Creamy Chicken Rice Soup
Trying to develop healthy meal ideas for picky eaters can be frustrating. You want to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need, but it feels like they’re rejecting another dish every time you turn around. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to sneak healthy ingredients into foods that picky eaters will love. So next time you’re stuck in a dinner rut, remember that a little creativity can go a long way in getting your picky eaters to eat their veggies. For example, this Creamy Chicken Rice Soup is packed with protein, carrots, and celery but gets its creamy texture from Greek yogurt instead of cream. It’s also seasoned with thyme, rosemary, and sage, giving it a delicious savory flavor that will have even the pickiest eaters coming back for more.
- One tablespoon of canola oil
- One medium carrot, chopped
- One celery rib, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/3 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Two cans (14-1/2 ounces each) of reduced-sodium chicken broth
- Three tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- One can (5 ounces) of evaporated milk
- 2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
- Over medium-high heat, in a large saucepan, sauté the carrot, celery, and onion until softened. Add the garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute more. Stir in the rice, seasonings, and water; bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 15 minutes or so until the rice is tender.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the flour and milk until smooth. Stir into the soup and bring to a boil. Continue cooking and stirring until thickened, about 2 minutes more. Add chicken; heat through.
Seasoned Chicken Strips
Chicken strips are a versatile and healthy option for mealtime. They can be baked, grilled, or fried, and they’re a good source of protein. However, chicken strips can also be high in fat and calories, so choosing a healthy recipe is important. Seasoned chicken strips are a great option for looking for something new and exciting. They’re easy to make and can be cooked in the oven, making them a healthy choice for picky eaters. The spices and herbs in the seasoning blend help give the chicken strips a new flavor, while the breading helps keep them moist and juicy.
- 1/3 cup egg substitute or one large egg
- One tablespoon of prepared mustard
- One garlic clove, minced
- 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
- Two teaspoons of dried basil
- One teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound of chicken tenderloins
- Preheat the oven to 400°. In a shallow dish, whisk together egg substitute, mustard, and garlic. Toss bread crumbs with your favorite seasonings in another shallow dish. Dip chicken in the egg mixture first and then coat with the crumb mixture.
- Place in an oven-safe dish coated with cooking spray. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and the chicken is no longer pink.
Whole Grain Banana Pancakes
When it comes to picky eaters, mealtime can be a challenge. You want to give your kids healthy food that will help them grow, but getting them to eat anything other than chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese can feel like an uphill battle. If you’re looking for healthy meal ideas that even the pickiest of eaters will love, try making whole-grain banana pancakes. These pancakes are packed with nutrients, but they’re also soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. Plus, they’re easy to make – all you need is a blender and a griddle. So next time you’re struggling to get your kids to eat something healthy, try whipping up a batch of whole-grain banana pancakes. They just might surprise you.
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Four teaspoons of baking powder
- One teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 2 cups fat-free milk
- 2/3 cup mashed ripe banana (about one medium)
- One tablespoon of olive oil
- One tablespoon of maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sliced bananas and additional syrup, optional
- In a mixing dish, whisk together the first five ingredients. Whisk together eggs, milk, mashed banana, oil, one tablespoon of syrup, and vanilla in another mixing dish. Stir just until combined after adding to the flour mixture.
- Preheat a griddle coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Pour batter by 1/4 cupful’s onto the griddle, and fry until the bubbles on top begin to pop, and the bottom is golden brown. Turn; cook until the second side is golden brown. Serve with sliced bananas and additional syrup if desired.
Healthy Meal Ideas Don’t Have To Be Hard!
A nutritious diet is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. It provides the energy and nutrients needed for good health, but it can also help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into their diet is a great place to start for people who are trying to eat healthier. However, it can be difficult to find healthy meal ideas that are delicious and easy to prepare. Luckily, there are plenty of resources available online and in cookbooks that can help. In addition, many grocery stores now offer pre-cut fruits and vegetables, making it easier than ever to get your recommended daily servings. You can easily add more healthy options to your diet by taking advantage of these resources.
