Dinners & Lunches: Family Favorites


With school just around the corner (and summer still in full swing), it’s the perfect time to refresh your lunch and dinner routine!

We’ve rounded up a batch of hot lunch ideas that are great for both summer days at home and back-to-school meals. These recipes are not only full of flavor but also packed with nutritious ingredients to keep your kids energized and satisfied. From tender chicken to creamy mac and cheese, lunchtime is about to become the best part of their day.

And to make evenings easier, we’ve included a 5-Day Dinner Meal Plan the whole family will enjoy—because a little planning goes a long way!

Featured Recipes!

Qdoba Chicken

Our Qdoba chicken recipe is a delicious and flavorful chicken recipe featuring tender chicken thighs infused with the smoky heat of chipotle chilies and the bright tang of fresh lime juice. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy preparation steps, you can recreate the bold and zesty flavors of your favorite Mexican-inspired restaurant dish right in your own kitchen.

Taquitos in Air Fryer

Homemade taquitos in the air fryer are quick and easy and taste amazing. Made with corn tortillas, cream cheese, adobo seasoning, and leftover chicken. Perfect for meals, entertaining, or as an after-school snack.

Crockpot Mac and Cheese

A gluten-free crock pot mac and cheese recipe that’s creamy and delicious. This simple no-boil pasta is super creamy made with evaporated milk, chicken broth, and loads of cheese. It cooks in just 1 1/2 hours and is a great lunch option for kids.

Ground Turkey Nuggets

Ground turkey nuggets in the air fryer are a kid favorite! These simple nuggets can be made with ground turkey or ground chicken and are super easy to make. Using an air fryer crisps outside just like the store-bought variety without the fat and calories. Gluten-free.

Looking for more ideas? Explore these Hot Lunch Ideas for School!

Kids' Corner!

If planning to pack a hot lunch for school, consider using a thermos. First, ask for help to fill with boiling water then place the lid on for 2-5 minutes. While waiting, heat up the food you are planning to pack. Carefully pour out all the water and add in the heated food. Lastly, pack by tightly securing the lid and placing in your lunchbox!


Family-Friendly Dinners

Are you ready to tackle this week of gluten-free dinners with ease? Feeding kids is hard enough, but add in gluten-free, and it’s even more challenging. Let us help with these simple gluten free recipes. Make homemade meals together as a family that are great tasting, simple and kid-friendly.

Monday: Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas

Tuesday: Chicken Sausage Pasta + Artisan Bread​

Wednesday: Thin Steak + Microwave Mashed Potatoes​

Thursday: Steak Quesadilla + Pico de Gallo

Friday: Chicken Pot Pie

Weekend Meals

Round out the weekend by serving leftovers on Saturday and Sunday or enjoying your favorite local restaurants. The goal is for your family to spend less time in the kitchen and more time together on the weekend.

Have a great week!

Jodi and the CKC Team

Create Kids Club - Kid-Friendly Gluten-Free Recipes

At createkidsclub.com we share easy gluten-free recipes that kids love. All recipes have simple ingredients and kid-friendly instructions to encourage kids to cook.

Read more from Create Kids Club - Kid-Friendly Gluten-Free Recipes
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