Whether you have the technologically advanced Instant Pot or a humble slow cooker, pressure cookers and crockpots having been saving parents time and stress for generations. The Instant Pot is a multi-cooker, meaning it performs several cooking functions, from pressure and slow cooking to steaming veggies and rice. While pressure cooking is great for preparing fast meals, there’s something homey about a delicious meal simmering in the slow cooker for several hours. Regardless of the method you choose, the best part of Instant Pot cooking is you can set it and forget it!

Daily factors can have a big impact on dinnertime and weekday dinners can be especially tough on working parents. There’s always so much to do at the end of the day and not enough time to do it all in. With a little preparation and planning, a healthy, kid-approved family dinner doesn’t have to be a chore at all. Use or modify a few of these kid-favorite Instant Pot recipes and spend the time connecting with your children instead, no pots and pans required!

Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese (Working Mother Magazine)

The ultimate winter comfort food with a healthy dose of yummy butternut squash! Kids and adults alike will love this twist on classic mac and cheese. Try cauliflower, broccoli, and zucchini for more nutrient-packed add-ins.

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice (Green Healthy Cooking)

Another homestyle favorite that can be easily customized to your family’s preferences, you can make this with brown or white rice, chicken breasts or thighs. Adjust the spices, toss in a few steamed vegetables and you have a hearty, healthy main course.

Instant Pot Chicken Gyros (365 Days of Crockpot)

Kids will love eating flatbread wrapped around tender seasoned chicken which can be dressed to your child’s taste. Cool and creamy tzatziki sauce is a healthy topping that many kids will enjoy. Traditionally served with lettuce and sliced tomato, cucumber and avocado also make yummy, healthy toppings. Bonus, parents can add some extra spice and pair leftover gyros with a glass of beer after the kids go to bed!

A little advanced meal-planning and an Instant Pot could be the answer to your family dinner prayers! Do you have healthy, kid-favorite Instant Pot recipes that you make regularly? Share them with us on Instagram!