No more begging kids to eat just one bite of broccoli. We've rounded up our top family-friendly recipes that offer a healthy balance of lean protein, mixed vegetables, grains and tons of flavor.
33 Healthy Dinners Kids Can’t Get Enough Of
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
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How to Grill Chicken Breasts
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this grilled chicken, and I love having a healthy and tasty recipe that keeps my kitchen cool. —Linda Coss, Lake Forest, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 207 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
2/33
Pork with Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With sweet potatoes, dried cranberries and apple slices, this colorful pork dish is especially popular during fall and winter. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3 slices pork with 1 cup potato mixture: 315 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
3/33
Baked Chicken Burritos
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This mouthwatering southwestern burrito recipe makes enough for two casseroles, so you can enjoy one today and freeze the other for a busy weeknight. They're super to have on hand for quick meals or to take to potlucks. —Sonya Nightingale, Burley, Idaho.
Nutrition Facts:
2 burritos: 760 calories, 44g fat (23g saturated fat), 177mg cholesterol, 1608mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 51g protein.
4/33
Turkey Noodle Soup
Total Time
5 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings (3-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Make the most of leftover turkey with this down-home soup. Creating a broth by roasting the turkey, garlic and vegetables adds richness and depth to the flavor without the need for additional fats. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 188 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
5/33
Baked Chicken with Bacon-Tomato Relish
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We eat a lot of chicken for dinner, so I'm always trying to do something a little different with it. My children love the crispiness of this chicken, and my husband and I love the flavorful relish—you can't go wrong with bacon! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken tenders with 1/4 cup relish: 326 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
6/33
Chicken & Spanish Cauliflower “Rice”
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned about the paleo diet from some friends who now have tons of energy and are super fit. Since then, I’ve changed my eating habits, too. Everyone from my dad to my little nephew loves this chicken in Spanish cauliflower rice. —Megan Schmoldt, Westminster, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 227 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
7/33
Veggie Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These vegetarian tacos are stuffed with a blend of sauteed cabbage, peppers and black beans so filling, you won't miss the meat. Top with avocado, cheese or a dollop of sour cream. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 430 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 10g fiber), 12g protein.
8/33
Zippy Turkey Zoodles
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Eating healthy doesn't mean sacrificing flavor—and these spiced-up zoodles prove it. If you don't have a spiralizer, simply slice the zucchini julienne-style. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 332 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat.
9/33
Tomato Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy, rich and bursting with brightness, this soup is the ultimate sidekick to a grilled cheese sandwich. — Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 104 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
10/33
Tropical Chicken Cauliflower Rice Bowls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tropical favorite is a delicious and healthy dinner with tons of flavor! You can substitute regular rice for the cauliflower rice if desired. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 325 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
11/33
Turkey Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These juicy, tender patties on whole wheat buns make a wholesome, satisfying sandwich. We especially like to make grilled turkey burgers, but you could also pan-fry them. —Sherry Hulsman, Elkton, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 293 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
12/33
Honey Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a new mom, and my schedule is very dependent upon our young son, so I like meals that can be ready in as little time as possible. This all-in-one chicken stir fry recipe with a hint of sweetness from honey is a big time-saver. —Caroline Sperry, Allentown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup stir-fry: 249 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
13/33
Turkey Chili
Total Time
6 hours 50 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I've taken my mother's healthy turkey chili recipe and made it thicker and more robust. It's a favorite, especially in fall and winter. —Celesta Zanger, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 200 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 535mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
14/33
Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken Fajitas
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For our fajitas, I combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor. These fajitas are more on the sweet side, but my family loves them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
2 fajitas: 359 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 6g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
15/33
Chicken Foil Packets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
People think I went to a lot of trouble when I serve these packets. Individual aluminum foil pouches hold in the juices during baking to keep the herbed chicken moist and tender. The foil saves time and makes cleanup a breeze. —Edna Shaffer, Beulah, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 175 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
16/33
Veggie Mac and Cheese
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese definitely doesn't come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone asking for seconds. —Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 200 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 391mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
17/33
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.
18/33
Salsa Spaghetti Squash
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you want spaghetti, but are eating gluten-free or trying to keep a lid on carbs, there's always spaghetti squash as a flavorful alternative. Subtly sweet, tender and satisfying, this is one colorful dish. —Clara Coulson Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups squash with 1 cup salsa mixture: 244 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 720mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 10g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
19/33
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this creamy chicken rice soup recipe while making some adjustments to a favorite stovetop chicken casserole. We like this soup for lunch with a crisp roll and fresh fruit. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 312 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 699mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
20/33
Zucchini & Sausage Stovetop Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Gather zucchini from your garden or farmers market and start cooking. My family goes wild for this wholesome casserole. You can grate the zucchini if you'd like. —LeAnn Gray, Taylorsville, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 394 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
21/33
Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone goes for this super moist, garlicky chicken, including my fussy kids. For your holiday buffet or family gathering, serve it with rice or noodles. —Carole Lotito, Hillsdale, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 247 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 735mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
22/33
Vegetarian Tacos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Mexican food but was looking for a healthier option to share. My family devours these tasty tacos whenever I make them. —Amanda Petrucelli, Plymouth, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco (calculated without optional toppings): 413 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 774mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 16g fiber), 17g protein.
23/33
Turkey Soup
Total Time
4 hours 30 min
Servings
12 servings (5 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter got this recipe from her husband's mother. As in many households, our turkey gets picked over for a few days after the holidays. This soup is especially good on cold winter nights when it's snowing...which happens a lot where I live! —Carol Brethauer, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 147 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 412mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
24/33
Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 410 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
25/33
Lemon-Dijon Pork Sheet-Pan Supper
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Most nights I need something that I can get on the table with minimal effort and delicious results. This sheet-pan supper has become an all-time favorite, not only because of its bright flavors but also because of its speedy cleanup time. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1-1/4 cups vegetables: 516 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 9g fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 3 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
26/33
Chicken Garden Medley
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After my family sampled this dish at a friend's house, it quickly became a favorite—especially with our teenage daughters, who request it at least once a week! —Dohreen Winkler, Howell, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 404 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
27/33
Roast Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am a busy mom of four and a nursing student, so weeknight dinners are often rushed. Sunday dinners are very important to our family, and everyone loves when I make this old-fashioned chicken recipe. —Amy Jenkins, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 281 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
28/33
Roast Pork
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Meet the Cook: We used to raise our own hogs. This recipe was given me by a fellow farmer who also had pork on the dinner table a couple of times a week.
I'm a dietitian at the local VA hospital. Cooking, of course, is one of my top pastimes! My husband and I have four children and one grandson.
-Denise Collins, Chillicothe, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 280 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
29/33
Sausage-Stuffed Zucchini
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always had to be creative when getting my family to eat vegetables, so I decided to make stuffed zucchini using the pizza flavors that everyone loves. It worked! We like to include sausage for a main dish but it could be a meatless side too. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed zucchini halves: 206 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
30/33
Chicken Chalupa
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted an easy alternative to deep-fried chalupas, so I bake them with filling on top. —Magdalena Flores, Abilene, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chalupa: 206 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
31/33
Garlic Chicken with Herbs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pan-roasting garlic cloves turns them into rich, creamy deliciousness. This chicken is also fantastic with a loaf of crusty bread or mashed potatoes on the side. —Kathy Fleming, Lisle, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 214 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 487mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
32/33
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we were first married and poor college students, I found this sloppy joe recipe and tweaked it. The fresh bell peppers give it a wonderful flavor. —Kallee Twiner, Maryville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 251 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
33/33
Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons cooking juices: 203 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
