Getting dinner on the table is hard enough, and it gets harder when your kids are picky eaters. These 12 crockpot dinners for kids use familiar flavors like BBQ sauce, cheese, pasta, and tender chicken, and they cook while you handle the rest of the day. You will find BBQ chicken, creamy chicken casseroles, pasta dinners, and taco night favorites.
What Makes A Crockpot Dinner Kid-Friendly?
Kids tend to like mild, familiar flavors and food they can recognize. Here is what you will find in this list:
- BBQ chicken and shredded chicken dinners: sweet, tender chicken that works on a bun or over rice.
- Creamy chicken casseroles: chicken pot pie, chicken and dumplings, and chicken enchiladas with simple, comforting flavors.
- Cheesy pasta dinners: spaghetti, baked ziti, chili mac, and homemade hamburger helper.
12 Crockpot Dinners For Kids
1. Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Chicken breasts cook low and slow with BBQ sauce, onion, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, then shred right back into the sauce. Pile it on buns for BBQ chicken sandwiches. Cook time: 6-8 hours on low. Get the Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe.
2. Crockpot Coca Cola Chicken
Chicken breasts cook with a can of Coca Cola and barbecue sauce, then shred easily into a sweet, sticky sauce. It only takes a few ingredients to load. Cook time: 6-7 hours on low. Get the Crockpot Coca Cola Chicken recipe.
3. Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
Shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth cook together under refrigerated biscuits. It is a creamy, casserole-style chicken dinner. Cook time: 6-8 hours on low. Get the Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie recipe.
4. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken breasts cook with cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and mixed vegetables, then biscuit dough turns into soft dumplings in the same pot. Cook time: 6-8 hours on low. Get the Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe.
5. Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken breasts cook with enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, cumin, and garlic powder, then everything is rolled into flour tortillas with shredded cheese. Let everyone add their own toppings. Cook time: 6-7 hours on low. Get the Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas recipe.
6. Crockpot Creamy Chicken Sandwiches
Shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, bacon, and cheddar cook into a creamy, cheesy filling. Serve it on sandwiches, over rice, or as a dip. Cook time: 4-6 hours on low. Get the Crockpot Creamy Chicken Sandwiches recipe.
7. Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti
Italian sausage, marinara, cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella cook with spaghetti into a rich, cheesy pasta dinner. It is one of the fastest recipes on this list. Cook time: 3-4 hours on low. Get the Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe.
8. Crockpot Cheesy Beef Pasta
Ground beef, short pasta, marinara, beef broth, and cream cheese make a rich, cheesy pasta dinner. Finish it with shredded cheese on top. Cook time: 4-6 hours on low. Get the Crockpot Cheesy Beef Pasta recipe.
9. Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper
Ground beef, elbow macaroni, milk, heavy cream, sharp cheddar, and cream cheese make a homemade version of the boxed favorite. Cook time: 6-7 hours on low. Get the Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper recipe.
10. Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac
Ground beef, canned chili, elbow macaroni, and beef broth cook together and finish with shredded cheddar. It is quick to load and quick to cook. Cook time: 3-4 hours on low. Get the Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac recipe.
11. Crockpot Baked Ziti
Ground beef, ziti, marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cook into a cheesy baked ziti without turning on the oven. Cook time: 4-6 hours on low. Get the Crockpot Baked Ziti recipe.
12. Crockpot Creamy Taco Potato Casserole
Potatoes, ground beef or turkey, black beans, corn, taco seasoning, salsa, cheese, and sour cream cook together into a filling one-pot dinner. Cook time: 6-8 hours on low. Get the Crockpot Creamy Taco Potato Casserole recipe.
Tips For Feeding Picky Eaters
- Let kids build their plate: serve BBQ chicken, tacos, or enchiladas with toppings on the side so each child picks their own.
- Keep sauces on the side: serve extra sauce in a small bowl for kids who like their food plain.
- Pair a new dish with a favorite: serve a pasta dinner next to a side your child already eats.
- Make a double batch: most of these recipes make good leftovers for lunches.
- Keep the lid on: opening the lid releases heat and adds cooking time.
- Check the temperature: chicken is done at 165°F and ground beef at 160°F.
More Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love
- 14 Easy Crockpot Dinners for Busy Weeknights
- 12 Set and Forget Crockpot Dinners for Busy Moms at Work
- Best 8 Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes for Easy Dinners
- Easy Crockpot Ground Beef Dinner
FAQs
What Are Good Crockpot Dinners For Picky Eaters?
Mild, familiar dinners like BBQ chicken, cheesy pasta, chicken pot pie, and chicken and dumplings are good places to start. You can serve toppings and sauces on the side so each child chooses what goes on the plate.
Can I Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken?
Yes. The Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe cooks chicken breasts with BBQ sauce, onion, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for 6 to 8 hours on low, then shreds the chicken back into the sauce. The Coca Cola Chicken recipe is another easy BBQ-style option.
Can I Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole In The Crockpot?
Ritz cracker chicken casserole is traditionally baked in the oven with a buttery cracker topping, and this list does not include a Ritz cracker recipe. For a creamy chicken casserole-style dinner in the slow cooker, try the Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie or the Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, which both use cream of chicken soup and a biscuit topping.
Can I Freeze Leftover Crockpot Dinners?
Shredded chicken dishes like BBQ chicken freeze well in freezer-safe containers. Cooked pasta dishes can change texture after freezing, so refrigerate those and use them within 3 to 4 days.
What Can I Serve With Crockpot Dinners For Kids?
Rice, mashed potatoes, buns, steamed vegetables, fruit, or a simple green salad all work with these recipes.