30 Irresistible Picky Eater Recipes
In my home, making recipes is not easy. Everybody has their own taste and choice. Both adults and kids are very selective about the choice of their food. When I cook food I have to be careful about their choices. I have a list of recipes for picky eaters and when I make any of these recipes they love to have it.
Let’s unfold the list of
Picky Eater Recipes
1. Pizza Noodle Casserole
Pizza Noodle Casserole is one of the most popular dishes in our home. Kids and adults both love to have it.
They get very excited whenever I make it. I feel so happy when I see a sense of excitement and satisfaction on their faces.
It is an amazing combination of two delicious dishes, pizza and pasta. If you combine these two, obviously the combination has to be the next-level recipe.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. It takes around 45 minutes to prepare the dish. With the combination of noodles, beef, pizza sauce, and mozzarella cheese, you can make this yummy recipe.
You can keep the leftovers in the fridge for a couple of days and it will still taste amazing.
2. Italian Marinated Chicken
Whenever I make Italian marinated chicken, I am super confident that the kids who are picky in my house will also surely love this recipe. The taste is simply mind-blowing.
Here you can either use chicken breasts or thighs; it is up to you. Both will taste delicious. For best flavor, marinate the chicken for a couple of hours.
It takes around one and half hours to prepare but the wait is worth it as I know the kids will shower me with praises. For doneness, check if the internal temperature of the meat has reached 165°F. You need a meat thermometer for this.
With a mix of chicken breasts or thighs, pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and lime juice, you can make this mouthwatering dish. Keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and it will be good for 3-4 days.
3. Cheeseburger Biscuit Bites
I make cheeseburger biscuits mostly when we are about to watch a movie or a sport on a weekend evening. My family loves to have appetizers while watching television.
This is super delicious. The amazing thing about this recipe is that you can also use it as a meal for lunch or dinner.
It does not even take half an hour to prepare, including 20 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. You need to preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
With a combination of beef, biscuits, cheese, ketchup and toppings of your choice, you can make this delicious dish.
4. Black Pepper Tofu
Not only the kids but adults also keenly wait for black pepper tofu. The best thing about this recipe is that it is very healthy too. The recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
It is very easy and quick to make. Within half an hour you will be ready to serve it. With a mix of tofu, cornstarch, chili pepper, maple syrup, ginger, garlic, you can make this yummy dish. It is one of the best picky eaters’ dinner ideas.
Keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and it will be good for up to 5 days. It is best served over a bed of rice.
5. Smothered Burrito
Smothered burritos are one of our favorite weeknight dinner recipes. Whenever I am in the mood for a quick and easy dinner recipe, I go for burritos. It is comfort food at its best.
What I like most about this recipe is that it’s highly versatile. The recipe requires 20 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
With a combination of ground beef, oregano, garlic, onion, taco seasoning, and toppings like sour cream, you can make this wonderful dish.
6. Chicken Nuggets
The youngest one in my house is one of the pickiest eaters, but he simply loves chicken nuggets. In fact, he likes to have it every week.
It is a perfect appetizer so I make it on game days and movie nights. It disappears before I sit to enjoy the match.
The recipe requires 35 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. The ingredients include ground chicken, cornstarch, paprika, all-purpose flour and garlic powder.
7. BBQ Mini Meat Loaves
My whole family loves BBQ food. So I make a variety of BBQ stuff. I am super confident that even picky eaters will love BBQ mini meatloaves.
It requires 20 minutes of prpe time and 30 minutes of cooking time. I sometimes make it on weekends when I invite my neighbors for dinner. They also love it.
I really feel good when my neighbor showers me with praise. Who doesn’t like praise? You need a grill.
With a combination of cheddar cheese, beef, BBQ sauce, and eggs, you can make this yummy dish. It is best served with mashed potatoes.
8. Walking Tacos
Walking tacos are made with all taco ingredients and put together in a bag. With toppings like cheddar cheese, sour cream and avocados, you can enjoy walking tacos. It is very popular with kids. I love it too.
The recipe requires 25 minutes of prep time and 5 minutes of cooking time. The tools needed are a cast-iron skillet, a meat chopper, and a cutting board.
With a mix of taco seasoning, beef, and toppings of your choice, you can make walking tacos. The taco meat can be frozen for up to 6 months.
9. Cornflake Chicken Tenders
Whenever we go out for dinner or lunch, most of the time the kids ask for cornflake chicken tenders. So I thought, why not make it at home? I can save money and the kids will enjoy more chicken tenders.
It takes around an hour to make, including 20 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking time. You need to preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
With the combination of chicken breasts, eggs, cornflakes, pepper, milk, and butter, you can make this lovely dish.
Read: 10 Yummy Vegan Cauliflower Recipes
10. Turkey Sloppy Joe Pasta
Turkey sloppy joe pasta is one of our favorite foods in the house. I also eagerly await making this dish as I completely love it. I usually make it on Sundays. For us most of the Sundays are pasta special Sundays.
The leftovers too can be enjoyed for a couple of days. This flavored pasta is mixed with some healthy vegetables and gives an amazing aroma.
Even if the kids are not hungry and when they smell the pasta, they can’t wait to have it. This is healthy food for picky eaters.
With a combination of pasta, turkey breast, pepper, tomato sauce, and vegetables of your choice you can make this awesome turkey sloppy Joe pasta.
11. Cheesy Taco Sticks
Stuffed with meat and cheese, these are perfect for a game day or a movie night. You can also use the leftovers of taco meat to make this recipe.
You can serve it within 25 minutes, including 15 minutes of prpe time and 10 minutes of cooking time. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
The ingredients include ground beef, parsley, Pillsbury pizza dough, butter and taco seasoning mix. The recipe is best served with sour cream. You can also try salsa with it.
12. Baked Spaghetti
This is one of the easiest dinner recipes for picky eaters. It is one of the best comforting recipes. It takes almost an hour to make. You need a 13×9 baking dish.
You need to preheat the oven to 350°F. The ingredients include spaghetti, ground beef, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese and cooking spray.
It is best served with roasted asparagus. Keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and it will be good for 3-4 days.
13. Sesame Chicken Bowls
This tangy and savory recipe is loved by everyone, even by picky eaters. The tools needed are a cast-iron skillet and a saucepan.
You can serve it in just 30 minutes. It requires 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time.
The ingredients include basmati rice, cornstarch, broccoli, bite-sized chicken thigh and orange marmalade. It is best served with rice or quinoa.
Keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will be good for 3-4 days.
14. Pizza Quesadillas
It is definitely a picky eater’s choice. You can make it in just 10 minutes. You need a griddle.
The recipe is pretty easy to make. The ingredients include meatless spaghetti sauce, mozzarella cheese, butter, salami and tortillas.
Keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will be good for 3-4 days. It freezes well for 3 months.
15. Farfalle With Spinach, Mushrooms And Caramelized Onions
This is comfort food at its best. It requires 25 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time.
The ingredients include mushrooms, olive oil, farfalle pasta, balsamic vinegar and spinach. You can replace farfalle pasta with penne or any other pasta.
If you want to add protein, you surely can add chicken or any other protein. It is best served with bread or salad.
16. Crispy Sesame Chicken With A Sticky Asian Sauce
It is a perfect recipe for busy weeknights and picky eaters love this. The tools needed are measuring jug, wooden spoon, a knife, a cutting board, and chopsticks.
I love sweet and spicy recipes and this is one of those dishes. The recipe requires 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time.
The ingredients include cornstarch, beaten eggs, garlic, salt, Chinese rice vinegar, and chicken breasts. It is best served over a bed of cooked rice.
17. Chicken Caesar Pasta
It is loved by even the pickiest of eaters. They always get excited when I make this recipe for them.
It requires 25 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. The ingredients include lemon pepper seasoning, Parmesan cheese, chicken breasts, cracked pepper and butter.
It is best served with garlic bread. Keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and it will be good for 3 days. It freezes well for 3 days.
18. Cheesy Baked Tortellini
It is one of the most loved casserole recipes, perfect for weeknight dinners. The best thing is it’s budget-friendly. You need a large skillet and a 9×13 baking dish. It is good for lunch too, the next day.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. The ingredients include frozen cheese tortellini, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, ground beef and seasoning.
It is a standalone dish, and you don’t need anything with this but if you still want to serve it with a side then garlic bread would be perfect.
19. Country Fried Chicken
It is comfort food at it’s best. You need a meat tenderizer, fish spatula, and wire cooling racks.
The recipe requires 30 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. The ingredients include chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, buttermilk and black pepper.
It is best served with mashed potatoes. Keep the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge and it will be good for 3 days. It freezes well for 3 days.
20. Chicken Tetrazzini
It is one of the best comforting recipes and can be made even ahead of time. I have included it in our rotation menu as it is one of the best picky eater recipes, and nobody complains.
The tools needed are 9×13 baking dish, 6 quart saucepot, cheese grater and mixing bowls. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
I prefer rotisserie chicken but you can use any cooked chicken. The recipe requires 20 minutes of prep time and an hour of cooking time.
The ingredients include linguine pasta, sour cream, rotisserie chicken, chicken broth and Parmesan cheese. It is best served with green salad or roasted asparagus.
21. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
It is one of the highly rated dinner recipes. You need a 9×13 casserole dish, tongs, non stick pan and a silicone spatula.
The recipe requires 15 minutes of prpe time and 40 minutes of cooking time. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
The ingredients include cheddar cheese, Italian seasoning, chicken breasts, butter, bacon, and half & half. You can replace half & half with heavy cream.
It is best served with garlic bread. Keep the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge and it will be good for 2-3 days. It freezes for 3 months.
22. Baked Chicken Tacos
It is one of the most popular picky eater recipes and loved across all age groups. The equipment needed are baking dish and wire rack.
The recipe requires 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. Preheat the oven to 400°F. With a combination of shredded cheddar cheese, corn tortillas and chicken breast you can make this recipe.
You can make these chicken tacos in an air fryer or in oven, both give amazing results. I also make it for game days or movie nights.
23. Herb Chicken
It is best served with mashed potatoes or pasta. Since its’ loved by everyone and quick to make, I have included it in our rotation menu.
The tools needed are a meat tenderizer, measuring cups & spoons, kitchen tongs and knife. It requires 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time.
The ingredients include boneless chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, Italian seasoning, chicken broth and all purpose flour.
Keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and it will be good for 2-3 days. It freezes well for 3 months.
24. Honey Teriyaki Hot Wings
I served these for the first time a couple of months back and since then I had to make it at least 8 times, you can image how crazy picky eaters are about this recipe.
The sweet and spicy flavor is the key. You need a 9×13 baking dish. It requires 15 minutes of prep time and an hour of cooking time. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
The ingredients include garlic, soy sauce, chicken wings, ginger, Mirin rice cooking wine, and honey.
25. Pizza Pasta Bake
This is a family-friendly recipe, easy to make and taste awesome. It is perfect for busy weeknights.
The equipment needed are sealed containers, measuring cups and a baking dish. It requires 15 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cook time. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
The ingredients include penne pasta, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni and marinara sauce. It is best served with Caesar salad.
Keep the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge and it will be good for up to 4 days. It doesn’t freeze well.
26. Chicken And Stuffing Casserole
The recipe requires 10 minutes of prep time and 50 minutes of cooking time. You need a 9×13 baking dish, pinch bowls, and non stick skillet. It can be made even a day in advance.
The ingredients include chicken breasts, sour cream, cooked sausage links, butter and onion. Preheat the oven to 375°F. It is best served with mashed potatoes.
Keep the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge and it will be good for up to 3 days. It freezes well for up to 3 months.
27. Pan-Fried Cinnamon Bananas
It is a lovely snack, well you can call it a dessert too. I never imagined this would be so easy to make.
For best results, don’t use under-ripe or over-ripe bananas. The recipe requires 5 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time.
The ingredients include bananas, honey, cinnamon and butter. I like it even more after topping it up with vanilla ice cream.
28. Beef Tips And Gravy
You can make it in a slow cooker or stove top. The recipe requires 20 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time. You can also make it up to 2 days in advance. The tools needed are a skillet, a tong and a slow cooker.
The ingredients include sirloin tips, flour, garlic, brown sugar and beef bouillon cube. It is best served over a bed of rice. You can also serve it with egg noodles.
Keep the leftovers in a closed container in the fridge and it will be good for a couple of days. It freezes well for 2- 3 months.
29. Meatloaf
This is the best meatloaf you will ever have. It has got rave reviews online. On top of that it’s budget-friendly too.
To make it, preheat the oven to 350°F. For doneness, check if the internal temperature of meat has reached 165°F. You need a meat thermometer.
The ingredients include ketchup, eggs, stove top stuffing and ground beef. It is best served with mashed potatoes.
30. White Chicken Chili
You can make it in stove top or slow cooker. It requires 10 minutes of prep time and 50 minutes of cooking time. The tools needed are a Dutch oven, chef’s knife, immersion blender and pinch bowls.
The ingredients include chicken breasts, jalapeno pepper, cream cheese, butter and flour. You can replace chicken breast with rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken.
You don’t have to wait for fall or winter, you can make it all year round. Keep the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge and it will be good for 3 days. It freezes well for 3 months.