a big hit. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tostadas: 612 calories, 29g fat (10g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1113mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.