May always feels like a reset button in our GetJoyfull kitchen. Snow boots retreat, cleats and bike helmets take over the mudroom, and everyone’s appetite seems to wake up with the tulips. A few weeks ago I carried that spring energy onto Global Edmonton’s Trending set with my friend—and fellow sports-loving mom—Chelsea Bird alongside a food-loving partner Alberta Chicken! We talked about turning picky mealtimes into playtime with one simple strategy: put the food in the middle of the table and let the kids take it from there.
It sounds almost too easy, but research backs up the platter approach. When children help themselves from a shared dish, they naturally eat more fruits and vegetables than when an adult plates the meal for them. Stretch dinner by even ten relaxed minutes and produce intake climbs higher still.
Of course, curiosity doesn’t bloom overnight. Most kids need fifteen or more calm, no-pressure tastes before a brand-new food feels friendly. That’s why I lean on play-plates: tiny, de-constructed portions they can poke, sniff, or lick without anyone begging for “just one bite.” Chelsea loved my favourite trick—using a muffin tin or bento box to hold micro-servings of toppings. Studies show that neat little compartments make vegetables feel less intimidating and more inviting.
But the real star of our segment—and of countless weeknight dinners at my house—is chicken [#partner]. A three-ounce portion of cooked breast or thigh delivers around 28 grams of high-quality protein, ideal for hungry athletes of any age. Dark meat goes one better, offering roughly double the iron and zinc found in breast meat—clutch nutrients for growing kids, active women, and anyone chasing spring-training gains. Mixing both cuts means every diner gets lean recovery fuel and a mineral boost.
Below is the platter that stole the show. No measuring cups, no tablecloth fuss—just a rainbow of textures waiting to be piled onto a warm tortilla. Print it out, stick it on the fridge, and let the season’s first patio night do the rest.
Greek Chicken Taco Platter
You’ll need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8–10 small whole-grain tortillas, warmed
- Fresh crunch: shredded lettuce, sliced cucumber, quartered cherry tomatoes
- Creamy elements: 3/4 cup tzatziki and 3/4 cup hummus (or plain Greek yogurt)
- Healthy fat & colour: one ripe avocado, sliced
- Crunchy topper: a small handful of roasted pumpkin seeds
- Bright finish (optional): lemon wedges and a pinch of dried oregano
To assemble
- Pile the warm tortillas at one end of a large board or platter.
- Heap the shredded chicken in the centre.
- Nestle little bowls—or that trusty muffin tin—full of veggies, dips, seeds, and extras around the chicken.
- Call everyone to the table and let the building begin. Model your own adventurous combo (“I’m adding pumpkin seeds for crunch!”) and watch curiosity spark.
Leftovers
Store chicken and toppings separately. Tomorrow’s lunch practically packs itself—toss chicken, veg, and hummus into a pita, or scatter everything over quinoa for a five-minute grain bowl.
Final thoughts from the dietitian-mom trenches
- Choice without pressure is the fastest route from suspicion to acceptance.
- Role-model boldly—kids mirror what they see on their parents’ plates.
- Keep it colourful, keep it calm, keep offering. The first lick today might be the full taco next month, and that’s a beautiful win.
If you try the platter, tag @GetJoyfull and @ChelseaBird3 so we can cheer on your budding food explorers. Here’s to spring breezes, extra-long family meals, and chicken tacos that bring everyone back for seconds. Happy cooking!
Joyfully,
Emily
Emily Mardell is a Registered Dietitian, busy mama of three and proud Alberta foodie. Emily is passionate about quality ingredients and creating delicious, nourishing recipes that bring families together. Follow her on social media @GetJoyfull or GetJoyfull.com for nutrition advice and tips to grow food joy and fill up on family time.
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Alberta Chicken Producers, an organization that supports family chicken farms across Alberta, and promotes the health and nutrition benefits of chicken.