My toddler loves Mac & Cheese. No surprise right? But I hate giving it to him all the time. (He is starting to ask for it for breakfast.)
I need something else. Like, now.
When I try to give him, say, steak, this is his reaction…..
Holy Moly, right?
So I found this recipe for Grilled Chicken and Veggie Macaroni Salad from Lawrys.com. I love it for two reasons. One – because it takes about 30 minutes to make, so it can be on the table fast. Two – because it is a blend between his desire for Macaroni & Cheese and my need for him to eat some protein and veggies. And it is something all of us can eat, so I’m not having to make separate meals. (Seriously, who has time for that?)
Bonus is that this recipe makes 12 servings so you can store some for later in the week for a quick meal when you don’t have time to cook.
What you need:
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast halves
3/4 cup Lawry’s® Herb & Garlic Marinade With Lemon Juice, divided
1 medium onion, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 medium red bell pepper, quartered
2 ribs celery
8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
How to Make It:
1. Place chicken and vegetables in 2 separate large resealable plastic bags. Pour 1/4 cup of the marinade into each bag; turn to coat well. Refrigerate 30 minutes. (Though you can short cut this step if you are pressed for time.)
2. Meanwhile, cook macaroni as directed on package. Drain and rinse under cool water. Set aside. Remove chicken and vegetables from marinade. Discard chicken marinade; reserve vegetable marinade.
3. Grill chicken and vegetables over medium heat 6 to 7 minutes per side or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender, brushing with reserved vegetable marinade. Cool slightly. Cut into bite-size pieces.
4. Mix mayonnaise and remaining 1/4 cup marinade in large bowl. Add macaroni, chicken and vegetables; mix until well blended. Serve immediately. Or, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
(I also sprinkled some Parmesan cheese on top…..obviously.)
So how did that go over?
So if you have a similar problem getting your kids to eat, definitely check out the Lawrys website for some inspirational ideas. A lot of the time, with the right seasonings & some Houdini-like actions (e.g. hiding veggies), it definitely is worth re-introduction to see if that may do the trick. But another fun way to spice things up is to try out this new way to create an advertisement about dinner. It was featured on the Rachel Ray show last month. Here is the one I did for my toddler so you can see what I’m talking about.
You just pick a recipe (8 to choose from), a theme (Boy or Girl) and then upload a photo. In about three minutes, you have your Dinnertisement. You can share it on Facebook, Twitter, or email to the grandparents! It is a cute way to “sell” yummy dinner ideas to the family. If your child is old enough, have them pick out a recipe, theme and make a Dinnertisement themselves. They may actually eat the meal if they have involvement in the process.
In fact, if you or your child creates a Dinnertisement, leave a comment here with the link, and show us how you rock it. Or leave a quick comment about your biggest kid/meal frustration. (I think we will all be able to relate.) One of you will win a Dinnertisement Kit! It includes a Rachael Ray Lasagna Lover Stoneware, two Zak Design Serving Spoons, and five different Lawry’s Marinades and Spice Blends. (About a $60 value!)
I hope you check it out. It is a lot of fun and see who the lucky winner was!!
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To see the contest rules, click here.
My favorite way to get my picky eater to eat foods she’s not crazy about is to disguise them in foods she already loves. Like you I add vegetables to mac & cheese and when I make spaghetti I add vegetables into the sauce. Another great way to get children to eat their fruits and vegetables it to make them a smoothie. Sometimes I even add spinach.
looks yummy!!
Looks wonderful…something my son would love for sure!
My son’s eating issues have less to do with being picky or not eating, and are more with getting him to stop whatever else he’s doing to take the time to eat! He’s not one to sit still, and mealtimes are certainly no exception!! I can at least be thankful he’s a good eater, when we can get him to eat though right? His snacks of choice tend to be apple and broccoli and pistachios!!
What a great prize.
looks like a quick, nutritious, colorful dish!
I’ve been dying to win a good lasagna pan. Thank you for hosting this giveaway.
Thanks for the giveaway! My kids would love this recipe.
We use Lawrys marinades alot during the summer grilling season.
I could really use this!
Thank you so much for a chance!
i’d LOVE to win this because my husband makes the BEST lasagna!! Thanks for the chance to win. 🙂
I could never get my kids to eat vegetables. Corn peas and beans were it here~
Awesome giveaway!
We love smoothies too. Such a great recommendation and I’ll have to sneak in some spinach! Great idea.
We have the same issue. Too much fun. We finally allowed him to bring one toy to the table. Seems to be a middle ground for the time being.
I understand your son completely, I LOVE mac n cheese! 🙂
We also have the same problem. I try to cover up veggies with cheese or we put them into dishes, like meatloaf and pastas.
Thanks for the giveaway.
This seems like such a yummy and great recipe! I would love to make it in that red dish!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
My son would eat Mac and Cheese every meal, this looks like a great alternative!
Thanks for the chance!
This is a great giveaway!
This looks very good. I’ll have to make this for my daughter.
I’d love to win. Thanks for the chance.
Very nice giveaway. Thank you!
my wife would flip for this!
Oh man my son is the same, but with PB&J. Seriously. He’s starting to ask for it for breakfast too. Grr. Thanks for the giveaway. I wish my little man would eat lasagna.
I’ve never seen the marinade before , I’ll have to look for them next time I am in the store
your son is adorable, the food looks delicious!
That recipe sounds great! Thank you so much for this great giveaway!
My little one is like that. He won’t eat steak! It is nice to come up with alternative. I try to make a pesto macaroni veggie and they do well with that.
My biggest frustration with my children is their total disgust of vegetables. The most I can get them to eat is corn on the cob. No beans, no greens, no tomatoes, no broccoli….arghh! At least spaghetti sauce and pizza sauce has some nutritional value. I hear you about the mac and cheese….it’s a favorite of one of my children, too.
i love to cook would <3 to win
Great giveaway! I love using Lawry’s marinades on chicken – it makes the chicken moist and juicy with great flavor!
My biggest problem/frustration at meal time is my daughter will try to walk away and leave half of the food on her plate, only to want snacks later. I really just have to sit their with her and encourage her to eat. Thanks for the chance to win this great kit!
My biggest kid meal frustration is when I cook a meal for my grandchildren and they all want something different. They are young and hard to please.
I love Lawry’s products!
What a fabulous giveaway! Love Lawrys & Lasagna!
This is a great giveaway and just in time for the Summer BBQ Season. We fix smoothies too and I am going to try the spinach trick
Love the prize and would love to win it. thanks for the giveaway
I use this all the time. Quality products
I put veggies ‘hidden’ in tomato sauce – for pasta dishes and no one is any wiser
Sounds good, my kids would eat mac and cheese every night if I’d let them.
The prize pack looks delish!!! That would be awesome to try!!!
What a nice prize! Thanks for the Giveaway!
Wow love this pack i made my video here Dinner tonight is going to be gee golly yumtastic! Take a look. http://www.dinnertising.com/Video/Details/1320?cmpid=2012-dinnertising-share-twitter
This looks like it would great for me and my girlfriend! Thanks for the opportunity.
I’d love to win. This is an awesome giveaway
It is so hard to get everyone in my family to eat dinner! This would be a great help! Thanks
I’ve always liked Lawry’s products. And, this mac and cheese alternative recipe sounds delicious. Thank you for that and the giveaway!
My grandson is so picky that it is hard to get him to get anything~but this looks great!!
My daughter was/is a picky eater, but I have made a point to feed the family one meal, if she decides she isn’t going to eat it then there is no desert and nothing different to eat (she will not starve :). After a few nights of not eating her dinner she decided that wasn’t much fun and joined in with the family!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for the recipe and the giveaway. :0)
This would be so nice to win!
we love lawrys marinades, this would be awesome to win!
That looks scrumptious It is on my menu for this week
Trying to get my kids to eat more than just corn for veggies. Thank you for this giveaway!
I love Lawrys marinades s I hope I win
Great tip. It is hard to stay firm, but it does pay off. We are trying it ourselves!
Love it! So glad you made a Dinnertisement!
So smart!
We are having the same issue. We have a timer on the table now and also require him to eat a certain number of bites before he can be excused. Between what we are serving and him not wanted to sit still, dinner is tough!
Aww, thanks. He is cute, even when he is screaming. 🙂
Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Thanks for the chance to win such a great prize
Thanks for the great recipe! I’m always looking for new ideas. Thank you for the giveaway!
I am lucky and my children eat a large variety of food but we do love to use Lawry’s. This would be a great thing for us to win
I’ve been wishing to win a good lasagna pan. Thank you!!!
This looks easy – I think even I can do this 🙂
I like BBQ and all kinds of spices and rubs good contest.
Would love this for my spice cabinet.
Every lawrys product I have tried, I have loved. I use them with chicken. and to flavor soba noodles
I made a “Dinnertisment” also. http://www.dinnertising.com/Video/Details/1363?cmpid=2012-dinnertising-share-url Should say “Owens Dinner”
I really like Lawry’s products & that lasagna pan looks awesome!
Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<
this would be awesome to have .. thanks for the chance!
My son’s weird and doesn’t really like mac-n-cheese. I, on the other hand, love it!
That looks so yummy!! I’ll have to try it. Thanks for the giveaway!
the way i get my kids to eat some thing thay dont like or never had befor is my telling them its something thay may like or saying to them if thay just have a little of it then i get them some thing else to eat.
Great giveaway!
I like adding steamed broccoli to the mac & cheese.
Love it!
I’d don’t have kids but I was a terror at dinner. I was so picky and had a hard time eating my veggies. Luckily I grew out of that 😉
I’m always sneaking in veggies to get more vitamins and fiber into the kids diets. Would love to try these Lawrys!!
I am not as cleaver as you guys are, but I learned a lot of new tricks that I am going to put to work. I was offer her 5 cent for every meal she ate. You guys will save me a fortune in the future. Thanks for this great giveaway.
Both of my kids would love this!!
id love to win, ty!
thanks for the great giveaway
My son and I had a ton of fun making dinnertisements, here is one http://www.dinnertising.com/Video/Details/1343?cmpid=2012-dinnertising-share-email I love lawrys products and they have always been a staple in my families.
It is kind of amazing sometimes the simple things we forget on getting kids to eat, using dips or smothering things in ketchup seems to do wonders!
https://twitter.com/StaceyRoberson4/status/207359848994705408
O boy, your toddler reminds me of…. ME. When I was a kid all I wanted to eat (besides chocolate!!) was Mac & Cheese! I think it was near addiction =- and the truth is – II still do though I add some more grown up touches to it now, like multiple cheeses.wild mushrooms, seafood, a variety of veggies and occasionally a drop or two of Truffle Oil!.
But my parents – like you – got more clever and imaginative and they managed slip (not really sneak) veggies in: first mushooms (canned!) and then sometimes carrots (back in the days when carrots we’re sweet!(!)
Gradually they introduced GREEN foods: broccoli, asparagus and even sweet green bell pepper (usually in small dice or pieces) Eventually they took the plunge and started omitting the macaroni and the cheese SAUCE – and it worked! I started (reluctantly at first) just a bowl of the veggies with just a little cheese melted on top – to this day one of my regular comfort foods.
I guess it’s all an evolutionary journey toward Pasta Primavera!.
I would love to win this prize because both my hubby and me love creative cooking – with a few short cuts – like Lawry’s seasonings and marinades!
Awesome giveaway. Thanks!
With my own kids, my biggest frustration was w/my Daughter’s eating habits… our Son ate ANY/EVERYthing put in front of him from the time he started eating! But Daughter was different… 1 day LOVING something, then the next time clamping her jaws; refusing ANY of it! ARGGGG! But we got thru it, and now both “kids” are healthy adults in their 30’s!!! Thanks for the chance – I have been dying for the RR lasagna pan, but haven’t had the extra$$ to buy…..
I’d love to win this cause my husband recently broke my lasagna pan and I miss it!
We love lasagna — the kind with meat and also the veggie kind. Yum.
Love to use Lawry seasoning on my grilled steaks
love to try, thanks for the giveaway!
I think that my daughter would like that, but my son doesn’t like mayo, so I’m not sure I could get it past him.
Yum! I’d love to get some new flavors in my kitchen! 😉
This looks awesome! Hope I win
Sara L
Thank you for the chance!!
I created a dinertisement http://www.dinnertising.com/Video/Details/1516?cmpid=2012-dinnertising-share-facebook
love rachael rays cookware and would love to win this
Would love to try some of these out on the grill–thanks for the chance and the great post!
I love Lawerys and I love Rachel Ray so this is a great giveaway. I would love to win,
thanks.
Here’s a link to my dinnertisement!
http://www.dinnertising.com/Video/Details/1335?cmpid=2012-dinnertising-share-facebook
Thanks for the great giveaway! I think my kids just might like this Mac & Cheese alternative!!! Yum-O!
Lawry’s is among our favorites for marinades.
My children actually love vegetables of all kinds. My biggest issue is getting them to eat meat. Even my teenagers prefer a salad or baked potato to a good steak or chicken.
My biggest frustration is casseroles or saucy dishes. My kids eat just about everything as long as there’s no “werd” sauces involved!
Love it! Thanks for trying it out.
Thanks for the chance to win. Would love to give this to my mom to make her famous mac and cheese
I just love the pix of him “requesting” the mac and cheese. I think i’ve seen that look on my kid’s faces, lol.
http://www.dinnertising.com/Video/Details/1450?cmpid=2012-dinnertising-share-url
Thanks for the contest.
The stoneware looks gorgeous! I don’t know what it is, but serving things in stoneware or using stoneware cups or bowls always makes the food seem a little “comfier” to me somehow. It just has a good, solid feel to it.
I don’t blame the kid. Mac and cheese is amazing. I think I eat it more as an adult than I did as a kid, I just throw other things in it like chicken, or peas, or tuna. YUM.
Thanks for entering! And love your video! Hope the family did too!
Enter me! 🙂
I feel your pain with your child constantly asking for Mac and cheese. Mine would eat it everyday if he could!
My biggest meal frustration is that I am a picky eater, so how do I get them to change their ways?
love to win. your recipe sounds easy. the stoneware is always a good thing.
Thanks for giveaway. I would melt cheese with the vegetables my picky eaters wouldn’t try or eat.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
off to check out the Lawrys website for dinner ideas
I wonder if the dinnertisement idea could work for my 31 year old boyfriend. He is such a picky eater 🙂
We love fresh fruit salad-with every meal and for a snack
This looks amazing thnx for the great giveaway’
I love rachel Ray! I hope I win!
My kids love mac n cheese and I love trying new recipes. I’m sure they will love this one.
My favorite way to get Alysia to eat something is to just flat-out make up a name for it. ‘Today we are having Fluffle-umpfs’ She has no expectations and no preconceived ideas about what that might be so she can’t really say ‘I don’t want that’. It works about half the time, she’s only 4.
Hahaha. I love that idea. Maybe we will have chickypoofs for dinner. 🙂
Love the recipes. I am always looking for new items to spice up the food I am already making.
ha, great post! Mac and cheese is everyone’s fave, I think
I would love to win. Great giveaway!
I would love to win this I’ve never done any pasta cooking. Thankyou, Pam
I can never go wrong with mac & cheese and hot dogs. But spicing things up a bit never hurt things either! Thanks.
What a wonderful giveaway! We love to use spices around here in our cooking! My son especially loves them as he has special needs and doesn’t taste things that are bland.
I love Lawry’s, and what a great prize. Thanks for the chance to win.
I’d love to win this!
Great giveaway thanks for hosting.. I would love to win this for my hubby because he loves lasagna and his bday is coming up and this would be a perfect dish to cook it in:)
This recipe sounds good. I think my kids will like it. Thanks for the giveaway.
My 8 year old would eat mac n cheese 24/7 if I let him and this alternative looks great will diffently have to try it
My kids are stuck on oatmeal with raisins right now. Hopefully I can get them to eat something yummy cooked in this lovely dish 🙂
I’m sure I’m not the only one who really wants the lasagna pan. Lasagna is a family favorite.
I would love to win this and your post reminds me of my son, who was picky until he reached 13. Now he can’t get enough food seemingly, he is growing so fast. 5-6″ at 13.
I love Rachel Ray products–thanks so much for the giveaway!
Made a dinnertisement for the Grilled Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken.. that was fun
would be a great help
I would like to do a vegan version of just the Veggie Macaroni Salad sans the mayo. It looks fantastic!
I’m totally with you on the picky-eater issue! I have a 3.5 year old daughter, and all she wants to eat is waffles. She asks for them all the time!
Thanks for the opportunity!
Thanks for this giveaway!
Here is mine, quite silly lol http://www.dinnertising.com/Video/Details/1562?cmpid=2012-dinnertising-share-email
i love marinades! anything to change up a flavor of something you usually make!
thanks for having a great giveaway
Thanks for the giveaway!
one way i deal with veggies for my little girl and my grandson is to introduce different foods at a very young age. We have a rule-you must try one bite..if you dont like it you never have to try it again! amazingly they like all kinds of veggies…brussel sprouts, broc, asparagus and squash have become there favorites and they even ask for them! thanks for the great giveaway!
Thank you so much for the chance!
I am always fighting with picky eaters! (And when I think they won’t touch something, they devour it!!)
I have my fingers crossed for this prize pack! 🙂
My son is very picky always make him try ano thank you bite and if he doesn’t like it than at least he tried it!,my daughters eat everything,inbound to try that recipe sounds yummy!
http://www.dinnertising.com/Video/Details/1586?cmpid=2012-dinnertising I made a dinnertisment. Thanks for the chance. My son loves to “help” Momma cook, that has definitely helped in the frustration area. He is a lot more willing to eat when he helped cook 🙂
I would love to win, Glenna F.
Thank you for the giveaway!
I think my 2 picky kids would really like this!
That looks pretty good actually! My daughter is the same way; she won’t eat her dinner unless its got some sort of pasta in it… Anyways, thanks for the giveaway!
First I LOVE the recipe..Second I could really use a new pan!!! Thank you so very much for the chance to win this!!
My biggest kid frustration is getting all three of my kids to like one meal! Maybe if they are eating it out of this fancy pan, they won’t remember what they are eating and just be happy 🙂 A mom can hope right?
I could really use this! I also have a picky 3 year old so sometimes getting her to eat can be tricky. The best way I can get her to eat broccoli is to steam and put cheese on it, because she likes both. Another thing I do is she loves chicken and salad, so I mix chicken breast pieces in her salad to get her to eat both. I know that sounds simple but I get her to eat it!
what a great giveaway! I love Lawry’s seasonings and marinades
Trucks, Explosions, Dinner
Spicy Teriyaki Steak
http://www.dinnertising.com/Video/Details/1552?cmpid=2012-dinnertising-share-email
my biggest kid meal frustration is getting my son to sit still long enough to eat a full meal. he will only sit for about 5 minutes then wants to go off exploring – i know he is not getting a full meal! its very frustrating!
My nephew gives the same reaction. Luckily with my son I didnt. we will see if baby Gis does. Thanks for the giveaway.
Love your dinnertisement and I’ll have to try that recipe too!
Love your dinnertisement. They are so easy to make!
Goes to show they don’t stay picky for too long (or little for too long either!!!) 🙂
No. I think it is fantastic! Fun right?!
Love mac and cheese and your dinnertisement!
I think dinnertisement is a great idea! I would love to win this for my best friend. 🙂
Looks delicious! Thanks for the chance!
This is an awesome giveaway. Thanks!
Wonderful recipe…I’m gonna give it a try this weekend 🙂
That sounds pretty yummy!
An action packed dinnertisement featuring girlled chicken with pico de gallo. A fantastic meal for my family shown in a fun way! Thanks for the info and giveaway!
http://www.dinnertising.com/Video/Details/1624?cmpid=2012-dinnertising-share-email
would my husband count as the picky kid? i won’t lie, i’m the pickiest. but when my kids don’t like something, they don’t.like.it. and won’t budge. they are pretty good eaters, especially if there is ketchup or honey mustard involved. my husband pouts when we have something he’s not a fan of.
That looks delicious!
My daughter is going through a very picky eating phase. Hoping it will pass soon! Thanks for the great giveaway!
My daughter loves mac and cheese too! Thankfully she eats lots of fruit and veggies.