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It is back to school season. That might mean a little reprieve during the day for stay-at-home-parents, but, with after-school activities, homework, and shuttling kids from place to place, afternoons and evenings are going to get much busier. That’s no excuse, though, for not providing a good, healthy meal for those kiddos. Head out to your local Walmart for a few ingredients, pull out that slow cooker, and my Chicken Thighs Braised in Tomato Sauce will quickly become one of your family favorites. 
I, for one, have been waiting for this school year for 8 years now. Our youngest, Matthew, is finally headed off to Kindergarten. I finally get a break from caring for kids full-time. Instead, I’ll start working part-time and trying to concentrate on my writing and photography. I’ll probably be busier, but will be able to earn some income and do a few things for myself. Really…I can’t wait for school to start! 
Matthew will also be starting sports, the girls will continue with Girl Scouting, and Grace starts to get more opportunities to participate in clubs after school. Add to that homework and reading and writing practice and we’ve got some busy days ahead of us. 
It would be too easy to order a pizza or hit the drive-thru for a quick, easy meal, but that would cost more and would be far less healthy for their little bodies. My easy weeknight option involves onions, peppers, chicken thighs, and a jar of Classico Family Favorites Traditional Pasta Sauce (recipe below). We take about 20 minutes in the morning to get started, set it on low for the day, and then take a few minutes in the evening to warm up some rice or pasta just before serving.
TIP: Cook up a batch of rice or pasta over the weekend to last the whole week.
What we wind up with is a hearty weeknight meal that the whole family loves. I’m sure that your family will love it, too. Check out the $1 off two jars of Classico family favorites coupon to save more on this meal for your family!
How do you serve up healthy weeknight meals during the school year? Leave us a comment and share your tips.
Chicken Thighs Braised in Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
2 Tbsp olive oil salt and pepper 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 1 large sweet yellow onion, sliced 1 large green bell pepper, sliced 1 24-oz jar Classico Family Favorites Traditional Pasta Sauce
Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear chicken thighs 3-5 min on each side. Place into the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add sliced peppers and onions to the heated oil, season with salt and pepper, and sautee 5-7 minutes until lightly browned. Place vegetables on top of the chicken in the slow cooker.
Pour entire jar of sauce plus 1/2 jar of water over the chicken and vegetables. Set slow cooker to Low for 8 hours. Serve with rice or pasta.
I like the idea of making up noodles and rice ahead of time!
I have this baked ziti meal that’s SO easy to make – that’s my go-to.
Hmmmm looks delicious! I
That looks simple and delicious, we use chicken thighs a lot, they have so much flavor!
That is perfect for busy back to school time!
On school nights, I use my crock pot frequently. We can get something hearty & healthy without a whole lot of effort.
Looks delicious. Going to try it out on our next menu.
This looks really yummy, but even better? It’s so simple! It sounds like something that would be delicious and easy on those busy autumn evenings!
That looks delicious! We just raised and butchered chickens so I need some new chicken recipes!
I have a love for that shape of noodles anyhow, but this meal looks so hearty and yummy!
I need to get some meal ideas put together with school starting at the end of the month. We don’t usually use Classico, but I’ve been branching out trying new brands for variety. Your meal looks great!
Hoooooly cow, this looks SO AMAZING!
That looks utterly amazing!
What a delicious meal.
I never would have thought to do this, but it looks like such a great meal idea for sure. Thanks for sharing this easy meal idea with us.
Yum! That does sound good. I love buying chicken thighs because they are so moist and are really inexpensive at the store. I am going to pin this to try.
I’m all for quick and easy weeknight dinners. Dinner time can be hectic in a household with four kids, and for some reason my daughter always wants mommy, whenever it is cooking time.
This sounds delicious! We make a lot of quiches which are just as wonderful in lunch boxes the next day 🙂
My family would be thrilled to get this for dinner. It looks delicious!
I am always looking for chicken dishes. You have helped me complete my menu for the week.
Wow! That looks really tasty and super easy to make!
This looks really good and so easy to do. I would love it on rice.
This looks so yummy. I love how easy it is to put together.