Kid's Meal Recipe

Chicken Tenders (oven)

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange 2 breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake 12–15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and breading is golden, flipping once halfway. Let rest 1–2 minutes.

Macaroni & Cheese (stovetop or microwave)

If using prepared: heat 1 cup mac & cheese in microwave-safe bowl 1–2 minutes stirring once until hot. If using boxed: cook 2/3 cup dry pasta per package instructions (about 7–8 minutes), drain, return to pot, stir in cheese sauce ingredients from box; simmer 1–2 minutes until creamy. Keep warm.

Mini Cheeseburger

Cook 1 small burger patty in a nonstick skillet over medium heat 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through. Place on a small bun with a slice of cheese; toast the bun in skillet 30–45 seconds to melt cheese if desired.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Butter outside of 2 bread slices (or half sandwich). Place 1–2 slices of cheese between bread. Heat a skillet over medium-low, cook sandwich 2–3 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese melted. Cut in half.

Hot Dog

Heat hot dog by boiling 3–4 minutes, microwaving on a microwave-safe plate 30–45 seconds, or grilling until warmed through. Place in bun and offer ketchup and mustard.

Mini Pizza

Bake mini pizza according to package instructions (typically 10–12 minutes at 425°F/220°C) or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Let cool 1–2 minutes before serving.

Steamed Carrot Coins: Place 1/2 cup sliced carrots in a steamer basket over simmering water, cover and steam 5–7 minutes until tender. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and a pat of butter (optional).

Steamed Broccoli: Place 1/2 cup broccoli florets in steamer basket over simmering water, cover and steam 3–5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and a little butter (optional).

Baby Carrots (raw): Rinse 6 baby carrots and serve chilled as finger food; offer a small side of ketchup or ranch if desired.

Cucumber Slices: Thinly slice cucumber and serve 1/4 cup chilled. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt if desired.

Sweet Corn: Warm 1/4 cup corn kernels in a small saucepan over low heat 2–3 minutes, stirring, or microwave 30–45 seconds. Season with a tiny pinch of salt and butter if desired.

Apple Slices: Core and slice 1/2 apple into 3 slices. Serve fresh; to prevent browning, toss lightly with 1/2 tsp lemon juice if prepared ahead.

Warm the dinner roll in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave 10–12 seconds. Serve with 1 tablespoon butter at room temperature for spreading.

If using pre-made cup: remove lid and serve chilled. If making from powder: prepare 1 cup finished jello per package instructions (typically dissolve powder in 1 cup hot water, stir until dissolved, add 1 cup cold water, refrigerate 2–4 hours until set). Serve 1 cup portion.

Pour 6 oz apple juice or fruit punch into a small cup. Add up to 3 ice cubes if desired and serve at room temperature or chilled.

On a child-friendly plate, place the chosen entrée, arrange the two selected vegetable portions, add the warmed dinner roll with butter, place the jello cup, and provide the beverage with a straw. Include small containers of ketchup and mustard as requested. Check that hot items are warm but not too hot before serving.