30 Minute Dinner: Lemon Pan Seared Chicken Thighs

Thank you Idahoan® Mashed Potatoes for sponsoring this post. Idahoan® Mashed Potatoes are real potatoes, real easy, delivering homemade taste on demand.
30 Minute Dinner: Lemon Pan Seared Chicken Thighs and Buttery Homestyle® Mashed Potatoes

 

The first thing I ask my kids after school is something they did that day. The first thing my kids ask me is what’s for dinner. As soon as we walk in the door after school I’m rummaging in the kitchen, trying to decide what to make for dinner.

Over the years I’ve discovered a few dishes that are always family-pleasers. The meals that every single person in my family will eat. With three kids sometimes it’s hard to make a meal that everyone will eat. This chicken and mashed potatoes dinner is one that I know I can make every single week and it will be devoured each and every time.

You know what else I love about this dinner? Beyond the fact that every person in my house loves it? I love that I can have dinner on the table in 30 minutes. When nights get busy with activities, and there is only a sliver of time to make and eat dinner, I cherish these quick and easy meals.

The secret to making this a 30 minute dinner is Idahoan® Mashed Potatoes.

My other trick is boneless, skinless chicken thighs that I can cook in a cast iron skillet on the stove top. Pan seared chicken thighs are quick and easy to make. I season mine with some salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary. Cook the chicken thighs on each side until brown on the outside and completely cooked through. Just as the chicken is finishing I toss in some fresh lemon slices. I heard once that any dish can be brightened up with some citrus, and I completely agree. It just adds that extra pop.

While the chicken thighs are cooking heat the water for your Idahoan Mashed Potatoes. Boiling water is the only ingredient you need to make these mashed potatoes. Did you know that Idahoan Mashed Potatoes are made from 100% real Idaho® potatoes? (As a side note, we just got back from Idaho, and it’s such a beautiful state! We saw lava rocks, waterfalls, impressive bridges, and winding rivers.)

While we love the Buttery Homestyle® flavor they come in a variety of delicious flavors, perfectly blended with real cheeses and authentic seasonings, including: Butter and Herb, Bacon & Cheddar Chipotle, Roasted Garlic, Four Cheese, and Buttery Golden Selects.

The last step for dinner is to stem some vegetables. All my kids like different veggies, so I often end up doing sort of a medley. That way everyone gets something they like and maybe they take a few bites of other vegetables as well.

It’s easy to see why Idahoan Mashed Potatoes earned the title of “America’s Favorite Mashed Potatoes.”

Of course the table isn’t fully set without a fun placemat. I just finished this crochet cactus placemat that I’m in love with. Though my EAT placemat is still a big hit with the kids.

A 30 minute dinner that everyone loves is like a mini miracle.

I love gathering the family around the table for dinner. Our meals together usually aren’t that long, but even if it’s just a few minutes it’s a chance to connect. There isn’t much I enjoy more than talking over a meal.

Could you use some weeknight dinner help? What flavor of Idahoan Mashed Potatoes will you try first?