20 Easy Kids-Friendly Chicken Recipes Ideas

Chicken for kids is not only filling but quite nutritious for young ones’ growing bodies. Most of the time, chicken-based dishes are typically prepared only on weekends or special occasions because of taxing preparations. While there are plenty of easy chicken recipes for kids, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Additionally, when factors such as “balanced,” “nutritious,” and “healthy” are involved, things become more complicated. Worry not, as we bring you some amazing kid-friendly chicken recipes that are the right amount of tender and healthy for kids. These simple recipes can be prepared quickly for kids and can also be included in their school tiffin.

Healthy Chicken Recipes for Kids

Here are some simple children’s chicken recipes that your kiddo will love.

1. Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken enchiladas are a perfect recipe to bring the day to an end as a family.

Time required – 90 minutes

Total servings – 4 plates

Image Credit: Pinterest

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What You Will Need

• 4 boneless and skinless half chicken breasts
• 8 – 10 rotis
• Chopped onion
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Tomato sauce
• Minced garlic clove
• Dried oregano
• Dried parsley
• Taco sauce
• Chopped peppers
• Sour cream
• Water
• Salt
• Chilli powder
• Pepper

How to Prepare

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 180 degrees
2. Take a non-stick pan and heat oil in it. Place the chicken and let it cook so that its tenderness and the pink colour disappear.
3. Drain away the excess fat from the chicken breasts. Place the chicken on a plate and cut it into small pieces. Return the pieces to the pan and continue cooking.
4. Begin by adding parsley, onion, sour cream, oregano, pepper, and cheddar cheese. Let it cook until the cheese begins to melt.
5. Add tomato sauce, chopped peppers, chilli powder, garlic and salt and mix it all well together.
6. Place the tortillas on a plate and roll them with chicken inside them in equal amounts. Place them on the baking dish.
7. Add toppings of cheddar cheese and taco sauce to them and place them in the oven.
8. Let them bake uncovered for about half an hour, then cool.

2. Chicken Crepes With Asparagus

These might take some time to prepare, but these chicken crepes have the perfect balance and combination of protein, fibre, and many other nutrients, making them a great breakfast for the weekend.

Time required – 40 minutes

Total servings – 4 plates

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What You Will Need

• A cup of asparagus
• A couple of eggs
• Worcestershire sauce
• Sugar
• Whipping cream
• Cooked ham
• A cup of chopped cooked chicken
• Condensed chicken soup
• Milk
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Flour
• Mayonnaise
• Nutmeg

How to Prepare

1. Take a bowl and crack open the eggs in it with some milk. Beat the mixture together. Add sugar and flour to it and beat it well. Place the bowl in the fridge, covered, for an hour.
2. Take a pan and grease it slightly. Heat it and add the crepe batter in the centre. Spread it with a spoon to cover the entire pan.
3. Once the top part is dry, flip it and cook the other side for a few seconds. Repeat the process to make as many crepes as required.
4. Take a bowl and add chicken soup, nutmeg, and the Worcestershire sauce to it. Mix it properly and take a small portion of this in a separate cup.
5. In the existing bowl with the mixture, add asparagus, ham and chicken and mix it properly. Take two spoons of this mixture and pour it on the crepe gently. Roll the crepe to cover it tightly.
6. Grease a baking tray and place the crepes on it with the open side below.
7. Pour the mixture from the cup onto the crepes and add some grated parmesan cheese on top of it.
8. Place the tray in the oven and bake it for about half an hour at a temperature of 190 degrees.
9. Mix the cream and mayonnaise and spread the mixture over the crepes. Add more cheese if required. Broil the crepes for 5 minutes until they become golden brown.

3. Chicken Soup With Noodles

A nice healthy chicken soup is the perfect comfort food for any illness as well as for boosting strength.

Time required – 45 minutes

Total servings – 12 bowls

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What You Will Need

• A couple of cups of egg noodles
• Around 12 cups of chicken broth
• Poultry seasoning
• Vegetable oil
• Cornstarch
• Chopped celery
• Chopped onion
• 3 cups of cooked chicken, diced in cubes
• Water
• Salt

How to Prepare

1. Take a bowl and mix water with some salt in it. Boil it. Once it starts boiling, add egg noodles and vegetable oil and let it boil for another ten minutes. If the noodles seem cooked, stop the heat and drain away the water.
2. In a pan, put the broth, salt, and seasoning together. When it boils, add celery and onion to it. Stir it well and then cover with a lid. Let it sit on a low flame for about 12-15 minutes.
3. Take a small bowl and add water with some cornstarch. Let it dissolve fully, then add the mixture to the soup slowly, while stirring continuously.
4. Once the required consistency is reached, mix the noodles and stir properly, letting it heat for a while.

4. Chicken and Spinach Open Tart

Also known as a quiche, this is yet another nutritious item that is well deserved to be had at the beginning of the day. Keeping frozen chicken in stock helps reduce the preparation time on this.

Time required – 75 minutes

Total servings – 6 plates

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What You Will Need

• A couple of bunches of fresh spinach
• A cup of cooked chicken
• Mayonnaise
• Milk
• Chopped onion
• Unbaked pie crust
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• A few eggs
• Salt
• Pepper

How to Prepare 

1. Take the pie crust and sprinkle it with shredded cheddar cheese. Let it sit.
2. Take a bowl and add chicken, onion, spinach, and cheese to it. Mix it properly.
3. Place the chicken mixture inside the pie crust evenly.
4. Take another bowl and add mayonnaise, pepper, salt, and eggs to it. Whisk it properly and pour this mixture over the items in the pie.
5. Place the pie in the oven and bake it for around 40-45 minutes at a temperature of 180 degrees.

5. Indian Chicken and Chickpeas Curry

This is one of the chicken recipes for kids that Indian homes are bound to make. It is quite fun as it has the right amount of spice and is great to eat on a cold winter night.

Time required – 35 minutes

Total servings – 6 plates

Image Credit: Pinterest

What You Will Need 

• 6 boneless and skinless chicken breast half portions
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Cumin powder
• Chopped onion
• A couple of cups of chicken broth
• Chopped green peppers
• Drained and rinsed chickpeas
• Chopped green onions
• Oregano
• Cilantro
• Red pepper powder
• Shredded cheese

How to Prepare 

1. Take a large pot and add olive oil to it. Heat it and add onions to it. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes, then add chicken to it. Keep stirring and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
2. Later, add cilantro, red pepper powder, cumin powder, oregano, chopped peppers, garlic powder, and chicken broth, and mix thoroughly. Let the mixture sit on low heat for 12-15 minutes.
3. Then, add the chickpeas to the mixture and stir it once again. Let it simmer for around 10 minutes.
4. Once cooked, top it with some cheese and green onion.

6. Hash Brown and Chicken Sausage Sandwich

When looking for quick chicken recipes for kids’ breakfast, this is quick to make and quick to serve for a nutritious morning breakfast.

Time required – 25 minutes

Total servings – 2 plates

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What You Will Need 

• A couple of cups of frozen hash brown potatoes
• 4 patties of chicken sausage
• Butter
• Cheddar cheese
• Gouda cheese
• Rye bread

How to Prepare 

1. Read the hash brown packet for instructions and cook them accordingly.
2. Take a pan and cook the sausage patties in it until they begin to turn brown.
3. Take another pan and heat it on a medium flame. Take the rye bread slices and butter one side of each. Place the buttered side down on the pan.
4. Add cheese slices on each bread slice, along with a sausage patty, cheddar cheese and hash brown potatoes. Cover these with the other bread slices, keeping the buttered side open.
5. Turn them so that each buttered side is cooked to a light brown colour. The cheese will be melting as well.

7. Grilled Chicken With Potato

This is a healthy and tasty dish that cannot be resisted by kids.

Time required – 50 minutes

Total servings – 4 plates

Image Credit: Pinterest

What You Will Need

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Thickly sliced onions
• Peeled and diced potatoes
• Sliced button mushrooms
• Deseeded and diced bell peppers
• Dried thyme
• Dried basil
• Garlic powder
• Apple cider vinegar
• Vegetable oil
• Pepper
• Salt

How to Prepare 

1. Prepare an outdoor grill by preheating it.
2. Take a bowl and add oil to it. Follow up with vinegar, dried basil and thyme, garlic powder, salt, pepper. Mix it all together.
3. Take aluminium foil and cut it into 4 squares. Place a chicken breast in the centre of a square and add vegetables and mushrooms to it. Pour the previously made mixture over it and close the foil to make a packet.
4. Repeat the same for the other packets as well.
5. Place these packets on the grill and grill them for around 45 minutes on medium flame.

8. Skillet Chicken & Potatoes

Got leftover chicken? Make a yummy protein-rich breakfast from it.

Time required – 30 minutes

Total servings – 4 plates

Image Credit: Pinterest

What You Will Need

• Chicken thighs with bone
• Chicken broth
• Peeled and diced potatoes
• Diced bell pepper
• Chopped scallions
• Thyme
• Paprika
• Garlic Cloves
• Vegetable oil
• Pepper
• Salt

How to Prepare 

1. Take a pan and add some oil to it. Heat it.
2. Add seasonings of salt and pepper to the chicken and place it in the pan. Let it cook for ten minutes on each side until it is completely golden brown.
3. Remove the fat. Pour the chicken broth into the pan and let it cook on low heat for about half an hour.
4. Take out the chicken and shred it. Gently skim the fat from the pan and keep it in a cup.
5. Take a pot and fill it with water. Place potatoes in it and cook them for a few minutes. Let the water boil once and then drain it away.
6. In the same pan as before, add potatoes, diced pepper, onions and scallions and sauté them for a few minutes. Add thyme and paprika and sauté some more.
7. Later, add the chicken and sauté for a few minutes, adding the skimmed fat from the cup as needed.
8. Remove the flame and sprinkle scallion greens over it.

9. Chicken Nuggets

These can be snacks or an accompaniment to dinner itself. Chicken nuggets can go anywhere and everywhere.

Time required – 40 minutes

Total servings – 6 plates

Image Credit: Pinterest

What You Will Need

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast portions
• Dried basil
• Dried thyme
• Melted butter
• Breadcrumbs
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Salt

How to Prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Take a cookie sheet and grease it well.
2. Place the chicken breasts on a plate and cut them into cubes.
3. Take a bowl and mix salt, thyme, basil, cheese, and breadcrumbs all together in it.
4. Dip the chicken cubes in the butter, and then roll them in the mixture to get a good coating. Place these cubes on the sheet. Repeat for all cubes.
5. Place these cubes in the oven and bake for around 15-20 minutes.

10. Chicken Mayo Sandwich

The quickest chicken breakfast you could ever put together.

Time required – 30 minutes

Total servings – 3 plates

Image Credit: Pinterest

What You Will Need 

• 3/4th kg of broiler chicken
• Mayonnaise
• Bread slices
• Chopped celery
• Butter
• Pepper
• Salt

How to Prepare

1. Wash and clean the chicken properly. Place it in slightly salted water and boil it until it is tender. Take the chicken out and shred it.
2. Add pepper, celery and mayonnaise to the shredded chicken and mix it properly.
3. Take the bread slices and butter them well. Place the slices on a plate with the buttered side facing up. Add the chicken mixture evenly.
4. Cover it with another buttered slice of bread to make a sandwich.

11. Tangy Mango Chicken Rice

Strange might be the name, but the flavours complement each other so well, and accompanying it with rice is the best way to gorge on this.

Time required – 40 minutes

Total servings – 8 plates

Image Credit: Pinterest

What You Will Need

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• Cooked rice
• Mango slices
• Minced garlic cloves
• Minced chilli pepper
• Long strips of yellow and red bell peppers
• Thinly sliced onion
• Plum sauce

How to Prepare

1. Take a pan and add oil to it. Heat it and add onions and bell peppers. Stir them for a few minutes and let them become soft.
2. Add the chilli peppers and stir for a few minutes until they start to emit their aroma.
3. Add the chicken and mango slices, along with their juice, to the mixture. Stir it well and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes.
4. Once the chicken is no longer pink or tender, turn it over and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes on each side.
5. Add the plum sauce to this mixture and continue cooking until the entire mixture has thickened.
6. Remove the heat and add this to the cooked rice.

12. Honey Mustard Baked Chicken

Quick, sweet, sour, nutritious, this single recipe hits multiple marks.

Time required – 60 minutes

Total servings – 6 plates

Image Credit: Pinterest

What You Will Need 

• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• Dried parsley
• Paprika
• Dried basil
• Mustard
• Honey
• Pepper
• Salt

How to Prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
2. Take a baking dish and grease it well. Put the chicken in it and sprinkle pepper and salt on it.
3. Take a bowl and add mustard, paprika, parsley and basil to it. Mix it properly and pour some portion of this over the chicken, spreading it evenly.
4. Bake the chicken for about 25-30 minutes in the oven. Take out the dish and flip the chicken pieces. Pour the remaining mixture over the chicken and return it to the oven. Bake for another 10-15 minutes. The chicken will no longer be pink.
5. Let it stay for 8-10 minutes before serving.

13. Chicken Burger

Why go out to fast food joints when you can make your very own chicken burger right at home!

Time required – 20 minutes

Total servings – 4 plates

Image Credit: Pinterest

What You Will Need

• ½ kg ground chicken
• Burger Buns
• Olive oil
• Grated onion
• Minced garlic cloves
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Pepper
• Salt

How to Prepare

1. Take a bowl and add chicken, salt, pepper, garlic, breadcrumbs, and egg all together in it. Mix it properly.
2. Clean your hands and take some portion of this mixture in your fists. Flatten it properly using your hands to create a flat chicken patty out of it.
3. Take another plate and spread breadcrumbs all over it. Place the patty in it and let it be covered evenly. Repeat for all patties.
4. Take a pan and add some olive oil to it. Keeping the flame medium, add all the patties in it and cook till they become brown.
5. Place these patties between the burger buns. Use salads if required as well.

14. Baked Chicken Spaghetti

Go Italian with this preparation and surprise your children with a delicious meal.

Time required – 20 minutes

Total servings – 9 plates

Image Credit: Pinterest

What You Will Need 

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• Processed Velveeta cheese
• Spaghetti
• Garlic powder
• Diced tomatoes
• Condensed chicken soup
• Pepper
• Salt

How to Prepare

1. Take a pot and add water to it. Bring it to a boil and add chicken to it with some salt. Let the chicken cook in it. Later, remove the chicken and let the water continue boiling.
2. Add spaghetti to the boiling water and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Once softened, remove the broth and place the pot back on the flame.
3. Shred the chicken and add it to the spaghetti along with chicken soup, tomatoes, chilli peppers and cheese. Add garlic powder, pepper, and salt to get the right taste. Let it cook for a few minutes until the cheese melts, then serve.

15. Chicken Salad

Chicken brings nutrition, and veggies bring health. Put them together and you have a nutritious, healthy food item.

Time required – 100 minutes

Total servings – 4 plates

Image Credit: Pinterest

What You Will Need

• ½ kg boneless, skinless chicken breast, half portions
• Drained and rinsed black beans
• Rinsed and chopped green lettuce
• Minced garlic cloves
• Honey
• Vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Thinly sliced turnip
• Diced and deseeded bell pepper
• Peeled and diced mango
• Pepper
• Salt

How to Prepare

1. Take a bowl and add vinegar, garlic, honey, lemon juice, salt and pepper to it. Mix it well until it is finely blended. Add olive oil to it and mix it further.
2. Use this dressing for the chicken breasts. Place the chicken in the fridge after covering them for an hour or so.
3. Prepare a grill by heating it on medium flame. Place the chicken breasts on it and cook them well.
4. Take a large bowl and add turnip slices, bell pepper, lettuce, and mango to it, along with the remaining portion of the dressing. Toss it all together to mix it properly.
5. Slice the cooked chicken into multiple pieces and mix it with the salad.

16. One-Pot Piri Piri Chicken

This one-pot piri piri chicken is one of the best recipes for family dinners and works great for children as well. you can adjust the spice levels according to your members.

Time required – 1 hour, 30 minutes

Total servings – 4 plates

Image Credit: Pinterest

What You Will Need

How to Prepare

• Crush all the marinade ingredients together with one teaspoon of salt using a large pestle and mortar, or blend in a mini chopper to form a loose paste.
• Make several cuts in each piece of chicken, then transfer to a bowl and coat well with the marinade.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas mark 7.
• Place the chicken along with the marinade and potatoes in a roasting tin.
• Toss them together, then arrange the chicken pieces on top of the potatoes, ensuring the skin of the thighs is facing up.
• Roast for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is nicely browned.
• Remove the roasting tin from the oven and mix the peppers with the potatoes.
• Baste the chicken with some of the juices from the tin, then turn the drumsticks.
• Place the cherry tomatoes among the chicken and continue roasting for another 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked, the skin is crispy, and the vegetables are well roasted.
• Sprinkle with coriander and a bit of flaky sea salt if desired, and serve directly from the tin alongside buttered corn.

17. Chicken Pesto Wrap

This is certainly one of the most delicious and quick recipes for kids involving chicken. You can make this for your kiddo’s lunch.

Time required – 10 minutes

Total servings – 2 plates

Image Credit: Pinterest

What You Will Need

• 1 cooked and shredded chicken breast
• 2 tbsp soured cream, plain yoghurt, or mayo
• 2 tsp pesto
• 2 thin slices of mild cheese
• 2 flour tortillas
• handful chopped red pepper or sweetcorn kernels
• lettuce

How to Prepare

• In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, pesto, and yoghurt, sour cream, or mayonnaise.
• Separate wraps, and on each one, spread a slice of cheese and chicken mixture. Next, add some toppings, such as sweet corn, red pepper, and top it off with fresh lettuce.
• Make sure not to put too much, otherwise it will be difficult to wrap it.
• Wrap and roll each one tightly in foil, then pack the chicken pesto wrap for your child’s lunch.

18. Chicken and Veggies Bowl

This colourful chicken and veggies bowl with brown rice is going to be filling for the whole family. Tasty and healthy, this one’s going to be a hit with your kiddos.

Time required – 30 minutes

Total servings – 4 plates

Image Credit: Pinterest

What You Will Need

• 250g brown rice
• 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
• 1 garlic clove
• 100g frozen edamame beans or peas
• 100g frozen sweetcorn
• 100g grated carrots
• 100g red peppers
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 avocado
• 1 lemon

How to Prepare

• Prepare the rice in advance.
• In a frying pan or wok, heat the oil, add the garlic, and sauté for 2 minutes or until golden.
• Add the chicken and cook until it is fully cooked. Add in the hoisin sauce and season to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Boil the edamame beans and sweetcorn in simmering water for 2 minutes, then drain them.
• Distribute the rice into four bowls and place the chicken slices in a line down the centre, arranging the carrot, red pepper, beans or peas, sweetcorn, and avocado on either side.
• Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over, if desired.

19. Crispy Chicken Bites

Crispy chicken bites are the ultimate snacks for kids for the evening or after a run.

Time required – 25 minutes

Total servings – 12 plates

Image Credit: Pinterest

What You Will Need

• 4 boneless chicken breast fillets
• Olive oil
• 6 tbsp red pesto
• 3 large handfuls of breadcrumbs

How to Prepare

• Chop the chicken breasts into small pieces.
• In a mixing bowl, mix chicken with pesto paste. Add breadcrumbs into a large freezer bag, and some chicken pieces into a bag and shake it well to ensure they are coated
• Line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper, then arrange the chicken pieces on the sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
• Freeze them, and once they are completely solid, remove them from the baking sheet and store them in a container or freezer bag.
• To cook, preheat the oven to 220 °C/fan 200 °C/gas mark 7.
• Drizzle a bit of oil onto a shallow baking tray, just enough to cover the surface.
• Place the tray in the oven and allow it to heat for 5 minutes.
• Add the chicken to the tray and return it to the oven for 10-15 minutes until it is golden brown and fully cooked.

20. Mini Chicken & Bagel Burger

No one can resist mini chicken burgers filled with chicken, mayo, and healthy veggies!

Time required – 25 minutes

Total servings – 12 burgers

Image Credit: Pinterest

What You Will Need

How to Prepare

• Preheat the grill to medium heat.
• Process the chickpeas in a food processor or mash them until they are well crushed.
• Transfer to a bowl, then add the onion, garlic, minced meat, and sweet potato.
• Combine thoroughly and season to taste. This mixture can be frozen for up to one month.
• Cover a baking sheet with foil. Divide the mixture into 12 portions and mould them into mini burgers.
• Place them on the baking sheet, brush with oil, and grill for 10 minutes, flipping them once.
• They can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave on High for 2 minutes.
• Split the bagels and toast them under the grill if desired.
• Spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves, place a chicken burger on top, and add shredded lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and the bagel tops.

FAQs

1. Can I give chicken to my child regularly?

Yes, you can serve your child with moderate portions of cooked chicken on a daily basis.  Chicken is a beneficial source of lean protein and other essential nutrients that can aid in growth and development. Since your child’s dietary needs can vary based on factors such as age and overall health, it’s advisable to discuss your child’s dietary needs with your paediatrician and your child’s nutritional requirements. 

2. How much meat should I give my child to eat in a day?

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggest that healthy children aged one to ten years can have around two servings of meat and other protein-rich foods each day. This includes one ounce of meat, fish, chicken, or tofu, 1/4th cup of cooked beans, and half an egg for children aged 1 to 3 years. For children aged 4 to 6 years, a combination of one ounce of meat, fish, chicken, or tofu, 1/4 cup of cooked beans, and one egg can be a great option. For children aged 7-10, you can increase the portion of meat from one ounce to 2-3 ounces and add two eggs to their meal (1).

However, the appropriate portion size for a child can vary depending on their age, overall well-being, growth and development, level of activity, and hunger levels. Start with small portions and increase gradually.

3. What potential side effects might my child experience from eating chicken?

While there are no studies indicating that properly cleaned and cooked chicken is harmful to your child, consuming undercooked, contaminated, or raw chicken can lead to Campylobacter infections (2). Undercooked chicken may also result in food poisoning (3).

Adding chicken in various meals is a delight since multiple preparations can be made using it. Right from making breakfast recipes with chicken for kids, down to preparing them for lunch and dinner, this takes the form of a filling and nutritious meal as well as a quick snack, at any time of the day.

Also Read:

Egg Recipes for Kids
Amazing Kids Lunch Box Ideas
Delicious Mushroom Recipes for Kids
Easy Vegetarian Recipes for Children

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Sources References

1. American Academy of Pediatrics – Portions and Serving Sizes

2. URMC – Campylobacter Infection in Children

3. CDC – Chicken and Food Poisoning