Delicious & Easy Family-Friendly Dinner Recipes

Getting back into a routine after the holidays can be tough, especially when it comes to family dinners. If you’re looking for meal ideas that will please everyone, including the kids, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve gathered a list of dinner recipes that are reader-approved and family-tested, hoping you’ll discover some “Unicorn Meals” – those magical dishes that the entire family loves. Bookmark this page for future inspiration! Click on each recipe title to jump to the full recipe, and explore our Kid Favorites recipe index for even more ideas. Let’s make dinner time a joy again!

Top Family-Friendly Dinner Ideas

Here are some of our favorite Family-friendly Dinners that are sure to be a hit at your table:

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

Crispy baked chicken thighs served with salad and fruit for a family-friendly dinner.

This recipe is where it all started! These chicken thighs are incredibly easy and quick to prepare, delivering buttery and crispy perfection every time. For a balanced and family-friendly meal, serve them with a simple green salad and our favorite Ranch Dressing, and some fresh fruit on the side. Dinner doesn’t get much easier than this!

The Best Chicken Enchiladas

Creamy chicken enchiladas, a kid-friendly dinner recipe, ready to be served.

We’re making a bold claim, but these enchiladas live up to the hype! Forget traditional red sauce – these are made with an easy, creamy, from-scratch sauce that’s mild and cheesy, making them a guaranteed family favorite. Pair them with rice or a salad dressed with Lime-Cilantro Ranch Dressing. For an extra treat, whip up a pitcher of refreshing Limeade to complete your family-friendly dinner.

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Comforting cheesy broccoli chicken casserole, a family-approved dinner.

Getting kids to eat broccoli can be a challenge, but not with this casserole! It’s cheesy, comforting, and surprisingly delicious, even for picky eaters. Serve this miracle dish with a side salad, fruit, or a piece of garlic bread for a satisfying and family-friendly dinner. Bonus: you can prep it ahead of time!

Bacon Ranch Chicken Sliders

Mini bacon ranch chicken sliders, perfect for kids' dinner, on a white plate.

These sliders are not only easy to prepare in advance but also perfect for little hands. Whether you serve them as a snack or turn them into a family-friendly dinner with your favorite side dish, these bacon ranch chicken sliders are always a crowd-pleaser.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Classic spaghetti and meatballs, a timeless family dinner favorite.

You simply can’t go wrong with a classic like spaghetti and meatballs. It’s a timeless family dinner that’s loved by generations.

Meatball Subs

Delicious meatball subs on toasted bread, an easy family dinner idea.

If spaghetti and meatballs are a hit, then meatball subs are a guaranteed home run! It’s the same delicious flavor combination, but served on toasted bread for a fun and easy family-friendly dinner.

Beef Stroganoff

Creamy beef stroganoff with noodles, a comforting family dinner recipe.

Creamy sauce, tender steak, and noodles – what’s not to love? Even if your kids are hesitant about mushrooms, you can easily leave them out or chop them finely. At the very least, they’ll enjoy the tender beef and buttery noodles, making this a flexible family-friendly dinner option.

Cheesy Grilled Pizza Sandwiches

Grilled pizza sandwiches, a fun and kid-friendly dinner idea, cut in half.

Get all the kid-friendly pizza flavors in a fun grilled sandwich form! These cheesy grilled pizza sandwiches are fantastic with a bowl of tomato soup for dipping or a side salad for a complete and satisfying family dinner.

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Baked creamy chicken taquitos, a popular freezer-friendly family dinner.

These taquitos are incredibly popular for a reason! Make a double or triple batch and keep them in the freezer for a quick and easy family-friendly dinner that everyone will love.

Cowboy Quesadillas

Cowboy quesadillas, a long-time family favorite and versatile recipe.

This recipe has been a family favorite for years and years! It’s a go-to for a delicious and easy family dinner and also works great as a party appetizer.

Guiltless Alfredo

Guiltless alfredo sauce, a versatile and lighter family-friendly sauce.

This mild, creamy, and cheesy sauce is truly magical. Use it over pasta, as a veggie dip, pizza sauce, or for dunking breadsticks – the possibilities are endless! Kids adore the familiar creamy flavor, and parents appreciate the lighter take on classic Alfredo. It’s a win-win for a family-friendly dinner.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Homemade chicken nuggets, a healthier and delicious family dinner option.

These aren’t just any chicken nuggets! Inspired by a favorite restaurant chain, these homemade nuggets have a secret ingredient that boosts the flavor. The delicate breading is loved by both kids and adults. Dip them, toss them on a salad – either way, you’ll have happy eaters at your family-friendly dinner table.

Share Your Family Favorites!

We’d love to hear about your family’s favorite dinner recipes! Let us know in the comments below.