Budget Lunchbox Wins That Kids Will Love

Budget Lunchbox Wins That Kids Will Love

Budget Lunchbox Wins That Kids Will Love

School mornings are chaotic enough—packing a lunch that’s healthy, budget-friendly, and won’t come back uneaten? That’s a tall order.

We’re seeing a big shift this year: families want real solutions for inflation-era grocery shopping and tired taste buds. Instead of overthinking new recipes every week, this lunchbox strategy relies on flexible prep, quick assembly, and a flavorful base that can pivot into multiple meals.

Here’s how one seasoning blend can stretch your dollar and get the thumbs-up from picky eaters.

Use Once, Flavor Twice (or More)

Our go-to?
Shawhan Farms Italian Herb & Garlic Parmesan

This savory blend gives familiar foods a punch of flavor without going spicy. Think: buttery garlic toast, herby chicken bites, and pasta that actually gets finished. And because it’s already balanced with cheese, herbs, and seasoning, there’s no need to fuss with multiple jars.

Batch once—stretch into a week’s worth of easy lunches.

5 Lunchbox Ideas Using Just One Batch of Protein

Start with this:
1½ pounds of boneless chicken (or use firm tofu), cut into small pieces and tossed with 1 Tbsp Shawhan Farms Italian Herb & Garlic Parmesan and 1 Tbsp olive oil.
→ Roast, sauté, grill, or air fry as preferred.
Store in the fridge and pull from it daily.

Now remix it:

  1. Pasta Power Bowl
    Add cooled pasta, a handful of cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. A drizzle of olive oil finishes it off.
  2. Chicken Parm Pinwheels
    Layer grilled chicken and a swipe of marinara in a tortilla. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, roll tight, and slice into pinwheels.
  3. Lunchbox Skewers
    Thread cooked chicken, grape tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and cucumber slices onto toothpicks. Serve with a little ranch or pesto for dipping.
  4. Snack Plate Remix
    Pair chicken chunks with crackers, apple slices, and a hard-boiled egg. It’s balanced, not boring.
  5. Bonus: Make-Ahead Garlic Bread Chicken Sliders
    Kid-friendly and lunchbox-approved
    (Serve warm in a thermos or room temp on soft buns)
    • Ingredients:
      2 slider buns or soft dinner rolls
      1/2 cup cooked chicken from the batch
      1 slice provolone or mozzarella
      1 tsp melted butter
      1/2 tsp Shawhan Farms Italian Herb & Garlic Parmesan
    • Instructions:
      Split the rolls and layer chicken and cheese.
      Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with seasoning.
      Wrap in foil and bake at 375°F for 8 minutes (or air fry until warmed through).
      Cool slightly, then wrap tightly for the lunchbox.
      Freezable and reheatable in bulk.

Smart Prep Tip

→ Infuse a spoonful of the seasoning into mayo or Greek yogurt to make a creamy dipper for chicken, veggie sticks, or crackers.
Perfect for bento-style lunches or younger kids who like to dip and nibble.

Further Reading

Need more lunchbox inspiration? These cold lunch recipes for kids are packed with fresh ideas:
→ Kid-Friendly Cold Lunch Recipes from EatingWell

Explore More

Our Recipe of the Week series features practical, family-friendly meals built to stretch—not stress. If you’re looking for more ideas like this one, check it out:
→ Explore the Recipe of the Week Series

Shawhan Farms

Proudly U.S. woman-owned. Born in Kentucky. Made with care in Texas.
→ Browse All Inspired Parmesan Blends

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