WHEN DINING OUT, it can be really hard to find low-carb restaurant options that are fit for a kid's taste buds. Kid menus all seem to have the same (few) options, and they're often lower quality or not as freshly made as you may hope. The recipes in this post give your kids those restaurant flavors they carve, they come together quickly and the best part is that you know exactly what's in them!
Preparing a restaurant-style dinner for your family without spending too much time in the kitchen on busy nights will leave you feeling like you're a superhero.
RECIPES FOR KIDS
FINGER LICKIN' FRIED CHICKEN
This recipe has all the crunch of traditional fried chicken but uses pork rinds and almond flour instead of the typical white flour and bread crumbs "breading." The kids will love this meal because the seasoning takes plain chicken up a notch but doesn't have any overwhelming flavors. You can also use an air fryer to cook this meal, if you have one. The temperature and cook time will be the same, but make sure to flip the chicken after about 12 minutes.
SERVES: 4
Ingredients:
1 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste, optional
4 (6-oz [170-g]) chicken breasts, split lengthwise
1/4 cup (58g) mayo
2 oz (57g) plain pork rinds, crushed
1/4cup (28g) blanched, finely ground almond flour
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), line a large baking sheet with parchment and place a rack on top of the parchment.
2. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and thyme. Add your preferred amount of salt and pepper, if desired. Sprinkle the chicken with the seasoning on both sides.
3. Gently spread a thin layer of mayo onto each piece of chicken. In a large bowl or plate, mix the pork rinds and almond flour together. Coat each piece of chicken with the pork rind mixture evenly on both sides.
4. Place each piece of chicken onto the prepared baking sheet. Place the baking sheet into the oven and cook for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (75°C) and the coating is golden brown.
5. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Per Serving: 375 Calories, 2.9g Total Carbs, 1g Fiber, 1.9g Net Carbs, 45g Protein, 19.6g Fat
JICAMA FRIES
Fries are always a kid favorite. Just because potatoes are high in carbs doesn't mean the little ones can't enjoy their beloved crispy fries. Jicama fries take on the flavor of whatever seasoning you use, which makes them really unique. Jicama is a large root vegetable that's sometimes referred to as a Mexican potato. When you cut into a jicama, you can expect to see what looks like a white potato. Although it looks like a potato, the taste is lightly sweet. These fries are a healthier alternative that you'll be surprised you didn't try sooner.
SERVES: 6
Ingredients:
1 medium jicama, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch (6-mm)- thick sticks
2 tbsp (30ml) melted coconut oil
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4tsp ground black pepper
Salt, optional
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a large bow, toss the jicama sticks in the coconut oil. Place the jicama sticks onto the baking sheet. Sprinkle each side of the sticks with the paprika, garlic powder and pepper.
3. Bake for 12 minutes. Flip them over and bake for 13 minutes or until they turn golden at the edges and begin to crisp. Sprinkle them with salt, if desired.
4. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as Classic Ketchup or Burger Sauce.
Per Serving: 81 Calories, 9.9g Total Carbs, 5.4g Fiber, 4.4g Net Carbs, 0.8g Protein, 4.7g Fat
TURKEY KIDS CLUB
Sandwiches are the best. They're fast, portable, customizable and, of course, incredibly delicious. You might have thought your days of sinking your teeth into a mouthwatering sandwich were done, but with this recipe, those days are just getting started. Since bread is always a favorite with kids, this club uses a flatbread made from keto-friendly ingredients that make it taste like the regular sandwiches they love. This Turkey Kids Club is the perfect fresh and nutritious meal, but the possibilities for making this your own are endless!
SERVES: 4
Ingredients:
Flatbread
1 cup (112g ) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 oz (28g) cream cheese
3/4 cup (84g) blanched, finely ground almond flour
1/4 cup (26g) ground golden flax
1 egg
1/2 tsp baking soda
Filling
8 oz (227g) sliced deli turkey breast
4 slices cooked sugar-free bacon
4 leaves Bibb lettuce
1/2 Roma tomato, cut into 4 slices
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, add the mozzarella and cream cheese. Break the cream cheese into bits, and add the almond flour. Microwave for 1 minute and then stir until a soft dough ball forms.
3. Add the flax and egg and sprinkle with baking soda. Stir until the egg is fully incorporated and a soft dough forms.
4. Wet your hands and, on the parchment-lined baking sheet, press the dough flat into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch (0.6cm) thick.
5. Bake it for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it begins to turn golden brown. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting it into 8 rectangles.
6. Place four of the flatbread rectangles on a work surface and top each with 2 ounces (57g) of turkey and one slice of bacon, broken in half.
7. Add a lettuce leaf and a slice of tomato to each. Place the other flatbread rectangles on top of the tomato to complete the sandwiches. Serve immediately or wrap in cling wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Per Serving: 412 Calories, 12.5g Total Carbs, 3.7g Fiber, 8.7g Net Carbs, 32.5g Protein, 25.9g Flat
ITALIAN SUB IN A TUB
Sandwiches are one of the easiest convenience foods. Kids will love this meal because it has more of their favorite parts of the sandwich - the inside! This bowl is packed with more meat and cheese than a typical salad would have, so kids will be full for longer. Many sandwich shops will offer their subs in a bowl, and while tasty, they're usually still the same cost as a whole sandwich. This meal has all the same flavor and is more cost effective. Plus, the kids will love adding the toppings to their own bowl!
SERVES: 2
Ingredients:
3 cups (141g) shredded romaine lettuce
4 oz (113g) genoa salami, sliced into strips
4 oz (113g) chopped deli ham
2 slices provolone cheese, sliced into strips
1 Roma tomato, diced
2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
2 tsp (10ml) apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Directions:
1. Place the lettuce into a large bowl. Add the salami, ham, provolone and tomato. Gently toss everything.
2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, oregano and pepper. Drizzle the mixture over the meat and lettuce and toss to coat. Separate into two servings and enjoy immediately.
Per Serving: 405 Calories, 10.5g Total Carbs, 3.3g Fiber, 7.2g Net Carbs, 20.1g Protein, 31.8g Fat
CHICKEN - CAULIFLOWER FRIED RICE
Chicken-Cauliflower Fried Rice is a great recipe for the kids, because it's an easy way to get your veggies and protein. This meal makes a great lunch on those days where you're running behind schedule, the kids are hungry and you need to prepare something quick and flavorful. Kids will love this because it has alll the traditional flavors of take-out fried rice, and you can customize it by adding more of their favorite veggies or meat, if you prefer.
SERVES: 4
Ingredients:
1 large head cauliflower
2 tbsp (28g) coconut oil
1/4 cup (40g) chopped white onion
1 cup (90g) chopped broccoli
2 cups (250g) cooked, cubed chicken thighs
2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce or liquid aminos
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 large egg
2 green onions, sliced
Directions:
1. Remove the leaves and stems from the cauliflower. Cut the cauliflower into florets and place into a food processor. Pulse 5 to 10 times or until the cauliflower resembles rice.
2. In a large skillet, melt the coconut oil over medium heat. Place the riced cauliflower, white onion and broccoli into the skillet and cover and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Remove the lid and stir the vegetables. Cook until the broccoli and cauliflower are tender, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the soy sauce, garlic powder and ginger.
4. Gently mix the cauliflower rice until all is coated with the soy sauce. Push the cauliflower rice, chicken, onion and broccoli to the edges of the pan and crack open the egg into the center of the pan.
5. Let the egg fry for about 1 to 2 minutes until it's firm, then chop it with your spatula and gently fold into the rest of the rice. Top with sliced green onions and serve warm.
Per Serving: 427 Calories, 13.1g Total Carbs, 4.9g Fiber, 8.1g Net Carbs, 15.9g Protein, 36.2g Fat