Back to School: Quick Dinner Recipes

The summer is coming to a close and the kids will be back in school soon. Your family may only be together in the evening with everyone's busy schedules. When you're all together in the evening, it is the perfect time to sit down and have a meal as a family. Consider a cellphone and TV free dinner table setting to get the most out of your family dinner. 

Since you may only have a limited amount of time on busy days, I've compiled a few quick recipes.

Sheet Pan Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken

From therecipecritic.com
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

This sheet pan recipe is made with potatoes and asparagus on the side. But yu can always change the vegetables to something you know your family will eat.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 2 cups Panko bread crumbs
• 2 cups parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pound baby potatoes, quartered (I used both red and gold potatoes)
• 1 bunch asparagus cut into thirds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a sheet pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together egg and milk. In another shallow dish, add panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
3. Salt and pepper the chicken and dredge them in the egg mixture, and then coat them in the panko mixture. Lay them on your sheet pan.
4. In two medium sized bowls add the asparagus and potatoes. Salt and pepper, and toss with the olive oil. Lay the potatoes next to the chicken on the sheet pan.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the chicken over and add the asparagus and continue baking for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Full recipe can be found here.

Sausage and Potatoes One Pan Skillet

From chelseasmessyapron.com
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
• 1 large red pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, separated
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, separated
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or 2 cloves)
• 1 package (13 ounces) hardwood smoked sausage (we use turkey sausage to keep this on the healthier side!) sliced into coins
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon roasted garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Fine sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
• Optional: fresh chopped parsley
• Serve with: freshly grated Parmesan cheese OR dipping sauce

Directions

1. Microwave baby potatoes. the smaller your baby Yukon golds are, the quicker this will go. Typically 5-7 minutes and your potatoes will be ready!
2. Prep ingredients. While the potatoes are microwaving, chop the shallot and red pepper. And no judgement for jarred garlic here, because, well, 20 minutes is the priority right now.
3. Cook. Place the shallot and garlic in the skillet. Next, place the red pepper. While the red pepper is cooking, chop your microwaved potatoes to get crispy in the skillet. Finally, add the sausage.
4. Make sauce. While everything is finishing up in the skillet, you can whip up this simple creamy Dijon sauce. Whisk together 1/3 cup whole grain mustard, 3 tablespoons of mayo, and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. 

Full recipe can be found here.

These are just a few options for quick meals to make and enjoy with your family. During busy times, we can get caught up in the daily life and forget to appreciate the small things. I challenge you and your family to sit down for dinner at least 2 times per week, technology free, and enjoy being together. Family time can make some of the best memories!